Bill Buckner Passes Away After Battle With Dementia

Bill Buckner, the former Boston Red Sox first baseman famous for his fielding error in the 1986 World Series, passed away on Monday. He was 69 years old.

"After battling the disease of Lewy Body Dementia, Bill Buckner passed away early the morning of May 27th surrounded by his family," his family said in a statement. "Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life. Our hearts are broken but we are at peace knowing he is in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Buckner was an All-Star who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball, winning a batting title in 1980.

Unfortunately, he was a terrific baseball player who was defined by many fans in a single moment.

His error in the bottom of the 10th inning of the '86 World Series that cost the Red Sox a championship made him infamous.

For years, Buckner's teammates defended him, but the Boston fans continued to taunt him.

After the Red Sox won the 2003 and 2007 World Series, the fan base seemed to have moved past the disdain of Buckner, as a soldout crowd at Fenway Park gave him a standing ovation before the 2008 home opener.

Buckner leaves behind his wife, Jodi, and three children, Brittany, Christen and Bobby.