In response to popular demand (well at least from alhill) here is the 1980 recap:
1980 RECAP - WHITE SOX CRUISE TO DIVISION CROWN
The Chicago White Sox were on fire all season, winning a franchise record 111 games and taking the AL West crown by 24 games. The White Sox made a mockery of the division, winning 41 of their first 50 games. The 111 wins are the most by an American League team since the Yankees won 113 in 1953. The White Sox had the best era in the majors and saw 6 pitchers post double digit win totals. The rotation was outstanding, led by Welch Award winner Francisco Barrios (19-8, 3.47), Bruce Howard (18-5, 3.86) and Lamarr Hoyt (16-6, 3.51). Last years Welch Award winner, Bart Johnson (11-7, 2.89) missed 6 weeks with an injury. Closer Rich Gossage had 39 saves.
The White Sox offense featured rookie of the year Harold Baines (.335,21,96), Chet Lemon (.321,11,55), Dusty Baker (.272,36,129), Jose Ortiz (.327,4,57) and Jorge Orta (.327,20,123).
After years and years off last place finishes the Texas Rangers came in second. Pitching was still a concern, although Joe Coleman (15-11, 3.22) and Don Stanhouse (47 sv) had strong years. Trades to add Greg Luzinski (.256,17,82) and Jerry Mumphrey (.313,4,61) meant the Rangers finally had someone to help Vic Harris (.333,9,72) and Roy Smalley (.280,14,75).
The Angels had a freefall from their 103 wins last season as it seemed every pitcher had an off year. The Oakland A's looked better than the .500 team they were. With Steve Garvey (.295,21,93), Dave Duncan (.250,22,75), Reggie Jackson (.305,30,91), Ken Singleton (.294,18,63) and Joe Rudi (.260,26,105) at the plate and starters Vida Blue (17-13, 4.03), Jim Nash (16-7, 3.44) and Mike Norris(16-9, 3.52) they should have done more than win 81 games. In Minnesota, Rod Carew (.354,11,95) won the 8th batting crown of his career. Ed Goodson (.337,18,119) had another outstanding season and Dave Goltz (18-7, 3.15) was the Twins only reliable starter. In Kansas City, Reggie Smith (.299,42,114) won his third straight (and 5th overall) MVP award. Infielders George Brett (.336,15,108) and Frank White (.305,21,105) gave the Royals plenty of offense but the pitching was non-existant. Seattle regressed, winning a franchise low 48 games, and trading away their only star in Fred Lynn, who they stole from Boston last year.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
The East division race was much tighter as Milwaukee held off Boston to claim the Brewers first ever playoff berth. The schedule had the Red Sox in Milwaukee for the seasons final weekend. Boston entered the 3 game set trailing Milwaukee by a game so the Red Sox needed to win 2 of 3 to force a playoff. On Friday, Milwaukee clinched at least a tie as Dave Parker drove in 4 runs in a 9-6 Brewer victory. On Saturday Bill Travers pitched 7 shutout innings and Gorman Thomas accounted for all the scoring with a home run in the Brewers 2-0 win over John Tudor (11-11, 5.65) and the Red Sox. The win clinched the pennant for Milwaukee.
For John Tudor it was the end of a nightmare season. He won 20 games as a rookie last season but stumbled terribly in the ALCS posting a 9.64 era in two games. A 5.65 era this season had many in Boston thinking his rookie year was just a fluke. Only time would tell for sure.
Aside from Bill Travers (18-8, 3.18) and closer Tom Hausman (2.25, 43 sv) the pitching wasnt all that great but the Brewers had plenty of offensive stars including midseason pickup Fred Lynn (.296,21,82), Dave Parker (.313,19,106), Gorman Thomas (.2345,29,96), Paul Molitor (.312,18,102), Robin Yount (.269,10,62) and Willie Montanez (.300,11,81).
In Boston, pitching was once again the weak spot. The Red Sox got more than enough offense from the likes of Cecil Cooper (.309,21,103), Joe Morgan (.284,8,51), George Scott (.297,23,82), Rick Burleson (.306,7,50), Al Oliver (.329,18,91), Ben Oglivie (.307,27,105) and Jim Rice (.252,20,86).
Detroit rebounded from a dissappointing 6th place finish last year as Tiger pitchers more or less stayed healthy. Mark Fidrych (18-9, 3.41) and young Jack Morris (11-8, 3.81) rebounded from bad seasons as did outfielder Jeff Burroughs (.302,25,95). John Wockenfuss (.306,20,88), Leon Roberts (.296,19,100) and Lou Whitaker (.289,19,83) also contributed.
