The Word: World Series MVPs

“If you’re going to play at all, you’re out to win. Baseball, board games, Jeopardy—I hate to lose.”

Derek Jeter
2000, New York Yankees
First player to win the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP awards in the same year

“I feel very confident with two strikes. I feel it’s more of a freedom. I get very upset with myself if I make an out on a bad pitch before two strikes.”

David Eckstein
2006, St. Louis Cardinals
Walk-on to the University of Florida baseball team who went on to earn two first team All-SEC honors

“Why does everyone talk about the past? All that counts is tomorrow’s game.”

Roberto Clemente
1971, Pittsburgh Pirates
One of only four players to have 12 Gold Gloves and a .300+ lifetime batting average

“In the end, it all comes down to talent. You can talk all you want about intangibles; I just don’t know what that means. Talent makes winners, not intangibles. Can nice guys win? Sure, nice guys can win—if they’re nice guys with a lot of talent.”

Sandy Koufax
1963 & 1965, Los Angeles Dodgers
Pitched three 300-strikeout seasons and six 200-strikeout seasons

“I can throw out any man alive.”

Johnny Bench
1976, Cincinnati Reds
10-time Gold Glove winner