For Steve Avery, the 1995 postseason was nothing like 1991. In the worst-to-first season, the left-hander turned in two of the most dominant pitching performances in October history, coming against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Championship Series.
But during the world championship ’95 season, Avery had struggled, going 7-13 with a 4.67 ERA and it appeared he would not start in the World Series against Cleveland.
Then came one of manager Bobby Cox’s best postseason decisions ever, demonstrating the ultimate loyalty he always had for his players.
Up 2-1 in the series, the prevailing thought was that Cox would go with Game 1 starter Greg Maddux on three days’ rest. But Cox turned to Avery and he rewarded the skipper by going six innings in Cleveland and allowing just one run on three hits in the 5-2 win. The start kept Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz well rested for the rest of the series, which would end in six games on Glavine’s brilliant performance back in Atlanta.
Avery, 45 was back in town along with his entire family last weekend for the 20th anniversary of that title team. He will never forget Cox giving him the ball against what was at the time baseball’s best offensive lineup.
Q: You have said many times how much it meant to you to pitch in the ’95 Series. Why do you think Cox penciled you in?
A: That's the way Bobby was. He always believed in you, no matter how poorly you did at times. I wanted to pitch, but in that situation I would have understood if he would have skipped over me. But that's one of the big reasons why his players played so hard for him and why he is in the Hall of Fame.
Q: What do you remember about your performance at Jacobs Field that night?
A: It was cold but where I was from (Michigan), I was used to that. I knew their lineup was tough but I knew I couldn't worry about it and just go out and relax and pitch. I remember getting in a little trouble in the first inning but I was able to get out of it. After that, I found a pretty good grove.
Q: When the Braves clinched the title in Game 6, you were in the bullpen in case they needed you to pitch in relief. What do you remember about the last out?
A: It was a pretty long run to the pile from the bullpen. I remember getting there and just thinking it was finally over. We had finally won it all. We did quite a lot to get to that point and it will always be the most satisfying moment I had in baseball. We were at the top.
