Year
|
Clue
|
Answer
|
1980
|
NL shortstop wins his first gold glove. He goes on to win the award every season during the 1980s.
|
Ozzie Smith
|
1981
|
This event at midseason causes a "split" season with the winners of each half meeting in the postseason.
|
Player strike
|
1981
|
Causes an eponymous mania, winning both the NL Cy Young and MVP. In his distinctive windup he directed his eyes skyward.
|
Fernando Valenzuela
|
1982
|
Sets the single season record for stolen bases with 130.
|
Rickey Henderson
|
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.
|
Ryne Sandberg
|
1983
|
Has a home run disallowed because there was pine tar too far up the handle of his bat.
|
George Brett
|
1985
|
Breaks Ty Cobb's career hits record with 4192.
|
Pete Rose
|
1985
|
Umpire calls Jorge Orta safe at first in the world series. Replays and photos clearly show Orta was out. (Name the umpire.)
|
Don Denkinger
|
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.
|
Dwight Gooden
|
1985
|
Yankees manager is fired for the fourth time.
|
Billy Martin
|
1986
|
Becomes the first pitcher to strike out 20 batters in a game.
|
Roger Clemens
|
1986
|
Lets a grounder through his legs, contributing to the Red Sox world series loss.
|
Bill Buckner
|
1986
|
Wins the last of his 10 gold gloves at third base. Also a great slugger, he hit 548 career home runs.
|
Mike Schmidt
|
1986
|
Selected by the National League as its next president. He would later become commissioner of baseball but died in 1989.
|
A. Bart Giamatti
|
1988
|
Pitcher sets the record for most consecutive scoreless innings.
|
Orel Hershiser
|
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.)
|
Jose Canseco
|
1988
|
Wins his fourth consecutive batting title. He was often a challenger of Ted Williams' status as the last man to hit .400.
|
Wade Boggs
|
1988
|
Wins the last of his 11 gold gloves at first base. He later made a guest appearance on "Seinfeld."
|
Keith Hernandez
|
1988
|
Hits a game-winning home run in the world series despite being hobbled with injuries to both his legs.
|
Kirk Gibson
|
1989
|
Wins his second MVP. His first was as a shortstop, while this one was as a centerfielder.
|
Robin Yount
|