Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis' background is the stuff of legends. He's battled depression, given up on baseball, lost all hope in New York City, and even worked as a janitor before returning to baseball. El Oso Blanco, as he's nicknamed, still has a fascination with cleaning and janitorial duties, which might explain why he's been doing all of the dirty work for the NL East-leading Braves.

One day after hitting his fourth pinch hit home run of the season, Gattis continues to show why he's deserving of a spot on the National League roster at the MLB All-Star game in New York City. Not only would it bring his life full circle, it would show that the Midsummer Classic still values performance.

Like his rise to the major leagues, Gattis' rookie season has been anything but ordinary. He won a roster spot out of spring training and found himself starting the second game of the season after Brian McCann was sidelined with an injury. Through the first 2+ months of the season, he's had to split time with Gerald Laird and occasionally play first base.

Despite all of the shifting and uncertainty in playing time, Gattis has continued to come up in big spots when manager Fredi Gonzalez has called his number. In eight at-bats as a pinch hitter, the rookie has recorded six hits, four of which have been home runs. That ties a Braves' franchise record for pinch hit homers and puts him just three shy of an MLB record.

Here are the other accomplishments for Gattis this season:

  • NL Rookie of the Month for April and May.
  • T-1st on the team in home runs with Justin Upton (14)
  • T-12th in MLB for HRs (14)
  • Gattis has 54 less AB than anyone else with as many HRs.
  • 2nd on the team in RBI (37)
  • T-3rd on the team in doubles (11)

It's almost a lock that Gattis won't even appear in the top five for NL voting at his position, which is a shame because he leads all catchers in Major League Baseball in HRs and RBI, while doing it on one of the best first-half teams.

Maybe he'll get an opportunity in the Home Run Derby as a consolation, but don't hold your breath. Something tells me it won't be a big distraction for El Oso Blanco.

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