Back in Norwich where the Sea Dogs-Defenders game is underway (Bubba Bell grounded out to lead off), we bring you a few words from Portland native, former Red Sox reliever and Defenders pitcher coach Bob Stanley:

Stanley played a role in that infamous Game 6 in the 1986 World Series. It was his wild pitch in the 10th inning (which some still argue was a passed ball by catcher Rich Gedman) that brought home the tying run for the Mets.

Of course, everyone remembers that the winning run came home on the grounder that rolled through Bill Buckner's legs.

Buckner, who has been blamed for the Red Sox collapse, distanced himself from Boston, becoming bitter over the unfair treatment he received.

On Tuesday, Buckner received a huge ovation in his return to Fenway on Tuesday, when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the Red Sox home opener.

Stanley watched with a smile.

"That was good," Stanely said. "Should have happened maybe sooner. But I don't think Billy wanted to do it. It was good that the Red Sox did that for him and try to bury the hatchet.

"He was very emotional. It was a good thing to see. I've always said that Billy Buckner was remembered by one play and he had a pretty damn good career.

"I was right in the same boat with him. We both got blamed for it, but that's part of the game. I don't lose any sleep over it. I wish we could have won, but it didn't happen.

"Again, there's a lot of things that happened in that game ... the funny thing about life is it's the last thing that happened is what everybody remembers. They don't remember all the guys we left on base. And we messed up a rundown in the seventh inning that cost us a run.

"I've been with (Buckner) a couple of times, and it was tough on him. I'm glad it's over and he got his due."

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