If Your Birthday is August 1st...

...you share it with Madison Bumgarner, a terrific pitcher during the Giants' even-year dynasty of the 2010s -- who won three rings and claimed a place among the game's greatest post-season performers.

Seen here during his 2016 Wild Card game shutout of the Mets in New York, the North Carolina native went 8-3 in playoff and World Series action -- including a spotless 4-0 mark in baseball's Fall Classic.
"Mad Bum" should be an interesting candidate when he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2029.  Post-season brilliance, but only five great regular seasons and a mundane 134-124 career record.  What counts more: success in the biggest games on the biggest stage or a more sustained form of brilliance?


 

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