Cubs mourn the passing of Bill Buckner

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of former player Bill Buckner at the age of 69.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Buckner, a great ballplayer and beloved member of the Cubs family,” said Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts. “Bill’s remarkable 22-year-career included eight years with the Cubs during which he won a batting title in 1980 and earned an All-Star appearance in 1981. After his playing days, Bill served as a valued member of our player development staff and was a fan favorite during his appearances at our Cubs Conventions. On behalf of the Cubs organization, I extend our sympathies to Bill’s family and his many friends.”

Buckner’s 22-year-career spanned four different decades with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1969-76), Cubs (1977-84), Boston Red Sox (1984-87, 1990), California Angels (1987-88) and Kansas City Royals (1988-89). He retired a career .289 hitter with 2,715 hits, 498 doubles, 174 home runs and 1,208 RBI in 2,517 major league games. With the Cubs, he won the 1980 National League batting title after hitting a career-best .324 in 145 games. A year later, he earned his lone career All-Star appearance. He made his big league debut at the age of 19 and retired at the age of 40.

After his playing days, Buckner retired to Boise, ID and later spent two seasons as hitting coach for Chicago’s Boise Hawks minor league affiliate from 2012-13.