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Tyler Matzek recorded the six biggest outs of his career and season for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night, sending them to the World Series. Matzek is becoming a household name going into Game One in Houston. However, Matzek isn't supposed to be here but his wife knew that isn't the case. Matzek was an unsigned pitcher, coming off of a several rough contracts before landing in Atlanta with just a couple weeks left in the minor league season.
One of the top scouts for the Braves kept telling the GM to sign Matzek out of the Independent Leagues, but why should they? Matzek seemed broken, suffering from the "yips" and unknown. Matzek was in Colorado before where they changed everything about him, his style and conditioning. Matzek thought about quitting the sport he has played and loved since childhood. Matzek's wife, Lauren, urged him to keep trying and not to give up on his dreams and goals. Lauren told him she would support him no matter what he chose, but she thought he had more to offer the game. That idea stuck with Matzek. “I sat there and said, "If she can go through the pain and suffering that this is going to take, then I can, too,” Matzek said.
“I think it’s paid off,” said Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves GM, champagne goggles pushed onto his forehead, National League Champions t-shirt smelling of beer. The Braves face the Houston Astros in the 2021 World Series. The moral of the story, you will have doubters, listen to the people who continue to believe in you!
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