Harrison Bader becoming New York Yankees folk hero

Legends are made in October. Such is the case with Harrison Bader and the New York Yankees.

Bader’s tenure with the Yankees got off to a terrible start. Not only was he on the Injured List when he was acquired, but the player that the Yankees sent away, Jordan Montgomery, got off to a hot start with the Cardinals. As the Yankees needed the rotation depth, especially when prized deadline acquisition Frankie Montas imploded, the decision to bring Bader in was quickly derided.

It also did not help that Bader struggled when he finally returned to the diamond. He produced a .217/.245/.283 batting line in his 49 plate appearances, hitting three doubles and stealing two bases. Yes, this was a small sample size, but it did nothing to appease the ire of the fanbase.

But sometimes, there is a second chance to make a first impression. Bader has done exactly that thus far in the postseason as he has emerged as one of the Yankees biggest weapons in the ALDS. His four hits in 14 plate appearances may not seem that impressive, but three of those hits have been home runs. In fact, his two run blast in the top of the second inning in Game Four proved to be the difference, allowing the Yankees to survive another day.

October is a time where legacies can be made. The likes of Bucky Dent, Brian Doyle, and Luis Sojo are still loved in New York because of their playoff contributions. All it takes is one perfectly timed hot streak.

That is where Bader is right now. He is on a power streak right when the Yankees need it most as they are fighting to advance to the next round. If that happens, and Bader continues to be a key reason why the Yankees win, his legacy will be secure.

Harrison Bader is getting hot at the right time. In doing so, he is on his way to becoming another New York Yankees playoff hero.