Members of the 1986 New York Mets gathered at Citi Field on Saturday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their World Series championship. During the celebration, former player Ray Knight, who scored the winning run in Game 6 of that series, offered an expletive-laden expression of his bond with his former teammates.
When asked about his emotions seeing his former teammates, the 73-year-old Knight stated, "I love those guys. They love me. We love each other. And it goes from top to bottom... We hug. And, you know, I had four or five guys that gave me a kiss on the cheek. I kissed a couple of guys on the cheek. People can think what they want to think. I don't give a f***. But I do know one thing: I do like going to war with those men."
The expletive was broadcast live and unbleeped on SNY, catching the network off guard. However, the reaction from fans largely embraced the moment, with many noting Knight's candidness.
Knight was assisted onto the field in a wheelchair by fellow former player Howard Johnson but was able to stand independently. He was a key figure in the 1986 World Series, scoring the decisive run in Game 6 following an error by Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner. Knight also hit a home run in Game 7, helping secure the Mets' second title and earning him MVP honors.
Knight's career with the Mets concluded after the 1986 season. He later played for the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers before retiring. In 1996, he became manager of the Cincinnati Reds, succeeding Davey Johnson, who had managed the 1986 Mets team.