2016
For our last moment, I want to set the scene a little. If this is a little theatrical, bear with me; I did drama in high school. Anyway, here goes: it is Game 7 of the World Series. The Chicago Cubs are on the verge of ending their 108-year-long World Series drought. After dominating offensively for most of the game, the Cubs’ bullpen imploded and allowed three runs scored. What was a 6-3 lead before the eighth inning is now a 6-6 game going into extra innings. And to top it off, there is a rain delay. Enter Jason Heyward.
Normally, when I think of the word “clutch,” I don’t think of J-Hey (especially within the context of that game). Heyward went 0-for-5, struck out, and did not hit the ball at all. If anything, Heyward’s postseason stats overall qualify him for at least a golden sombrero (or 10). Why, then, am I giving him a spot in his article? To that, I answer with what happened outside the field: the legendary weight room speech. Heyward reminded the team that, among other things, they were “…the best team in baseball” and that they were “…going to win this game.” Of course, I should give credit to the hitting core for scoring two runs and the reliever for maintaining the lead. However, I believe in the inherent romanticism that lies within the game of baseball. And for that, I see Heyward’s speech as the force behind the Cubs’ World Series win and as a clutch moment.
Anti-Clutch: Billy Goat Curse (World Series). Cleveland needed you, ghost of William Sianis!
Many thanks to Baseball-Reference!