Some days it's the big guys that come through, Jeter, Arod, Manny,
or Ryan Howard.
They get paid to play that role, and when they deliver, they get the accolades, and are
acknowledged as big game players.
Sometimes it's Bucky Dent, or Buddy Biancalana, or Jeff Mathis, or Ed Sprague,
or it's Gene Tenace. In post season, it's all about the moment.
You have opportunities thrust upon you, and you get your chance to play hero, or goat.
A costly error here or there are as devastating as the great catches. We will remember Matt Holliday for his dropped ball for St. Louis more than his great offense that helped propel the
Cardinals.
As these series roll along, it is nice to see different heroes emerge, like a Jeff Mathis, known as a great defensive catcher, but not for his offense. In Angel land this morning, Mathis will be a household name, and his image is plastered on the local papers. Good for Jeff, but chances are we won't hear much more, unless he becomes the hero again, maybe becomes the Gene Tenace of the Halos.
Tenace in 1973 for the A's socked game tying and game winning long drives to give the Athletics 2 vital wins against the Mets. Dave Duncan was hurting and was the regular catcher. Isn't it always the way for heroes. Never cast in that role, thrust into centre stage, and asked to play the lead role. The understudy becomes the star.
The road is also strewn with those who could not rise to the occasion, Barry Bonds until his last appearance with the Giants had very poor series when he was with Pittsburgh, but a HOF candidate outside of the playoffs.
With the World Series upcoming there are always those who no one expects to come through, heck Pat Borders hit .400 in 92.
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