In Game Six of the 1995 World Series, pitcher Tom Glavine took to the mound for the Atlanta Braves and pitched a masterpiece, going eight innings and giving up only one hit to the Cleveland Indians.
There was a lot of weight on Glavine’s shoulders that October night. After having spent much of the 1980s in the cellar, the Braves had come close twice in the early 1990s to winning a World Series but had fallen short both times. But, as Glavine headed off the mound in the eighth inning with a 1-0 lead, he turned to manager Bobby Cox and asked to be taken out of the game, much to the displeasure of the more than 50,000 Braves fans in attendance.
Glavine realized he had run out of gas against the Indians. But, over the years, he had built up a strong relationship with Cox, earing his manager’s trust. Glavine knew what he was capable of better than anyone else and gladly stepped aside as closer Mark Wohlers came in to pitch. After his strong performances in two games, Glavine was named the World Series MVP, a high point for a pitcher who always knew how to evaluate himself.
