Garrett Stubbs has what it takes

What elevates a great player to superstardom is the intangibles — the things you can’t teach. They could have a great jump shot or a hot bat, but they’ll never be Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth without the qualities that made both of those athletes the best in the game. Sometimes you can identify this intangible quality as a player’s attitude, drive or strong mentality. But sometimes you can’t put your finger on what exactly it is that makes this player so important, as if his presence alone is enough to rally his team.

USC catcher Garrett Stubbs falls into the latter category of greatness. Garrett came to the plate so many times during the Lake Elsinore Regional when the game was on the line, and his coolness was reassuring. He seemed unfazed by the pressure and was so clutch throughout the entire weekend that he earned the title of Lake Elsinore Regional MVP.

Stubbs had a stellar performance behind the plate as well. There was never any doubt that Garrett could throw out a runner trying to steal second. And his pitchers never had to worry about a wild pitch or a passed ball getting by him. He won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year for his work behind the plate.

Something about his presence at or behind the plate was so convincing in tight situations. Sure he had a great batting average and was a sparkplug on defense, but he had many other intangible qualities that made him invaluable.

Stubbs is at a slight disadvantage as he transitions into his professional baseball career. He was drafted in the eighth round of the MLB First Year Player Draft by the Houston Astros. After such a standout senior year, I can only imagine the reason he was not drafted sooner is his height. His 5’10”, 165-pound frame is considered short for professional sports, but especially for catchers, a position that requires girth. But being a catcher also requires the unteachable qualities, something Stubbs has in abundance.

Stubbs has racked up the awards this season. In addition to the ones already mentioned he was also named a first team All-American and earned ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove honors. He is also a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, the award given to college baseball’s best catcher. The winner will be announced on June 25, and I think Stubbs has a great chance to add another accolade to his growing collection.

Being drafted is the first step to a major league career, but it is hardly a guarantee of success. Unlike any other sport, players must first play in the minor league system before being called up to the majors, if they’re ever called up at all.

While 5’10” is certainly not an ideal height, it’s definitely not unheard of in the MLB. The MLB has seen players as short as 5’6”. When it comes down to it, Stubbs will need to rely on his special qualities to make it in the MLB. As a Houston native, I’ve been an Astros fan since birth, and now I have another reason to cheer on the ‘Stros. I look forward to the day I hear Stubbs’ name called at Minute Maid.

Reagan Estes is a rising junior majoring in public relations. She is also the sports editor of the Daily Trojan. Her column, “Wild Wild Westes,” runs every other Wednesday.