Effectively Wild: A FanGraphs Baseball Podcast

Effectively Wild Episode 2386: GOATs and Goats

13 snips
Oct 11, 2025
Ben and Meg delve into the dramatic Game 4 ending of the Phillies-Dodgers NLDS, analyzing a pivotal error and its emotional fallout. They weigh the impact of infamous mistakes on baseball culture, pondering if removing such 'goats' would enhance or diminish the sport. The duo also discusses the curious rise in sacrifice bunting during playoffs and explores pitch-tipping paranoia among teams. Plus, they shed light on the potential MLB future of NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami and the evolving landscape of broadcast rights.
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ANECDOTE

Kerkering's Instantly Viral Error

  • Meg and Ben recount Orion Kerkering's walk-off throwing error and the immediate, heart-wrenching reactions on the field.
  • They describe JT Realmuto pointing to first and the visual of Kirkering retrieving the ball as emblematic and meme-worthy.
INSIGHT

One Moment Can, But Need Not, Define A Career

  • Ben and Meg note how a single fraction-of-a-second mistake can alter a young player's public legacy.
  • They argue memory fades and redemption or future success can reframe such moments over time.
ADVICE

Respond With Compassion After High-Profile Mistakes

  • Meg urges that teammates, fans, and media respond to crushing plays with compassion rather than vilification.
  • She suggests lifting the player up and helping ensure the moment doesn't become defining.
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