Mookie Wilson Visits West Hollow

Former Mets player William Hayward “Mookie” Wilson paid a visit to West Hollow Middle School Friday to kick off the district’s Relay for Life fundraiser

Wilson played for the New York Mets for 12 years and is most well remembered for his hit during Game Six of the 1986 World Series, in which he hit a ground ball through the legs of Bill Buckner, allowing Met Ray Knight to score from second base and win the game.

In his career, Wilson totalled 67 home runs, 438 RBI’s and 327 stolen bases in 1403 games. He held the Mets record for career-stolen bases (281) and career triples (62) until José Reyes broke both marks during the 2008 season.

During his visit Friday, Wilson was greeted by students and teachers decked in Mets T-shirts, hats and jerseys. The former Major League player graciously gave the morning announcements and spent the morning visiting classrooms, signing autographs and answering students' questions about the famous game.

Several of his autographed items will be put up for auction for during the district's Relay for Life fundraiser.

One item that will not be available for bidding though is the ball that went through Buckner's legs. The ball was sold to an anonymous buyer for $418,250 on May 4.