By JOEY JOHNSTON

Tribune Sports Writer

(c) Tampa Bay Times. Originally published Oct. 11, 1986.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner is held together by cortisone shots, scotch tape and desire. He could qualify for handicapped parking privileges. If Rickey Henderson runs like a deer, Buckner runs like a man who has been shot in the leg.

Buckner is practically crippled, but he won’t sit down. He has all winter to do that.

“I just keep plugging, keep plugging,’’ Buckner said from Anaheim Stadium, where his Red Sox met the California Angels in Friday night’s Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. “I don’t want to make any excuses, but yeah, this has been a struggle.’’

Can he remember a time when there was no pain?

“Not in the last 10 years,’’ he said.

Buckner has a chronically sore left ankle and a bone spur on top of that foot. His right elbow, once plunked by a pitch, isn’t sound. His back goes out every so often.

It all started in 1976 when he hurt his left ankle sliding into second base. The ankle never got better. It hurt so much once, Buckner walked with a cane.

“It’s tough enough playing this game when you’re 100 percent,’’ he said. “My body hasn’t felt too good, but I’ve dealt with it.’’

After a slow start, Buckner hit .267 with a career-high 18 homers, 39 doubles and 102 RBIs. Buckner may not look graceful, but you can’t argue with his performance.

“After watching him, it just tells you how much he loves the game,’’ catcher Rich German said. “Anybody who has been around here for any period of time knows what he’s all about.’’

To be a Red Sox player is to appreciate Buckner’s preparation. It’s also a way to learn of his limitless tolerance for pain.

“I can’t spend too much time with Buckner,’’ Red Sox trainer Charlie Moss said, “because I’d have no time for the rest of the team.’’

So Buckner is essentially his own trainer. He gets to the ballpark early for a strenuous series of stretching exercises and taping. On the road, Buckner always gets a room next to the ice machine, so he can treat his various ailments.

His assorted aches and pains are numerous, but his ankles are the real problem. Buckner is a non-entity on the bases and an adventure on defense.

“I’m running on two (bleeping) pegs,’’ Buckner said.

Still, he can’t be shaken from the Red Sox lineup. Buckner remains one of the game’s best clutch hitters.

“I always have my best games at the end of the year,’’ said Buckner, a former Los Angeles Dodger and Chicago Cub. “Bases loaded, down by one, two outs, I hope I’m up there.

“The dream for me is to have a great series. The nightmare is to let the winning run score through your legs.’’

Knowing Buckner, he’s not likely to let the winning hit slip past him. Even if he has to limp to get it.