For New York Mets’ fans, the 1986 World Series will never be forgotten. For Boston Red Sox fans, that World Series was proof that the Curse of the Bambino was alive and well. After breaking a 3-3 tie in the top of the 10th inning on a home run by Dave Henderson and an RBI single by Marty Barrett, the Red Sox were on the verge of ending what was then a 68-year title drought.

      In what was a series of questionable moves by then manager John McNamara, aging first-baseman Bill Buckner was sent back out to first base for the bottom of the 10th inning, along with pitcher Calvin Shiraldi, who had pitched the previous two innings. During Boston’s postseason run, McNamara would put in Dave Stapleton as a defensive replacement for Buckner when the Red Sox had a lead late in games due to Buckner’s bad knees. However, in what would have been the closing Game 6, McNamara opted to keep the aging infielder in the game.

      What unfolded in the bottom of the 10th inning would be one of the most iconic, if not tragic moments in World Series history. After Wally Backman flied out to left and Keith Hernandez flied out to center, Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter followed with a single to left. Kevin Mitchell, summoned from the clubhouse, pinch hit for pitcher Rick Aguilera and singled. Ray Knight, on a 1-2 pitch, singled , scoring Carter and moved Mitchell to third making the score 5-4. McNamara then brought on reliever Bob Stanley who was brought on to face Mookie Wilson. After fouling off several 2-2 pitches, Stanley’s inside pitch nearly hit Wilson, but eluded catcher Rich Gedman and went to the backstop, scoring Mitchell from third and Moving Knight to second. The following pitch was captured best by legendary play-caller Vin Scully “(A) little roller up along first…behind the bag! It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight and the Mets win it!” The Mets would go on to win Game 7 and capture their second and last World Series Title (to date).

      Goldin Auctions is proud to offer the very cleats worn by Buckner during that historic play. Showing heavy game use, these Nike hi-top cleats had the best view of the ball that went through Buckner’s legs. These all-black leather cleats have the white Nike swoosh and are still full laced in white. The laces show lots of wear, discoloration and scuff marks and the metal cleats exhibit rust and some dirt stains. The right cleat has a hole on the outer upper ankle. These cleats come with a full LOA from Mears.

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