One of the most interesting debates about the postseason, in my opinion, is whether or not clutch is a skill. Was there something inherent in Reggie Jackson or Madison Bumgarner that made them untouchable in October? Or is the small sample randomness inherent in baseball the real issue?
The first chapter of Tyler Kepner’s new book, The Grandest Stage, really digs into this question (spoiler alert for my next Dog-Eared Corner article, coming soon) and ultimately does not have an answer. One of the most fascinating examples, however, comes from looking at another one of those players that earned a reputation as a clutch playoff performer: Derek Jeter.