Houston Astros: The Top 10 heroes of the team’s successful postseason run
#10 – Evan Gattis
There are times when we identify with each other through personal struggles and victorious moments.
We begin our countdown with Evan Gattis. This big lumberjack of a man has an inspirational story that will make everyone want to be like him. To summarize, he was a former high school baseball player who battled substance abuse and anxiety before being forced to rehab. While recovering, he worked as a parking valet attendant and a janitor before deciding to resume playing baseball in college.
After a stint with the Atlanta Braves, Gattis was dealt away to Houston where he became El Oso Blanco. He has become one of Houston’s fan favorites as a DH and catcher. But if one moment defines Houston Strong for him, it happened in Game 7 of the ALCS vs. the Yankees.
Facing CC Sabatia, who was undefeated when the Yankees lost the game before, Gattis delivered one of the biggest shots of his career.
It would prove to be the deciding edge as it knocked Sabathia from the game and it would eventually lead to a 4-0 triumph.
Seeing the sight of Gattis in tears after the Houston Astros won it all made it all worth it for him. He deserved the moment. Good things happen to good people they say. If you don’t get choked up over this, something’s wrong with you.
#9 Justin Verlander
Whenever hope is around for us in times of struggle, we must take advantage of it as best we can.
He was on the mound for ten games. But those ten games we’re just good enough for the Houston Astros. When Justin Verlander came to Houston, the Houston Astros knew they had found their man. They found the missing piece to the puzzle that would get them the title and he showed them why. He wanted a ring as did his teammates.
Verlander still has a lot to learn about Houston and he will. But if he showed Houston Strong, go back to Game 2 of the ALCS. Perhaps you won’t find any better pitching performance from him that the nine-inning masterpiece he displayed. Yes, the win was worth it in the bottom of the ninth, but for him to keep pitches away from the Yankees to crush was mastery.
This performance would help Houston to the Fall Classic while earning Verlander ALCS MVP honors. But it was the culmination of a love affair that is brewing now. Kate Upton might be in a scramble to get a hold of Justin.