Craig Hastings defines clutch
September 19, 2005 | By Justin Hastings

Forget the fact that Craig Hastings did not win a game from the bump in all of 2005.

Forget the fact that Craig Hastings hit only one home run in all of 2005.

Forget the fact that Craig Hastings has never posted a regular season record above .500 in his career.

Instead, know that Craig Hastings may be the most clutch posteason player the HMWL has ever known.

"It's nice," said Craig of his back-to-back HMWL Championships.

In 2004, Hastings defined clutch. Following in the footsteps of Fred Rogers, Hastings won the 2004 Championship with an extra-inning, walk-off home run.

"The last homer was obviously a success," said Hastings after the 2004 victory.

As if that wasn't enough, Hastings avoided the HMWL Preview cover curse. Hastings told the league, "I plan on winning back to back."

Hastings surely did that on Sunday. Despite his lack of power in the regular season, Hastings went off in the championship series, driving in 11 runs while hitting three important homers. Remember that in all of the 2005 regular season, Hastings hit only one homer and drove in 13 runs.

After two consecutive clutch performances and two consecutive HMWL Championship MVPs, Hastings looks strong in comparison against other 2-time champions.

Hastings's postseason power numbers are astonishing, especially considering Craig has never been considered a power hitter in the league. Once known as only a singles hitter, Hastings has quickly launched himself into lonely territory. Could he be the most feared hitter in the league?

It may sound strange, but when the late innings arrive, there is one player you do not want to see at the plate.

He is the 2-time HMWL Championship MVP Craig Hastings.