Ryan Braun: An indomitable slugger
The Milwaukee Brewers had an incredibly tough 2012 Major League Baseball season. Initially, it was the bullpen that struggled massively, and then when things seemingly started getting on the right track, something unanticipated occurred once again with six
losses in last nine, leading to the eventual elimination of the club from the race for the wild card.
While the club tried hard not to let any department of the game become its vulnerability, bullpen’s struggle was glaringly manifest, leading to an embarrassingly poor show in the first half of the season. Although second half was way better, they could not
quite achieve what they had planned: To make it to the playoffs again the way they did the past year.
However, much as expectations remained unfulfilled, there were a number of things that the Brewers could take pride in: The ever strong offence. And when it comes to offence, outfielder Ryan Braun’s name cannot be overlooked or underestimated. The player
with remarkable brilliance and effectiveness as a batter continues to show the class he has.
Those who know Braun, and have followed him throughout these years, know the attention he commands, the awe that he inspires on the plate with virtually leaving every pitcher intimidated with the powerful batting and hitting that he produces. Last year,
he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, among others, for his wonderful display of game, leading to team’s wins.
This year, he virtually exceeded the team manager’s expectations even though things did not initially seem favouring the player. Braun, after all, was facing 50-game suspension due to the much-talked failed drug test. Braun eventually won the appeal, and
started playing without undergoing the anguish and humiliation of that punishment as he was cleared.
Coming as he came here in the Major League Baseball 2012 season, he was simply outstanding. Having appeared in 154 games, he smashed 41 home runs along with 112 RBIs with wonderful .319 batting average and .595 slugging percentage.
"Am I surprised he had this kind of year? No," manager Ron Roenicke said. "But, yeah, I think he did exceed [expectations] for most people. He's having another MVP year, and if we get into the playoffs, you have to say he's an MVP candidate."
He stood first in home runs, runs, SLG and OPS simultaneously, second in RBI, third in BA, and fifth in SB with 30.
"[Braun's] numbers? My gosh, look at every category," Roenicke said. "Plus, he plays great defense. He definitely has the numbers to be considered."
Braun was competing with San Diego Padres Chase Headley in most RBIs in the National League. The two were in fierce competition, unless Headley drove in two runs the finale against Brewers, having a total of 115 RBIs in the season, standing first.
In Braun’s view, Headley actually deserved winning this title.
"He earned it, man," Braun said. "He had a phenomenal year. Especially what he did in that ballpark, it's pretty special what he was able to accomplish. He had an incredible second half -- their whole team did, really. Hat's off to him."
Braun’s performance in 2012, like the ones in the previous years, was not for individual record. His aim was to empower the team to win. Although he could not quite do that due to a host of other reasons, his performance will continue to draw inspiration
in the game.
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