The Blue Jays took another big step forward, surpassing the .500 mark in just their fourth season. Dave Steib (16-11, 3.92) blossomed in his second season. Willie Upshaw (.282,24,108) and Del Unser (.297, 18,87) also had strong seasons. Thurman Munson (.300,21,102), Bobby Murcer (.314,18,105) and Otto Velez (.346,18,113) could do no better than make the Yankees a .500 team. Baltimore and Cleveland fans had little to cheer about.
EXPOS AND CARDS GO DOWN TO THE WIRE
Montreal and St Louis were tied for top spot in the East heading into the final weekend of the season. The Cardinals and Expos would finish the year with a 3 game set at Olympic Stadium. St Louis won the first one to move 1 game ahead with 2 games remaining. At stake for the Expos was the first playoff berth in franchise history and for the Cardinals their first taste of postseason action in a decade. The Expos trusted second year man Bill Gullickson (2-2, 5.59) with the ball against John Denny (7-9, 4.57) on Saturday. The game was over quick as the Expos chased Denny in the third inning by building up a 7-0 lead. Montreal hung on to win 9-6 and set the stage for Sunday.
The Cardinals gave the ball to ace John Fulgham (19-10). He would face Scott Sanderson (13-10) of Montreal. The Expos jumped out to the lead when Rusty Staub hit a 2 run homer in the third inning. Ellis Valentine would hit two solo shots and Sanderson would dominate, pitching a complete game shutout in a 6-0 win that gave the Expos their first playoff berth.
The Expos had a bunch of young talent that was just hitting its peak. Larry Parrish (.265,33,124), Andre Dawson (.292,15,80) and Ellis Valentine (.249,23,92) combined with vets Rusty Staub (.318,19,100) and Ernie McAnally (19-8, 3.01) to make the Expos a formidable club.
The Cardinals had Ken Griffey (.320,14,74) and Keith Hernandez (.313,18,81) along with pitchers John Fulgham (19-11, 3.35), Steve Carlton (14-11, 3.25) and Bob Forsch (15-8, 3.35).
Injuries derailed the Mets. Jerry Koosman blew out his arm in his first start of the season and was done for the year. Tom Seaver(12-11, 3.72) and number 5 starter Billy Wynne (9-11, 4.28) each missed long stretches. Nolan Ryan (10-12, 4.70) had his second straight losing season. On the plus side, second year man Mike Scott(12-11, 3.18) lowered his era by 2 runs a game.
The Pirates finished in the bottom half of the division for the first time since 1972 despite catcher Milt May (.324,24,94) having the best season of his career. John Candeleria (15-8, 3.75), Tony Armas (.293,27,104) and Bob Watson (.325,11,80) also had big years.
The Cubs slipped to fifth place. Outfielder Joe Wallis (.353,24,115) narrowly missed the NL batting crown. John Mayberry (.257,24,102) also had a strong season. For the fourth year in a row the Phillies finished at least 24 games out of the first. Fergie Jenkins (6-20, 5.06) had is worst season as a pro. A May injury cost Larry Hisle (.263,4,16) the entire year. Mike Schmidt (.276,23,69) was about the only bright spot. Greg Luzinski was dealt to Texas for rookie Mike Hart (.255,5,67) and a minor leaguer named Keith Smith who would never play in the majors.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
After a 4 year playoff hiatus, the Cincinnati Reds were back in business. Don Gullett (22-5, 2.82) won his second career Welch Award but the big story was Mike LaCoss (17-1. 2.60). Thrust into the starting rotation in June as an injury replacement for Sammy Ellis (2-5, 5.92), LaCoss won 17 of his 19 starts. This from a player who entered the season with an 0-1 record and a 2.78 era in 32 career innings pitched. LaCoss would never duplicate these numbers but for one summer he was the greatest pitcher Cincinnati would ever see.
The Reds offense was led by the usual cast: Johnny Bench (.279,27,103), Pete Rose (.330,14,69), Jimmy Wynn (.282,24,113) and Bernie Carbo (.336,17,90).
Los Angeles finished a distant second. The Dodgers received some solid pitching from Don Sutton (14-6, 2.94), Bob Welch (16-6, 3.40) and Doug Rau (13-7, 3.82). Closer Steve Howe( 3.06) had 37 saves. Nate Colbert (.354,24,120) won the NL batting title and League MVP award while outfielder Rudy Law (.297,3,68) was named NL rookie of the year. Jeffrey Leonard (.305,25,105), Bill Madlock (.292,23,109) and Gene Tenace (.272,14,78) also contributed to the Dodgers success.
In San Diego, Dave Winfield (.318,25,95) and Dave Kingman (.230,25,98) led the Padres to a third place finish. The Giants finished fourth despite strong performances from Jim Barr (17-8, 3.43), George Foster (.292,17,97), Boog Powell (.292,18,71) and Jack Clark (.293,17,66). 40 year old Dean Chance (7-18, 4.40) appears to be nearing the end of the line.
