This is one of the better threads in recent weeks!
The term is not necessarily self-explanatory, although it has been defined to mean the person who stimulates or inspires a group, or the most valuable or important person in a system.
Like many others, I think that Gabby is the one. I recall one or more of the team saying that Gabby is the one they turn to for leadership in challenging situations, and the HBO Series showed us that she is the strongest presence off the court as well.
On top of all that, she seems to rise to the occasion at key times on the court, such as against Notre Dame and South Carolina.
Oddly enough, she does occasionally show a wobbly side. Probably due to high personal expectations and being hard on herself. There was the game at Gampel last season when Geno gave her an impromptu pep talk while play was going on, after she missed a couple of free throws. I recall she jumped back into the same play and got an assist, or maybe it was a rebound. In any event, although I can`t recall the opponent, pretty sure it was an easy game and that she wouldn`t allow herself to get like that when the chips were really down.
Unlike Reggie, Gabby would never declare herself to be the straw that stirs the drink. Nor would any of the other fabulous members of this wonderful team who all do, on occasion, take their turns at stirring.
Reggie`s statement was very divisive when he said it in 1977, an insult to the real team leader, Thurman Munson. Reggie made attempts to deny he ever said it, but no one believed him. He did get a large measure of vindication in the 1977 World Series, hitting 5 home runs including 3 in the decisive game 6 against the Dodgers. Hence the name "Mr. October".
Note: A Husky being called "Ms. October" would NOT be a compliment!
