What happened: Jake Bauers said he nearly left baseball before his wife became pregnant. The need to secure family health insurance convinced him to continue his playing career.

Why it matters: That decision kept Bauers active for an October postseason run where he has delivered key plate appearances in the NLCS, including working a 12-pitch walk to fuel the NLCS Game 1 go-ahead.

What to watch: Bauers continues play in the NLCS with a World Series berth on the line.