2018 World Series MVP Steve Pearce announced retirement from baseball. Pearce truly hit the Dodgers hard in the World Series, 3 home runs and 8 RBIs. As a Dodgers fan, it was a series that I really would like to forget.
The first time I heard the name “Steve Pearce” was in 2007. He played for Team USA in the IBAF baseball world cup, a baseball tournament held in Taiwan, team USA was managed by Davey Johnson. 2007 was definitely a big year for Steve Pearce, he started from the class A (Adv) and he was called up in September to play for the Pirates, making his MLB debut on September 1, 2007. His career skyrocketed in just a few months. I didn’t know how to get much information about Minor League Baseball that time. However, when I read Pearce’s bio on the tournament website, I thought that I definitely would like to watch him play. He must be a future superstar.
Team USA Batting Practice
I remember that game was between Team USA and Japan. I went to the stadium with some friends. Steve Pearce was struck out at first plate appearance. He was so angry that he threw his bat and helmet badly. All of my friends were so shocked because they didn’t know why he was so angry. “Hey, this guy played from the class A to the MLB in just a season, he’s really good.” I told my friends. It wasn’t a good memory for Steve Pearce in this tournament. He hit only .212/.257/.333 and only 1 home run in 9 games. That home run was against Spain. However, Team USA defeated Cuba in the final and won the Gold Medal. It was USA’s first win in baseball world cup in which Cuba played.
After 2007 baseball world cup, I still follow Pearce occasionally. He did not become a great power hitter as the Pirates expected. But there are some shining moments. In 2017, Pearce played for the Blue Jays, he hit 2 walk-off grand slams in four days. There are only 3 players to hit two walk-off grand slams in the same season. Then, 2018 World Series, 1 HR in game 4 and 2 HRs in game 5. In 13 seasons, he played for 7 teams, with career OPS .772. But he’s a good choice when a team needs someone to hit lefties.
After 2007 baseball world cup, I still follow Pearce occasionally. He did not become a great power hitter as the Pirates expected. But there are some shining moments. In 2017, Pearce played for the Blue Jays, he hit 2 walk-off grand slams in four days. There are only 3 players to hit two walk-off grand slams in the same season. Then, 2018 World Series, 1 HR in game 4 and 2 HRs in game 5. In 13 seasons, he played for 7 teams, with career OPS .772. But he’s a good choice when a team needs someone to hit lefties.
Career
|
BA
|
OBP
|
SLG
|
OPS
|
vs RHP
|
.248
|
.324
|
.410
|
.734
|
vs LHP
|
.263
|
.347
|
.490
|
.838
|
Well, 2007 seems to be a long time ago. However, for me, that 2007 team USA was an unforgettable team. I still remember Steve Pearce’s swing and his hitting approach. Of course, his reaction after being struck out. It was just so vivid.
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