Words of wisdom from Bill Buckner
Forest Park Little Leaguers were thrilled to welcome Chicago Cubs first baseman Bill Buckner to their awards ceremony in September of 1979. The award ceremony, outside of the Mohr Community Center, featured the soft-spoken Buckner, who held the attention of the audience, sharing how the Cubs look to their future with young, talented players. He also said, “Never forget there is more to life than [baseball]. There’s a need to prepare yourself to do well in other fields.”
Buckner would earn NL MVP in 1980 and was with the Cubs for eight seasons, hitting .300 with 81 home runs, 235 doubles and 516 RBI in 974 games. He was traded for pitcher Dennis Eckersley and infielder Mike Brumley when Leon Durham was deemed the future of the Cubs at first base in 1984.
Jill Wagner
Photo: Forest Park Review archives, Sept. 12, 1979. The sign “Forest Park Loves Bill Buckner” hangs over the guest, Bill Bucker, Cubs first baseman.