While best known for his stint with the Boston Red Sox, Bill Buckner experienced his best playing days with the Chicago Cubs. (Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports)
While best known for his stint with the Boston Red Sox, Bill Buckner experienced his best playing days with the Chicago Cubs. (Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports)

Former All-Star Cubs first baseman passes away


by - Senior Writer -

Former Chicago Cubs great Bill Buckner passed away at the age of 69 on Monday. Buckner played 22 years in the big leagues, including parts of eight seasons with the Cubs that spanned from 1977 to 1984. Buckner moved from the outfield to first base upon his acquisition by the Cubs and remained there for the rest of his career.

While Buckner is best known for his stint with the Boston Red Sox, mostly because of the infamous error that he committed in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, Buckner's best years came with the Cubs. In addition to being named an All-Star as a member of the Cubs in 1981, Buckner also won a batting title while suiting up for the North Siders in 1981.

In recent years, Buckner managed several minor-league clubs before retiring from all things baseball-related in 2014. A statement released by Buckner's family on Monday revealed that Buckner had been battling Lewy Body Dementia prior to his passing.

A portion of the statement read, "After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia, Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th surrounded by his family. Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life."

Buckner batted over .300 in four separate seasons for the Cubs, including a National League-leading .324 batting average in 1981. He also finished 10th in the voting for the National League MVP in 1981 and led the league in doubles that season. Buckner led the league in doubles again in the 1983 slate, which was his last full season with the Cubs. He was traded to the Red Sox early in the 1984 season.

Playing in the majors from 1969 to 1990, Buckner finished with over 2,700 hits in his stellar career and spent his post-playing days living in the Boise, Idaho, area with his family. He is survived by his wife, Jody, daughters, Brittany and Christen, and son, Bobby.

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