Hunter Pence has proven to be a solid difference maker and the type of impact player general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. knew he was acquiring when the Phillies elected to trade for the former Astros standout prior to the July 31 non-waiver deadline
The 28-year-old Pence, a two-time NL All-Star and beloved fan favorite in Houston, accepted the change of scenery with optimism and found himself receiving a standing ovation from the Phillies fan in his first game at Citizens Bank Park against Pittsburgh.
It didn't take long for the Philly fan base to feel the same way as Houston's, considering Pence brings a high level of energy to the field each game -- no matter what -- and never offers any excuse.
His approach to the game represents the honor and integrity the Phillies organization and fans expect on a daily basis from their players.
Pence, who didn't take long to adapt to the clubhouse culture of arguably the best team in Major League Baseball, hit .324 with 11 home runs, 35 RBI, 12 doubles, two triples and a .954 OPS over 207 at-bats in 54 games for the NL East-champion Phillies.
He finished fourth in the NL batting title race with a .314 combined average between the Astros and Phillies en route to establishing career highs in RBI (97), doubles (38), hits (190) and on-base percentage (.370) during the regular season.
Pence knows it's time to go to work Saturday when the Phillies open the 2011 NLDS by hosting the St. Louis Cardinals, who won 23 of their final 31 games down the stretch, to clinch the NL Wild Card.
If someone had told Pence this past spring that he would be traded from Houston to Philly, and then make his postseason debut in October, the standout right fielder likely wouldn't believe it.
Ultimately, Pence found himself in a "timing situation," as the Astros continue their quest to restore the farm system and get younger, while the Phillies are in an ideal position to simply go for it.
"The opportunity to play in the playoffs is something I have dreamed of my entire life," Pence said. "It came at a different angle than I thought it would come. I wouldn't say that I had ever expected this to happen, but it did happen and it's a goal of mine. It's something I've been driven to do every year. This is what I try to be as a player and a teammate. I want to be a player that helps the team get to the playoffs. In that aspect, even though it came at a backwards angle, I'm happy to be a part of it."
The Phillies will rely on their tremendous starting rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt during the postseason.
Also, the well-balanced attack features a standout offense of Pence, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.
Pence told Examiner.com last offseason that he understands the true meaning of Major League Baseball, which fuels his desire to go the extra mile and work hard in all preparation aspects.
“My personal goal is to win a World Series and my team goal is to win the World Series," he said. "That’s what I’m here for and that’s what we play this sport for. That’s why I’m working hard in every workout, every swing, and every throw. I finally understand that there’s really nothing else. That’s the only thing that matters. I’ve always thought that and have known that, but I think now is the first time I really know it. I’ve been here long enough to start to believe that. We can make it happen.
"It’s my turn to step up. We have a lot of guys who have been there before. Brett Myers has already been a big pitcher in the World Series. There are no excuses. There is nothing else we’re here for.”
Pence will have an opportunity to compete at the highest level Saturday evening and throughout the NLDS -- and possibly more.
"I enjoy playing as a team," Pence said. "The reason I love baseball is because it’s a team sport. It’s a collective effort and we’re playing for a city, our families and a lot of things. I’ve always enjoyed the thrill of competition. Everything I do, I feel like I’m competing. I want to compete at the highest level. I’m a perfectionist. Just to win as a team, there is no greater feeling."
Halladay, who tossed just the second no-hitter in postseason history in Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds, gets the starting nod Saturday versus St. Louis right-hander Kyle Lohse.
First pitch is scheduled for 4:07 p.m. CT.
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