A hair shy of Christ-like
April 8 was the Boston Red Sox’s 108th home-opener, and the ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by none other than Bill Buckner. Now, while all of Red Sox Nation — because I wouldn’t want to limit my appraisal to the residents of Boston, proper — congratulates itself for making such a munificent gesture, I’ll take a moment to explain Buckner’s significance to those among us who, forgivably, are more concerned with matters other than baseball.
Prior to their first World Series victory in 86 seasons, in 2004, the Red Sox had most recently come within one out of winning the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets; but, after the Mets tied the score in the bottom of the 10th in Game 6, Mookie Wilson hit a ground ball through the legs of Bill Buckner, scoring Ray Knight from second base. The Mets went on to win Game 7, and the Series, and Buckner was forever vilified by Red Sox Nation.
Until April 8, 2008. And while it was purportedly a very teary and cathartic moment, I have to ask … why now? By which I mean, the Red Sox ended their long draught in 2004 — so, why not the home-opener of the 2005 season? Why not, even, the home-opener of the 2006 season, twenty years after the famed debacle? Because the Red Sox — fans, players, and management, alike — had to win TWO World Series before they could collectively forgive Bill Buckner.
I understand resentment; god help me, I understand deep resentment. But you can’t have it both ways: you can’t callously deny a man his absolution, then claim the moral high ground whenever you get around to forgiving him. For all I know, maybe the Red Sox did make overtures to Buckner in 2005, 2006, and 2007 — clearly (if you read any account of his post-ceremony interaction with the media), he harbored some ill will of his own. But, presuming this moment was postponed a few, judicious years? Get over yourself, Boston.
