MLB Playoffs: The Biggest Heroes of the Last 20 Years

Josh Beckett

Because of his relative struggles in the latter part of a career that appears to be coming to an end, many have forgotten that Josh Beckett was dominant during his peak. That was never more evident than during the playoffs, and the powerful right-hander reflected that dominance in earning the 2003 World Series MVP.

In that series, the then-Florida Marlins shocked the New York Yankees, and in the course of that upset victory, Beckett made two starts and accumulated a 1.10 ERA over 16.1 innings with 19 strikeouts against just 5 walks. In terms of a singular “moment”, Beckett’s game in the clinching Game 6 of the 2003 World Series, when he tossed a five-hit shutout in Yankee Stadium with the weight of the world on his bulky shoulders.

Beckett wasn’t done after the 2003 playoffs, either, as he was absolutely tremendous during the second title run for the Boston Red Sox in 2007. In four starts over Boston’s three series victories, Beckett cruised to an otherworldly 1.20 ERA over 30 innings of work, and while he was not blessed with a second World Series MVP award, he did earn ALCS MVP honors in snatching two wins over the Cleveland Indians.

Some of the luster has faded away from Beckett’s overall career, but his playoff exploits will never be forgotten in both Miami and Boston.