Kelly notes (as will just about every other sportswriter) that Buckner "ultimately was forgiven" for his 1986 World Series error and received
a standing ovation upon his return to the [Red Sox] via free agency in 1990, and he later helped unfurl the Red Sox's 2007 World Series championship banner to a huge ovation during the club's home opener the following season.
But Kelly - and every other sportswriter - has his 1986 history completely wrong.
Red Sox fans did not wait 21 years to forgive Buckner. They gave him a huge ovation during a public rally for the team in Boston on October 29 ,1986, two days after the team lost the World Series.