I read an outstanding article written by Ash Marshall on Bleacher Report yesterday about the Mookie Wilson ball.
Marshall does an excellent job detailing what happened to the ball after it trickled down the right field line and what that ball means to Mets fans.
I don’t think I had truly understood what that ball means to Mets fans. After reading Marshall’s article, I realized it is the most important Met artifact in the team’s history.
That Game Six moment has a place in every follower of the Amazin’s heart.
I’ll put it into perspective from my point of view.
Normally, I don’t understand the concept of why autographs are so popular or valuable.
When it all comes down to it, it is a ridiculous notion.
One human being will wait in line for hours so another human being can sign a piece of paper, ball, bat, hat, or body part for them.
There is one huge exception with this philosophy I have.
I own an autographed (Mookie and Buckner’s signature) photo of the play that is hanging up in my house. A treasured gift from my family.
Bill Buckner
Upon receipt of the photo, I was amazed that Buckner would even sign it.
I couldn’t imagine signing a photograph of one of the worst things that has ever happened in my life.
Bill Buckner has handled this situation better than anyone could ever imagine. It says a lot about him as a person.
It’s unfortunate, if you read about what type of player he was you will understand that most people don’t realize he was a great ball player.
Midwestropolitan 