Billy Buck, John Oliver, and Memorial Day

That 'stache launched over 2,700 hits

Bill Buckner died today. He was only 69 and had dementia.

Terrible.

Watching the push-pull of the past few hours has been maddening. Like, infuriating.

Most media outlets chose to remember Billy Buck for one thing: his error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. After the idiocy of both WFAN and SNY (and others), NPR finally made me snap, when they said his "costly error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series cost the Boston Red Sox their first championship since 1918."

What? No it didn't. Come on, @NPR, go back and do some research. The error did not cost the #RedSox the series. The error was in a tie game in Game 6. Wow. #ponderous https://t.co/B38MYaDceY

— Rob Adams (@double5) May 27, 2019

OK, here's the thing. As I wrote to friend and reader John Monteforte on Facebook: "First, of course, it was game SIX. Second, he shouldn't have been out there, but manager John McNamara wanted him on the field for the celebration. Third, the game was tied when the little roller came up along first. Calvin Schiraldi and Rich Gedman and Bob Stanley did more than their fair share to crap that game away. Plus Roger Clemens went seven and apparently pulled himself. And I was actually rooting for the Sox!"

There was still Game 7, and the Red Sox led that game 3-0. Maybe recognize that a porous bullpen might have lost the Series for ya?

But, also, Buckner won a batting crown. He had over 2,700 hits. He did more good with the Cubs than the Red Sox. He was in left field the night Hank Aaron hit 715. He was beloved by, literally, everyone.

This is the kind of stuff that makes people hate the media. Be better than this, folks.

Additionally, if you're a Mets fan today, DO NOT thank Buckner for '86. It's irresponsible. If you're a Red Sox fan, pause and remember the utter hell some of you put this guy through.

Bill Buckner deserved better. Much better.

(Note: Just as I was finishing up this post, I went back to look at NPR's account and they deleted the original tweet. Give credit where credit is due.)

In response to reader feedback, we've deleted an earlier version of this tweet and replaced it with one that highlights Bill Buckner's achievements in the major leagues.

— NPR (@NPR) May 27, 2019

*****
So TV personality John Oliver is a Mets fan, eh? That's adorable.

Seriously, that's cute. It then gives some Mets fans* a reason to celebrate.

Yet maybe -- just maybe -- they (or that one) should focus a little less on hating the Nationals as well (really, I don't get that) and a little more on being 26-26 and 4.5 games behind the Phillies (as I write)?

Seriously, the Phillies and Braves should be the current focus.

As for Mr. Oliver, whose show I've never watched, he said (per SNY, the paragon of sports journalism):

"As a real sports fan in England, I knew it's just not acceptable to come to America and support the Yankees," Oliver told Pix 11 on Sunday while watching the Mets beat the Tigers. "It's just not OK. By default, I was a Mets fan because I knew being a Yankees fan was the wrong thing to do morally." 

Oliver said when he joined "The Daily Show," then-host Jon Stewart "made it pretty clear that being a Mets fan was mandatory." 

He isn't the only famous comedian who is a Mets fan. Ever hear of someone named Jerry Seinfeld?

*Please note there are Mets fans that restore my faith in humanity. Dave Torromeo, Eric Scholl, Phil Giubileo, and so on. Hell even our beloved Kato (Chris Kaelin), so long as he's off social media, I guess. He seems more medicated (I kid).

*****
Today is Memorial Day, of course. What needs to be remembered is that we're remembering those who died while in the US Armed Forces (Darien Times). They're the reason why we're BBQ'ing, laying on the beach, shopping in the mall, or sitting on our back porch writing a blog. Please take a moment -- literally, a moment -- to pause and honor these brave souls.

Today is not about anyone who served in the Armed Forces. We remember the veterans in November and don't do a very good job with it if you ask me. Veterans Day is not treated with the respect it deserves, but then again, neither is Memorial Day, is it?

Anyway, we still live in a very special place, and it's because of a lot of blood and a lot of bravery (and I suppose even some foolishness).

After pausing for a moment (there's an official moment of silence at 3 p.m. but I say anytime today will do), then carry on, play "Hot Fun in the Summertime" or whatever song you choose, and enjoy a burger.

Thank you, all.