The Astros missed JR Richard (8-9, 2.73) for 8 weeks with injuries but Scipio Spinks (16-9, 3.34) picked up the slack. After 2 poor seasons Floyd Bannister (11-7, 4.31) was closer to the pitcher who won the 1977 rookie of the year award. Cesar Cedeno (.310,8,82) was the big name on offense for Houston with help from fellow outfielder Joe Lahoud (.303,11,74). Bob Aspromonte (.308,8,83) and Tony Horton (.287,14,89) are both writing the closing chapters on outstanding careers.
The Braves have never won a World Series in the franchise's 80 year history and with 5 straight last place finishes it appears they wont win one in the near future. Earl Williams (.265,26,100), Bob Horner (.247,26,84), Dale Murphy (.263,22,82), Brian Asselstine (.351,12,63) and Gary Mathews (.316,16,58) give Atlanta plenty of offense but the pitching was awful. It included 2 20 game losers in Larry McWilliams (5-20, 5.45) and Al Santorini (6-20, 5.93).
American Standings :
(Name W L PCT GB AVG ERA)
East Division
Milwaukee 90 72 .556 -- .289 4.66
Boston 88 74 .543 2 .291 4.94
Detroit 86 76 .531 4 .276 4.13
Toronto 84 78 .519 6 .281 4.22
New York (A) 81 81 .500 9 .291 4.33
Baltimore 73 89 .451 17 .278 5.00
Cleveland 66 96 .407 24 .284 5.65
West Division
Chicago (A) 111 51 .685 -- .297 3.53
Texas 87 75 .537 24 .283 4.57
California 82 80 .506 29 .270 4.42
Oakland 81 81 .500 30 .270 4.36
Minnesota 80 82 .494 31 .287 4.35
Kansas City 77 85 .475 34 .285 5.41
Seattle 48 114 .296 63 .268 5.88
National Standings :
(Name W L PCT GB AVG ERA)
East Division
Montreal 88 74 .543 -- .276 4.07
St. Louis 87 75 .537 1 .278 3.84
New York(N) 84 78 .519 4 .275 3.89
Pittsburgh 80 82 .494 8 .280 4.43
Chicago (N) 75 87 .463 13 .269 4.25
Philadelphia 64 98 .395 24 .254 4.48
West Division
Cincinnati 102 60 .630 -- .278 4.07
Los Angeles 91 71 .562 11 .290 3.81
San Diego 82 80 .506 20 .278 4.43
San Francisco 81 81 .500 21 .272 4.08
Houston 80 82 .494 22 .279 3.99
Atlanta 58 104 .358 44 .263 5.15
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AMERICAN LEAGUE
BATTING LEADERS
TOP 10 in BATTING AVG :
.354 Rod Carew(MIN)
.346 Otto Velez(NYA)
.337 Ed Goodson(MIN)
.336 George Brett(KCA,A)
.335 Harold Baines( CHA,A)
.329 Al Oliver(BOS,A)
.329 John Doherty(CLE)
.327 Jose Ortiz(CHA)
.327 Jorge Orta(CHA,A)
.325 Jerry Remy(CAL)
TOP 10 in HOMERUNS :
42 Reggie Smith(KCA)
36 Doug Decinces(BAL)
36 Dusty Baker(CHA)
30 Andy Thornton(KCA)
30 Reggie Jackson(OAK,A)
29 Gorman Thomas(MIL)
27 Ben Oglivie(BOS,A)
26 Joe Rudi(OAK)
25 Jeff Burroughs(DET)
24 Willie Upshaw(TOR,A)
TOP 10 in RBI :
129 Dusty Baker(CHA)
123 Jorge Orta(CHA,A)
119 Ed Goodson(MIN)
114 Reggie Smith(KCA)
113 Otto Velez(NYA)
108 Doug Decinces(BAL)
108 Willie Upshaw(TOR,A)
108 George Brett(KCA,A)
106 Dave Parker(MIL)
105 Joe Rudi(OAK)
TOP 10 in Doubles :
48 George Brett(KCA,A)
46 Roy Howell(TOR)
45 Cecil Cooper(BOS)
40 Thurman Munson(NYA,A)
39 Ben Oglivie(BOS,A)
