Bill Buckner, a star hitter who became known for making one of the most infamous plays in major league history, died Monday. He was 69.
He died after a long battle with Lewy body dementia, Buckner's family said in a statement. The disease causes Alzheimer's-like symptoms along with movement and other problems.
"Bill fought with courage and grit as he did all things in life," his family said.
Buckner’s career began in 1968 with the Ogden Raptors, along with three other notable rookies including Steve Garvey, Tom Paciorek and Bobby Valentine.
Buckner won an NL batting title, was an All-Star and got 2,715 hits in a 22-year career.