OT: RIP Bill Buckner
- Thread starter Medill90
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NL batting champ with the Cubs, I believe. Was their best player in the ‘79-‘81 years.
What a great two sentences to memorialize Buckner. That poor guy shouldn't have taken the "beating" that he did after '86.
Anyhow, there's a great gallery of old Bucker pictures as a Cub on the Tribune web site ... https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/ct-spt-cubs-bill-buckner-dies-20190527-story.html
McNamara had replaced Buckner in the late innings for defensive reasons in every game, but game 6. Buckner could barely run in '86 , his knees were shot but he could still hit
Ankles, I think. The Dodgers let him go to the Cubs because he was visibly, chronically hobbled from ankle injures. On his best days he ran like someone who had severely sprained his ankle only hours before.
But having watched almost every game he played for the Cubs, he was a magician with his bat and had a really solid glove. The only problem he had was when a play required he move either of his feet.
His best years were with the Cubs when the Cubs weren't so good. Dallas Green traded him to Boston for Dennis Eckersly (IIRC) and the next year the Cubs were in the pennant where they lost to San Diego in a five game series. (I went to both games at Wrigley.)
I think across a career, 100 OPS+ sounds about right for Buckner. On healthy wheels he would have arguably been sniffing 110. He was (on the Cubs) a joy to watch. He was always the smartest player on the field, technically and mechanically the best. Can't overstate how hobbled he was.
I think across a career, 100 OPS+ sounds about right for Buckner. On healthy wheels he would have arguably been sniffing 110. He was (on the Cubs) a joy to watch. He was always the smartest player on the field, technically and mechanically the best. Can't overstate how hobbled he was.
A) Where's Dave Stapleton when you need him?
Oh!! He's over there on the bench.
B) It's amazing what Buckner took, while Calvin Schiraldi got a complete pass. Schiraldi is the Alex Gonzalez to Buckner's Bartman.
C) Let's not forget those shoes Nike specially developed to get Buckner through the series.
D) You can see how f'd up Buckner's ankles were even in 2011. He limps his way through the most casual walking scenes in that Curb Your Enthusiasm episode.
The crazy thing is, he could run pretty well early in his career playing in the OF. And with the bat, dang, he was tough. His '80-'81 seasons were outstanding on really poor Cubs teams. Then again, those teams also had Tim Blackwell's mustache.
Espn led their obit with his hit count — 40th in the all-time list at retirement, and all but 8 above him are in the Hall of Fame now.
He was a pretty good player. Also a classic 80s/70s player — low strikeouts, low walks, low OBP.
In the Cubs vs. Astros game on Monday, three Cubs struck out at least three times, with Baez striking out in all five of his ABs. It's a different game these days.
As a young man he had exceptional speed. I believe he stole 30 bases one season.The crazy thing is, he could run pretty well early in his career playing in the OF. And with the bat, dang, he was tough. His '80-'81 seasons were outstanding on really poor Cubs teams. Then again, those teams also had Tim Blackwell's mustache.
He was my hero when I was a left handed first baseman in Little League, and my favorite cubbie for years.