Top MLB Postseason Performers
Ahhh, October (and November); when you think of this stretch of time on the sports calendar, you instantly think of spooky costumes, candy, and some epic postseason baseball play. But who comes to mind when we think of the best playoff performances? Let’s take a look at the top 10 Mr. Octobers since Thurmon Munson bestowed the nickname on Reggie Jackson back in 1977.
2001 Topps Baseball #100 Derek Jeter
Jeter is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of his generation and one of the all-time greats in the history of the Yankees franchise. The year this Topps card was released, Jeter earned the moniker of “Mr. November.” But did you know the game that cemented his nickname started on October 31st? The iconic hit happened after the clock struck midnight, flipping the calendar to November. From this moment on, his big performances continued in the postseason for years to come.
1992 Topps Baseball #792 Dave Winfield
Dave Winfield was a highly regarded and accomplished MLB player throughout his long and successful career. He was also the first athlete in history to be drafted by the NFL, the ABA, the NBA, and Major League Baseball! Winfield was a 12-time MLB All-Star and winner of seven Gold Glove Awards. In 1992, Winfield joined the Toronto Blue Jays, helping them win their first-ever World Series. Winfield’s experience, leadership, and play helped the Blue Jays make history.
2022 Topps Baseball #250 Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper’s 2022 postseason was the stuff of legend. Four game-winning home runs – the most ever by any player during a single postseason. Harper also had 22 hits, which set a new franchise record for a single postseason. The year this card was released, Harper hit .349 with six homers, seven doubles, and 13 RBIs in just 71 plate appearances.
2022 Topps #400 Yordan Alvarez
Yordan Alvarez, also known as Air Yordan, had an outstanding 2022 season, but more importantly, a huge 2022 postseason. Alvarez kicked off his postseason hot streak with a walk-off home run to win game one of the League Division Series against the Mariners. Alvarez and the ‘Stros continued to cook, culminating with Alvarez jacking a three-run homerun that won Houston the World Series.
2002 Topps #500 Barry Bonds
Bonds is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time – but not without controversy. He played for the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2007. And 2002 marked one of Bond’s most iconic postseasons. During the span of 17 games, Bonds batted .356 with eight home runs and 16 RBIs—a postseason for the history books.
2011 Topps #100 Albert Pujols
Pujols, a future first-ballot hall of famer, had an illustrious career. In game three of the 2011 World Series, Pujols set a Fall Classic record with 14 total bases, three home runs, six runs, and five hits. He also tops the Mr. October list by becoming the first player with a hit in four consecutive innings.
2004 Topps #623 David Ortiz
“Big Papi” is a beloved figure in Boston Red Sox history. He played a significant role in the team’s success, including helping them win multiple World Series championships during his tenure with the team. In October 2004, Ortiz had game-winning hits in games four and five of the ALCS and set the career record for the most postseason walk-off hits. During his 14-game postseason, he batted .400 with five home runs and a whopping 19 RBIs.
2004 Topps #516 Carlos Beltran
Carlos Beltran was a highly skilled switch-hitting outfielder who played in the bigs from 1998 to 2017. Beltran was known for his excellent offensive and defensive abilities. He was a multiple-time All-Star and received numerous awards and accolades. Throughout his career, Beltran displayed power and speed, making him a valuable asset at the plate and in the field. In 2004, during his first postseason, Beltran went on a 12-game tear where he averaged .435, swatted eight home runs, and collected 14 RBIs.
2009 Topps #110 Hideki Matsui
The year this card was released, Matsui had an outstanding performance during the 2009 World Series, earning MVP honors. Hideki Matsui, also known as “Godzilla,” was a highly respected outfielder and designated hitter. The 2009 World Series featured the New York Yankees facing off against the Philadelphia Phillies. In game six of the series, he hit a homer and drove in six runs, tying a World Series record. For the series, he hit .615 with three home runs and eight RBIs.
1977 Topps #10 Reggie Jackson
Of course, we’re wrapping up this list with Mr. October. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time and is best known for his clutch performances in the postseason, earning him the famous moniker of “Mr. October.” One of his most iconic moments came during the 1977 World Series when he hit three home runs in a single game, helping the Yankees secure the championship. Jackson ended his career with five World Series titles, including two World Series MVPs. And this is why he will forever be known as Baseball’s “Mr. October.”
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