The 1986 Major League Baseball postseason is widely regarded as one of the most exciting in history, characterized by intense matchups and two particularly memorable Game 6s in both the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and the National League Championship Series (NLCS). These series featured dramatic comebacks and extended play, ultimately leading to the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox facing off in the World Series. The entire postseason was
broadcast nationally, with ABC televising both LCS and NBC airing the World Series, bringing the high-stakes drama to a wide audience.
In the ALCS, the Boston Red Sox faced the California Angels. The Angels, with a 3-1 series lead, were on the verge of securing their first trip to a World Series. Game 5 saw the Red Sox take an early lead with Rich Gedman's two-run home run. However, the Angels responded with a home run from Bob Boone and a two-run shot from Bobby Grich, which Dave Henderson of the Red Sox famously deflected over the fence while attempting to catch it. The Angels extended their lead in the seventh inning with an RBI double from Rob Wilfong and a sacrifice fly from Brian Downing. Despite being down 5-2 in the ninth inning, the Red Sox mounted a stunning comeback. Don Baylor hit a two-run home run to cut the lead to one. After a hit-by-pitch and a walk, Dave Henderson hit a home run off Donnie Moore, giving Boston a 6-5 lead. The Angels tied the game in the bottom of the ninth, but the Red Sox ultimately won in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly by Henderson, sending the series back to Boston. This comeback was a shocking turn of events, completing a dramatic shift in momentum.
The NLCS Game 6: A 16-Inning Epic
The NLCS featured the New York Mets against the Houston Astros, culminating in an epic Game 6 on October 15, 1986. This game, played at the Astrodome, went an astounding 16 innings, making it the longest postseason game outside of the World Series until 2005. The Astros initially took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mets starter Bob Ojeda and reliever Rick Aguilera kept the Astros scoreless for the next several innings, setting the stage for the Mets' dramatic ninth-inning rally. Lenny Dykstra tripled, Mookie Wilson singled him in, and Keith Hernandez doubled to score Wilson. After walks to Gary Carter and Darryl Strawberry, Ray Knight hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3, forcing extra innings.
The extra innings were a rollercoaster of emotions. The Mets took a 4-3 lead in the top of the 14th on an RBI single by Wally Backman. However, Houston's Billy Hatcher hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 14th off Jesse Orosco to tie the game again. In the top of the 16th, the Mets scored three runs, with Darryl Strawberry doubling and scoring on a Ray Knight single, followed by two wild pitches and an RBI single from Lenny Dykstra, making it 7-4. The Astros, not to be outdone, rallied in the bottom of the 16th, scoring two runs to cut the lead to 7-6. With the tying run in scoring position and the winning run at first, Jesse Orosco struck out Kevin Bass to end the game and the series, sending the Mets to the World Series. This game was a testament to the Mets' determination, especially given their desire to avoid facing Astros ace Mike Scott in a potential Game 7, against whom they had struggled significantly.
The World Series and Lasting Legacies
The 1986 World Series pitted the Boston Red Sox against the New York Mets, and it too featured an unforgettable Game 6. The Red Sox, leading the series 3-2, were twice one strike away from winning the championship in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 6. However, the Mets rallied, ultimately winning the game on an infamous error by Boston first baseman Bill Buckner. This collapse forced a Game 7, which the Mets also won, securing the World Series title. The Red Sox's Game 6 and 7 losses became intertwined with the "Curse of the Bambino," a superstition used to explain their championship drought. The 1986 Mets, known for their dominant regular season and dramatic postseason victories, are often considered one of the best teams in MLB history, despite their off-field lifestyle. The entire 1986 postseason, with its thrilling comebacks and extended battles, left an indelible mark on baseball history, showcasing the unpredictable nature and intense drama of championship baseball.
