1986 World Series: The Unbelievable Game 6, 10th Inning

The 1986 World Series is etched in baseball history, and Game 6 is arguably the most dramatic contest ever played. The 10th inning of that game is a microcosm of the entire series, filled with twists, turns, and an ending that defied belief. Guys, let's dive into the details of that legendary inning and explore the factors that made it so unforgettable.

Setting the Stage: A Series on the Brink

To truly appreciate the magnitude of the 10th inning, it's essential to understand the context of the series. The Boston Red Sox, haunted by decades of near misses and the infamous "Curse of the Bambino," held a 3-2 lead over the New York Mets. A win in Game 6 at Shea Stadium would finally break the curse and bring a World Series title back to Boston. The Mets, on the other hand, were a team on the rise, filled with young stars and a never-say-die attitude. Facing elimination, they needed a victory to force a decisive Game 7.

The tension in the air was palpable as the game entered the late innings. Both teams had battled fiercely, exchanging blows and making crucial plays. The Red Sox, with their ace Roger Clemens unavailable due to injury, relied on their veteran pitching staff to hold off the Mets' potent offense. The Mets, meanwhile, looked to their young stars like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden to spark their team. As the game progressed, the pressure mounted, and every pitch, every swing, and every defensive play carried immense weight.

The Top of the 10th: Heartbreak for Mets Fans

The top of the 10th inning began with the score tied 3-3. The Red Sox, facing Mets reliever Rick Aguilera, quickly mounted a rally. Dave Henderson, who had entered the game as a defensive replacement, stepped to the plate with two outs and a runner on first. In a moment that would forever be etched in Red Sox lore, Henderson launched a towering home run over the left-field wall, giving Boston a 5-3 lead. The air was sucked out of Shea Stadium. The Red Sox faithful erupted in celebration, while Mets fans were left in stunned silence. It seemed like destiny was finally on the side of Boston.

But the Red Sox weren't done yet. After Henderson's homer, Wade Boggs followed with a double, and Marty Barrett singled him home, extending the lead to 6-3. The Mets, now facing a three-run deficit with only three outs remaining, appeared to be on the verge of defeat. The atmosphere in the stadium was funereal. Many fans began to head for the exits, resigned to the inevitable. The Red Sox were just three outs away from ending their long championship drought, and the Mets' season seemed to be slipping away.

The Bottom of the 10th: A Miracle Unfolds

As the Mets came to bat in the bottom of the 10th, the situation looked bleak. Red Sox closer Calvin Schiraldi, who had been virtually unhittable in the series, took the mound, tasked with securing the final three outs. The first batter, Wally Backman, grounded out, bringing the Red Sox within two outs of victory. But then, the improbable began to unfold. Keith Hernandez singled, and after Gary Carter followed with another single, the tying run was at the plate. The crowd, sensing a glimmer of hope, began to roar. The energy in Shea Stadium shifted dramatically.

With two runners on, Kevin Mitchell, a relatively unknown player, stepped to the plate. He battled Schiraldi to a full count before singling to center field, scoring Hernandez and cutting the Red Sox lead to 6-4. The tying run was now on second base, and the winning run was at first. The pressure on Schiraldi was immense. The Red Sox closer, who had appeared invincible just moments before, suddenly looked vulnerable. The momentum had completely swung in favor of the Mets.

Mookie Wilson was next up, and what happened next is part of baseball folklore. With two strikes, Wilson hit a slow roller towards first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox first baseman, playing with injured ankles, moved to field the ball. In a moment that would haunt him for the rest of his career, the ball rolled under Buckner's glove and into center field. Carter scored, Mitchell scored, and the Mets had incredibly tied the game. Shea Stadium erupted in pandemonium. Fans jumped, screamed, and hugged each other in disbelief. The Red Sox, who were on the verge of victory, were now in a state of shock.

Aftermath: The Curse Continues

The Mets weren't done yet. With Wilson on second base, the winning run was in scoring position. After an intentional walk to Tim Teufel, the Mets had the bases loaded with one out. However, they failed to capitalize, as Howard Johnson struck out and Darryl Strawberry popped out to end the inning. The game went into extra innings, but the damage had been done. The Red Sox were demoralized, and the Mets had all the momentum.

In the 11th inning, the Mets completed their improbable comeback. After a leadoff single by Ray Knight, a wild pitch moved him to second base. Then, a single by Mookie Wilson scored Knight, giving the Mets a 7-6 victory. The celebration in New York was wild and jubilant. The Mets had pulled off a miracle, and they were headed to Game 7 with a chance to win the World Series.

The Red Sox, on the other hand, were devastated. They had been so close to breaking their curse, but once again, fate had intervened. The loss was a crushing blow, and it would take them years to recover. The image of Buckner's error would be forever etched in the minds of Red Sox fans, a symbol of their team's long history of heartbreak. The Mets went on to win Game 7, completing their remarkable comeback and capturing the World Series title. The 1986 World Series, and especially Game 6, 10th inning, remains one of the most memorable and dramatic moments in baseball history.

The Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments and turning points contributed to the incredible drama of the 10th inning:

• Dave Henderson's Home Run: This seemed to be the decisive blow, putting the Red Sox on the cusp of victory.
• Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter's Singles: These hits ignited the Mets' rally and gave their fans a glimmer of hope.
• Kevin Mitchell's RBI Single: This cut the Red Sox lead to two and put the tying run on second base.
• Bill Buckner's Error: This iconic moment allowed the tying run to score and completed the Mets' improbable comeback.
• Mookie Wilson's Winning Hit: This sealed the victory for the Mets and sent their fans into a frenzy.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

The 10th inning of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series is more than just a baseball game; it's a story of hope, heartbreak, and the unpredictable nature of sports. It's a reminder that anything is possible, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The game's dramatic twists and turns, combined with the historical context of the Red Sox's curse, have made it a timeless classic that will be remembered for generations to come. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just a casual observer, the 1986 World Series Game 6, 10th inning, is a story that is sure to captivate and inspire. It's a testament to the enduring power of baseball and its ability to create moments that transcend the sport itself. So next time you're looking for a great baseball story, remember the 1986 World Series and the unbelievable 10th inning that changed everything. You won't be disappointed!