Top 20 MLB Postseason Heroes — Ranked by Clutch Factor
This list ranks 20 of the most clutch MLB postseason heroes who delivered when the pressure was at its highest.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Postseason baseball creates legends, but only a few players have delivered unforgettable performances when everything was on the line. Some pulled off miracle hits, others locked down impossible saves, but each earned their place through cold nerves and big-time execution. Here are the top postseason heroes, ranked by pure clutch factor.
20. Carlos Beltrán’s Calm Before the Storm
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Beltrán stood cool and collected in the on-deck circle during countless big moments. His 2011 season in Pittsburgh was far from his postseason glory, but it reminds fans of the calm presence that made him so lethal in October. When the pressure came, Beltrán turned quiet moments into unforgettable postseason heroics.
19. Don Larsen’s World Series Perfection
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In 1956, Larsen threw the only perfect game in World Series history. One flawless afternoon made him immortal. Perfection under October pressure does not get more clutch than this.
18. Orel Hershiser’s 1988 Shutouts
MPS-Imagn Images
Hershiser dominated both the NLCS and World Series in 1988, shutting down hitters at every turn. His calm and complete-game brilliance powered the Dodgers’ title run. He refused to let pressure break him.
17. Reggie Sanders’ 1995 Explosion
RVR Photos-Imagn Images
Sanders blasted four home runs in the 1995 playoffs, delivering in big moments for Cincinnati. His power helped spark the Reds’ playoff push. When the lights got brighter, his bat got hotter.
16. Jack Morris’ 1991 Marathon
RVR Photos-Imagn Images
Morris threw 10 shutout innings in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. He simply refused to give up the ball. His iron will brought Minnesota a championship.
15. Randy Johnson’s Dual Role in 2001
VJ Lovero-Imagn Images
Johnson started games and came out of the bullpen to seal the Diamondbacks’ shocking World Series win in 2001. His versatility and fearlessness overwhelmed the Yankees. He owned the mound whenever they needed him.
14. José Altuve’s Walk-Offs
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Altuve has delivered several walk-off bombs throughout multiple postseasons. His calm, quick swing turns tense moments into celebrations. Few modern players have his clutch consistency.
13. Curt Schilling’s Bloody Sock Game
Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Schilling gutted through an ankle injury to pitch a gem in 2004’s ALCS. The bloody sock became a symbol of his toughness. His performance helped the Red Sox complete their impossible comeback.
12. Joe Carter’s World Series Walk-Off
RVR Photos-Imagn Images
Carter’s 1993 World Series walk-off home run instantly secured the Blue Jays’ title. He remains one of the few to end a World Series with one swing. His leap around the bases still gives chills.
11. Andy Pettitte’s Postseason Consistency
Tanya Breen/Asbury Park Press / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Pettitte holds the MLB record for most postseason wins. He was steady, reliable, and never rattled. Every October start felt like a guarantee when Pettitte took the mound.
10. Derek Jeter’s Captain Clutch Moments
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jeter earned the “Mr. November” nickname for his timely postseason heroics. His calm presence anchored countless Yankees championship runs. He always seemed to deliver at the biggest moments.
9. Albert Pujols’ Moonshot in 2005
Dilip Vishwanat- Imagn Images
Pujols crushed a towering home run off Brad Lidge in 2005 that silenced Houston’s crowd. The ball seemed to leave the stadium. That swing defined his ability to rise under intense pressure.
8. Sandy Koufax’s 1965 Dominance
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Koufax pitched a complete-game shutout in Game 7 on short rest in 1965. His arm was tired, but his precision was perfect. His icy nerves defined postseason poise.
7. Mariano Rivera’s Postseason Saves
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Rivera’s cutter closed countless postseason games for the Yankees. Batters knew what was coming and still could not hit it. He is the ultimate closer under postseason pressure.
6. Freddie Freeman’s 2021 Breakthrough
Photo of Clarified
Freeman delivered clutch hits that fueled Atlanta’s 2021 championship run. His timely home runs and calm leadership lifted the Braves. He delivered when they needed him most.
5. Lou Gehrig’s 1928 World Series
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Gehrig crushed four home runs in the 1928 World Series and drove in nine runs. His bat left no doubt for the Yankees. When the stage was biggest, he delivered like few others.
4. Reggie Jackson’s Three Home Runs
Tony Tomsic-Imagn Images
Jackson smashed three home runs on three pitches in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. His bat earned him the nickname “Mr. October.” It remains one of the greatest single-game performances ever.
3. Bill Mazeroski’s 1960 Walk-Off
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Mazeroski’s Game 7 walk-off home run delivered the Pirates a shocking win over the Yankees. It remains the only Game 7 walk-off homer in World Series history. One perfect swing made him a postseason legend.
2. Madison Bumgarner’s 2014 Heroics
Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Bumgarner threw a legendary five-inning save in Game 7 after already dominating as a starter. His 2014 performance redefined postseason pitching. He became a one-man postseason wrecking crew.
1. David Ortiz’s 2004 Legend Status
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Ortiz’s game-winning hits in the 2004 ALCS sparked the Red Sox’s historic comeback. He hit walk-offs, delivered game-tying bombs, and never flinched. Big Papi sits at the top for the clutch factor that changed history.