As a scientist, relying on analysis of numerical data and the synthesis of the same, I can't help but to revert back to a somewhat childish and immature subjective argument.
Whaaa?
When Jack Clark stepped up to the plate in the 1985 League Championship game six against Niedenfurer (bad spelling, I know), I KNEW he was going deep.
It the sports bar I was at, EVERYBODY knew he was going to walk Clark, and pitch to Pendleton.
BOOM! Ballgame.
What is clutch? It is something like Supreme Court Justice Berger talking about pornography.
"I can't define it, but I know it when I see it."
Mr. October was clutch. Joe Montana was clutch. Nicklaus and Tiger Woods were (are) clutch.
The ability to perform under great pressure is a wonderful trait. In my own humble way, I believe I have that trait, as well....as well as many of you, in the way you conduct your personal and professional lives.
I recently did some weather training for some linemen for the local electric company. I was asked a question about my forecasting ability, and working under stress in general. I asked them, in return, who was the best linemen amongst them, who could be counted on in a pinch.
Interesting...in a pinch....pinch hitting is an inherently clutch situation, heh heh.
The group, unanimously, pointed to one guy in the back. Not old, not young, but one everyone greatly respected to make the right decisions in an emergency - a clutch situation. My point was made, I think, and the bosses there made a mental note on the tremendous respect shown to this one individual. Very cool moment.
To make a long story too long, my response to them was that all of us have different strengths, and weaknesses, and it is a matter of training and discipline to bring out the best in ourselves. Personally, I suck as a weather forecaster, but with 26 years experience, I suck less than I used to.
Baseball players are no different from cooks, mechanics, linemen, or firemen.
Clutch DOES exist, as in life, people to rise up and do wonderful things.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
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