ANALYSIS/OPINION
In the 1999 season, Atlanta Braves starting catcher Javy Lopez went down in late July with a torn knee ligament. The Braves turned to their backup, Eddie Perez, their light-hitting but respected defensive catcher, to handle their Hall of Fame pitching staff.
Perez did just that, and turned out to be a postseason hero, using his bat to lead the Braves to a National League championship in six games over the New York Mets, with two home runs, five RBI and a .500 average to win series MVP honors.