For the Guardians, an unlikely October hero arrived in Game 3. His name is Petey
CLEVELAND — Only in October can an entire ballpark chant “Petey” until fans’ voices turn hoarse. Only in October can a guy who rarely hits home runs captivate a national audience with a majestic bat flip. Only in October can the unlikeliest heroes emerge, unannounced, like a swarm of midges that swoop in from the shores of Lake Erie.
In October, when every pitch drips with drama and players survive on a cocktail of coffee, energy drinks and adrenaline, anyone can hog the spotlight. Just ask Rajai Davis or David Fry or Jhonkensy Noel. You don’t need an invitation, just a bat and a bit of confidence, ignorance or both.
Petey Halpin has witnessed it first-hand. He and his mom sat in the outfield bleachers in San Francisco, 12 years ago Friday, when Travis Ishikawa, a part-timer playing for his sixth team in three years, vaulted the Giants to the World Series with a walk-off blast to the right-field seats.
Halpin, a 24-year-old with a thin résumé, might seem like a long shot to play the role of hero. In October, though, Halpin launching a game-winning two-run shot in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series fits into a sensible script.
