Ryan Flaherty ‘s bat ignited in ALCS

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

After the dust of the 2014 season has settled and fans have taken a step back to appreciate all that this team has accomplished, you find the silver linings in everything for the Orioles’ season both good and bad–even getting swept in the ALCS.

Although the Birds’ offense never clicked in the series, they did have a player who surprisingly offered some consistency to the Baltimore bats: Ryan Flaherty.

Known by his teammates as “Flash,” this player had received ridicule the past two years from both critics and fans. Despite his solid defense, his bat never seemed to come around and many thought of him as a hole in the lower part of the lineup.

In his first three years in the Majors, he batted .216 (77 games in 2012); .224 (84 games in 2013); .221 (102 games in 2014). He has shown his ability to hit the long ball with 23 career home runs as an Oriole.

Nevertheless, many were calling for Flaherty to be sent down to the Minors many times this season. Despite the odds stacked against him, manager Buck Showalter stuck with his utility player throughout the regular season and into the Postseason.

Flaherty actually turned into a blessing in disguise for the team after Chris Davis was suspended because he played the best third base from what Showalter had to work from.

In the ALDS, he dazzled the nation with his glove over at third base.

In the ALCS, he dazzled them with his bat.

Against Kansas City, Flaherty’s bat came alive as he hit .333 with three RBI and a home run. It seemed like he loved to swing at the first pitch because when he did, he drove the ball.

His Postseason performance has most certainly silenced his critics for now and practically certifies him a spot on the Orioles’ roster come Opening Day of the 2015 season.