New York Mets: Steve Cohen revealed as Bill Buckner ball owner
Just when you think that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen cannot get any better, he does.
It is one of the more infamous moments in World Series history. New York Mets outfielder Mookie Wilson hit an innocent ground ball down the first base line during Game Six of the 1986 World Series, when hobbling first baseman Bill Buckner moved to field it. The ball went through his legs, leading to Ray Knight coming home with the winning run. The Mets would win the series in seven games, with the Red Sox left to continue to suffer the Curse of the Bambino.
Back in 2012, that ball was purchased by an anonymous buyer for over $400,000. The owner was revealed on Wednesday, when new Mets owner Steve Cohen said that he owns the ball.
Steve Cohen has the ball that went through Bill Buckner’s legs. He joked that he sometimes throws curveballs with it.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) November 26, 2020
The mud stained ball was signed by Wilson, and inscribed with “The ball won it for us.” It is part of an extensive sports memorabilia and art collection that Cohen owns, thought to be valued at over $1 billion. The ball will soon have a new home as it is ticketed to be a part of the Mets Museum at Citi Field.
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It should not be a surprise that Cohen came to possess the ball. He is a lifelong Mets fan, having taken the subway into the city to watch games as a youngster. Cohen has also been one of the more visible owners in the game since taking control of the team, interacting with fans on Twitter on an almost daily basis.
Given his background, it can safely be said that he understands the history of the team and what this ball means to the franchise. He has also shared the frustrations of the fanbase, lamenting that the Mets have not done what they needed to become a perennial contender. That is set to change now, as Cohen has stated that he will turn the Mets into the major market team they should be.
But actions speak louder than words. Cohen can proclaim his fandom and say that he wants to build a juggernaut all he wants, but he actually needs to put his money where his mouth is. However, from a first impressions standpoint, Cohen has done a wonderful job.
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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen owns the ball that went through Bill Buckner’s legs. Somehow, this is absolutely not a surprise.