Now that Boston has won two World Series in the last four years, Red Sox Nation was finally ready to forgive Bill Buckner.

That's at least the way it seemed this afternoon, when the former first baseman who infamously let Mookie Wilson's ground ball slip under his glove allowing the game winning run to score for Mets, forcing a Game 7 that New York would eventually win. Buckner was brought in after the Red Sox had paid tribute to all the Boston sports legends.

Either way, it was a nice gesture and Buckner sure was appreciative.

"[It was] probably about as emotional as it could get," Buckner said. "A lot of thoughts [were] going through my mind. I wish I didn't have to walk all the way from left field, too many things. But just good thoughts, which is a nice thing."

His long walk seemed a big awkward at the time, almost as if he was ashamed to have been brought with actual sports legends from Boston, but perhaps he was just soaking the moment in as best he could.

So let's see, is Steve Bartman going to throw out the first pitch after the Cubs win it all?

(and no, I wasn't able to write that with a straight face)

Buckner receives warm reception from Fenway faithful [MLB.com]