You seem to have given two contradictory responses but maybe I'm just tired right now. I will focus on this one.
Do you think that Reggie Jackson's 1977 WS performance in game 6 qualifies? I mean he hit 3 home runs in one game with ONLY 3 at bats. He was directly responsible for 5 of the Yankees 8 runs and the Dodgers only scored 4 runs...it was the series closer too..
your thoughts?
I can understand your conclusion, however, I see it as two complimentary statements to support my point.
I believe you've misinterpreted my second part. So let me rephrase that:
Of all the major team sports, an individual player's performance, has the least amount of impact in a single game of baseball.
An individual player can't simply dominate, control, or will a game (for a victory) like in other major team sports:
Elway
Mario
Jordan
There are exceptions to the rule. But it's less likely in baseball, a more strategic and sacrificial field, than any other major team sport.
You even had to go back to the 70s with your rebuttal. And to answer your question, yes it qualifies as heroism. But it's highly (scenarios as such) unlikely.
Sure, there are outstanding individual performances, such as your cited Reggie Jackson example but it also took a team effort (runs batted in and defense) to create that heroism.
As you also could argue with other team sports (blockers and assists). But I would also argue to a lesser degree of importance.
The OP initially produced an impossible, yet interesting inquiry (trap), so I presented my interpretation of that post, much to his disapproval.
I covered an area that he had not yet considered in his original post. And he didn't like that, because his propaganda mentality (basketball and Jordan) has led him to an overall narrow vision of athletics as a whole.
Not saying that he should be well versed in all team sports. I wouldn't hold any poster to that standard. But if you're going to be that broad with an inquiry ("all team sports"), at least understand the whole spectrum in which you're referring to.
sticking with E's MLB example, what about the D side of the plate?
let's use last year's no-hitters by carlos zambrano and jon lester as examples.
of course, a pitcher going for the "no-no" needs some run support and solid fielding from his teammates, but in those specific games, is it appropriate to say that the pitcher deserves the most credit?
or not?
A majority of the credit? Sure.
And I see you thought about that: what it takes to pitch a "no-hitter."
And this response only further solidifies my point:
Baseball is the ultimate team sport in America.
No one player wins or loses the game, generally speaking, as such your original question(s).
