Baseball in the 1980s

Year

Clue

Answer

1980

NL shortstop wins his first gold glove. He goes on to win the award every season during the 1980s.

1981

This event at midseason causes a "split" season with the winners of each half meeting in the postseason.

1981

Causes an eponymous mania, winning both the NL Cy Young and MVP. In his distinctive windup he directed his eyes skyward.

1982

Sets the single season record for stolen bases with 130.

1983

Already recognized as a great defensive second-baseman, he has a brilliant day at the plate on national television, hitting two late-inning home runs.

1983

Has a home run disallowed because there was pine tar too far up the handle of his bat.

1985

Breaks Ty Cobb's career hits record with 4192.

1985

Umpire calls Jorge Orta safe at first in the world series. Replays and photos clearly show Orta was out. (Name the umpire.)

1985

Pitcher becomes the youngest winner of the Cy Young Award. It was downhill from there, as this was his only 20-win season, perhaps party due to drug problems.

1985

Yankees manager is fired for the fourth time.

Year

Clue

Answer

1986

Becomes the first pitcher to strike out 20 batters in a game.

1986

Lets a grounder through his legs, contributing to the Red Sox world series loss.

1986

Wins the last of his 10 gold gloves at third base. Also a great slugger, he hit 548 career home runs.

1986

Selected by the National League as its next president. He would later become commissioner of baseball but died in 1989.

1988

Pitcher sets the record for most consecutive scoreless innings.

1988

Becomes the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season. (He later gained fame for being forthcoming during the steroid scandal.)

1988

Wins his fourth consecutive batting title. He was often a challenger of Ted Williams' status as the last man to hit .400.

1988

Wins the last of his 11 gold gloves at first base. He later made a guest appearance on "Seinfeld."

1988

Hits a game-winning home run in the world series despite being hobbled with injuries to both his legs.

1989

Wins his second MVP. His first was as a shortstop, while this one was as a centerfielder.