With all respect to the great Reggie Jackson, there's a new Mr. October in Major League Baseball. Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has earned the title thanks to his string of impressive postseason performances.
That's not taking anything away from Beckett's regular season pitching, which has often been excellent since he made his big league debut in 2001. In his first five seasons with the Florida Marlins, he rode his power arm to a very respectable 41-34 record.
But it was the 2003 World Series that really made Beckett a household name with fans and collectors. Despite going 1-1 in his two starts against the New York Yankees, Beckett gave up only two earned runs in 16 1/3 innings, earning MVP honors in the process.
In 2007, Beckett captured the same magic as a member of the Red Sox. Playing a key role in Boston's second championship of the decade, he went a perfect 4-0 with 35 strikeouts in 30 innings. Whether it's on three or four days rest, it's become clear that there are few better once the regular season ends.
Maybe that fact will get more baseball collectors on the Beckett bandwagon, because his exploits haven't resulted in tons of love in the hobby thus far. Some of that may also have to do with the fact that he has just two rookie cards from the 1999 season, both of which appear to have room to grow.
Josh Beckett 1999 Rookie Cards
- Fleer Tradition Update # U122
- Ultimate Victory # 138 - SP