Choking is the psychological and/or physical reaction to heightened expectations, even when those expectations are warranted due to, say, a 97-win regular season. Choking stifles even the best hitters and can be partial or complete, with partial choking allowing some, although inadequate, gasps of offense. Prolonged or complete choking results in a failure to advance in the postseason.
Choking can be caused by:
- The unexpected re-introduction of a slumping player into the everyday lineup. Said player struck out three times and left four men on base on Thursday. See "Kosuke Fukudome".
- B/R Ticket Guide
- Uncharacteristic starting pitching performances by two 14+ game winners in two must-win games. See "Ryan Dempster" and "Carlos Zambrano."
- An NLDS record-tying four fielding errors on one's home field. See "Mark DeRosa," "Derrek Lee," "Ryan Theriot," and "Aramis Ramirez."
- A leadoff hitter batting .111 this postseason. See "Alfonso Soriano."
- An "untouchable" 1-2 closing combo giving up three runs in their first postseason appearance together. See "Carlos Marmol" and "Kerry Wood."
- A superior opponent with a seasoned postseason manager and roster. See "L.A. Dodgers", "Joe Torre," "Derek Lowe," and "Manny Ramirez."
Choking, if caught early enough, can usually be treated by shuffling the lineup or a momentum-changing play.
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3 months ago
In order to choke something away you have to have a lead. The Cubs don't have a lead. They're playing like crap thats it. Can't choke if you never had something to choke away to begin with.
from 3 months ago
In that respect 2003 for the Cubs and 2004 for the Yankees were the ULTIMATE choke-jobs...I call the Cubs postseason choking this year because they were the best team in the National League and have gone from swagger to stagger.
from 3 months ago
yep that's true, good point some people don't know what choking is.
from 3 months ago
I disagree, the Cubs had the best record in the NL this year and once AGAIN they lose in the postseason. Choking is when you are expected to perform on the big stage at a high level and fail. What pressure do the Cubbies have on them during a 162 game regular season? None. This happens every time. Whenever they have a successful regular season, the World Series talk comes into play, I find it hilarious. The bottom line is the Cubs can't step it up when the lights come on, they choke.
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