A few hours ago, the verified Twitter account of former big-league player and manager Bobby Valentine sent out this tweet:
As I clear my head and hold back the tears I know I will always remember Billy Buck as a great hitter and a better friend. He deserved better. Thank god for his family. I ll miss u Buck!
— Bobby Valentine (@BobbyValentine) May 27, 2019
The tweet implied that his former teammate and friend Bill Buckner had passed away, but there was no direct statement and no confirmation.
Sadly, we now have confirmation that Bucker has died:
Just got off the phone with Jody Buckner, who called to me that her husband, the great Bill Buckner, one of the finest men I've known, died this morning.