Eovaldi pitched six innings of relief in what became the longest World Series game of all time in 2018.

In New England, sports heroes are not easily recognized. The primary criterion is the number of world championships they have won, and winning a championship requires more than just losing a single game in the World Series.

However, there is an exception to this rule, and his name is Nathan Eovaldi.

The story goes that Eovaldi, who will be the starting pitcher for the Rangers in Game 1 of the World Series against Arizona, played a crucial role in inspiring the Boston Red Sox to their most recent championship in 2018. He did this by taking the mound in relief, a day before his scheduled start, and pitching an impressive six innings in what turned out to be the longest game in World Series history. The fact that he ultimately lost the game on a Max Muncy home run in the 18th inning is overshadowed by his incredible performance.

Eovaldi’s display of skill and determination left a lasting impression on the rest of the Red Sox pitching staff. Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello, one by one, approached manager Alex Cora, offering to start the next day. As a result, the Dodgers failed to secure another victory in the series, and Eovaldi’s loss ultimately paved the way for the Red Sox’s triumph.

Ian Kinsler, a Rangers Hall of Famer and former second baseman for the Red Sox, described Nathan Eovaldi’s performance in the World Series as one of the most courageous displays he had ever witnessed. Kinsler acknowledged that Eovaldi exhibited the qualities of being in the “zone,” where outside distractions fade away, and one’s focus is solely on the game. 

Eovaldi’s eyes, facial expressions, and body language demonstrated his understanding of the high stakes involved. Kinsler believed that Eovaldi’s character truly shone through that night, as enduring a tough loss reveals one’s true character.

Since joining the Rangers in December, Eovaldi’s character has continued to impress the team and those who know him. He was signed as a consolation after the team missed out on signing free agent outfielder Michael Conforto. Eovaldi embodies the Rangers’ resilience and sets the tone for the team. In addition to his unpredictable four-pitch repertoire, his desire and determination are evident. 

Corey Seager expressed admiration for him, while general manager Chris Young described him as a straightforward winner. Pitching coach Mike Maddux considers him a complete package, ticking all the boxes a coach could hope for in a player.

Teammate Travis Jankowski, who sits next to Eovaldi on team flights, emphasized that words cannot adequately capture the kind of teammate Eovaldi is. Despite being an elite pitcher at the highest level of baseball, Eovaldi does not place himself above anyone in the clubhouse. He is always willing to help, does not limit his interactions to just pitchers or veterans, and remains accessible to everyone. With his experience in high-pressure games and consistent success, Eovaldi is like an open book, ready to share his knowledge and support his teammates.

Nathan Eovaldi has established himself as one of the best postseason pitchers in the history of the Rangers. Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an arm injury, he has been exceptional in the playoffs. In four starts this October, he has won all four games and achieved a 2.42 ERA. 

Eovaldi’s contributions have been crucial, as he started the Wild Card Series clincher against Tampa Bay, the Division Series clincher against Baltimore, and Game 6 of the ALCS when the Rangers were facing elimination. In another start, he remained composed and escaped a bases-loaded, no-outs situation in the fifth inning of Game 2 against Houston.

Eovaldi has the potential for two more starts in the World Series. No other starter has ever won five games in a single postseason, making it an opportunity for Eovaldi to have one of the most remarkable postseason performances in history. Interestingly, despite being known for his contributions in a loss during the legendary relief outing in 2018, this World Series presents a chance for Eovaldi to create his own moment as a starting pitcher. 

While he acknowledges the significance of the occasion, Eovaldi remains humble, expressing excitement for the opportunity to start and gratitude for past experiences. He understands the excitement, pressure, and magnitude of the World Series, recognizing it as an incredible experience and a pinnacle moment that players strive for.

Eovaldi’s response: He bought a ping-pong table, set it up in his garage and beat the ball nonstop against the wall until he came back and beat the coach.

A year later, having returned to pitching less than a year after his first Tommy John surgery, Eovaldi led Alvin into the playoffs. Pitched a complete game. In the second game, Eovaldi offered to pitch in relief. Rogers refused because of the previous injury. Alvin lost, forcing a third game. Late in the game, Rogers turned around to see Eovaldi asking to pitch again, standing there with his father.