An Absolution Long Overdue

The Boston Red Sox organization, finally, showed some a moment of class.

For more then 20-years, they've let a man, one man, take the heat, be mocked, scourged, and even, I believe, threatened, without lifting a finger.

The Boston Media also shares in that shame.

We speak of Bill Buckner, infamous for his error in Game Six of the 1986 World Series, a game the New York Mets went on to win, and then winning Game Seven, to dash, once again, the hopes of Red Sox Nation (considerably smaller than it is now), last raised, at that time, in 1975.

Yesterday, for the home opener at Fenway, the ring ceremony, the legends walk, a surprise was unleashed.

Bill Buckner emerged from behind the giant flag draping the Green Monster and the crowd stood and cheered.

A standing ovation, long and loud, as Buckner had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch (to former teammate, Dwight "Dewey" Evans).

Buckner's appearance marks end of an error

Between the Seams | Bill Buckner feted in Fenway return

Long, long overdue.

Sure, Buckner made an error, but the bigger goat of that World Series was, if not Manager John McNamara, then Red Sox pitcher Calvin Schiraldi.

He was the hot shot in the bullpen that year, then choked in the Series.

Schiraldi blew leads in both Game Six and Game Seven.