38 Roy Smalley(TEX,A)
37 Kevin Pasley(SEA)
36 Dave Parker(MIL)
36 Frank White(KCA,A)
35 Bruce Bochte(SEA)
TOP 10 in Triples :
9 Larry Bowa(MIN)
8 Al Cowens(KCA)
7 Joe Morgan(BOS)
7 Jose Cruz(KCA)
7 Damaso Garcia(NYA)
7 Dickie Thon(CAL)
6 Jerry Remy(CAL)
6 Dan Ford(MIN)
6 Eric Soderholm(MIN)
6 Charlie Moore(MIL)
TOP 10 in Runs :
122 Dusty Baker(CHA)
122 Reggie Smith(KCA)
119 Brian Downing(CHA)
114 Jose Cruz(KCA)
113 Bobby Murcer(NYA)
113 Rod Carew(MIN)
113 George Scott(BOS)
112 Al Cowens(KCA)
111 Fred Lynn(SEA MIL)
110 Doug Decinces(BAL)
TOP 10 in Stolen Bases :
53 Jose Cruz(KCA)
49 Damaso Garcia(NYA)
47 Mickey Rivers(CAL)
44 Lee Lacy(MIN)
39 Bill Sample(TEX)
38 Reggie Smith(KCA)
38 Paul Molitor(MIL)
37 Larry Bowa(MIN)
36 Rod Carew(MIN)
33 Jose Ortiz(CHA)
TOP 10 in BB's :
97 Brian Downing(CHA)
85 Vic Harris(TEX)
84 Bobby Murcer(NYA)
84 Fred Lynn(SEA MIL)
82 Dusty Baker(CHA)
81 Ken Harrelson(CAL)
80 Doug Decinces(BAL)
79 Lee Lacy(MIN)
77 Ron Theobald(MIL)
77 Rusty Torres(TOR)
TOP 10 in Strikeouts :
180 Gorman Thomas(MIL)
154 Reggie Jackson(OAK,A)
139 Cito Gaston(SEA)
135 Bobby Bonds(CLE)
126 Otto Velez(NYA)
126 Kirk Gibson(DET)
118 John Lowenstein(CLE)
115 Dave Parker(MIL)
115 Bill Almon(OAK)
113 Paul Blair(CAL)
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PITCHING LEADERS
TOP 10 in ERA :
2.89 Bart Johnson (CHA)
3.15 Dave Goltz (MIN,A)
3.18 Bill Travers (MIL)
3.22 Joe Coleman (TEX)
3.41 Mark Fidrych (DET)
3.44 Jim Nash (OAK,A)
3.47 Francisco Barrios (CHA,A)
3.51 La marr Hoyt (CHA)
3.52 Mike Norris (OAK,A)
3.63 Stan Bahnsen (NYA)
TOP 10 in WINS :
19 Francisco Barrios (CHA,A)
18 Bruce Howard (CHA,A)
18 Dave Goltz (MIN,A)
18 Mark Fidrych (DET)
18 Bill Travers (MIL)
17 Vida Blue (OAK)
16 Dave Stieb (TOR)
16 Jim Nash (OAK,A)
16 La marr Hoyt (CHA)
16 Mike Norris (OAK,A)
TOP 10 in LOSSES :
21 Mike Parrott (SEA)
19 Geoff Zahn (SEA)
19 Dave Freisleben (SEA)
18 Sam Mcdowell (KCA)
17 Alan Wirth (OAK)
17 Mike Flanagan (BAL)
17 Rich Hand (CLE)
16 Steve Hargan (CLE)
16 Dennis Martinez (BAL)
16 Jim Clancy (TOR)
TOP 10 in SAVES :
47 Don Stanhouse (TEX)
43 Tom Hausman (MIL,A)
40 Rollie Fingers (OAK,A)
40 Victor Cruz (TOR)
39 Rich Gossage (CHA)
38 Sparky Lyle (BOS)
35 Ken Tatum (CAL,A)
33 Dan Quisenberry (KCA)
33 Bruce Taylor (DET)
32 Ed Farmer (CLE)
TOP 10 in COMPLETE GAMES :
13 Dave Goltz (MIN,A)
13 Jim Nash (OAK,A)
12 Paul Splittorff (KCA)
11 La marr Hoyt (CHA)
11 Bert Blyleven (MIN)
11 Mark Fidrych (DET)
10 Dennis Martinez (BAL)
8 Bart Johnson (CHA)
8 Steve Kline (NYA)
8 Dave Rozema (DET)
TOP 10 in SHUTOUTS :
4 Joe Coleman (TEX)
4 La marr Hoyt (CHA)
3 Mark Fidrych (DET)
3 Doc Medich (NYA)
3 Bart Johnson (CHA)
3 Bert Blyleven (MIN)
2 Moose Haas (MIL)
2 Jim Nash (OAK,A)
2 Stan Bahnsen (NYA)
2 Dave Rozema (DET)
TOP 10 in K's :
249 Joe Coleman (TEX)
176 Bert Blyleven (MIN)
176 Dave Boswell (MIN)
163 Dennis Eckersley (CLE)
159 Francisco Barrios (CHA,A)
154 Frank Tanana (CAL)
146 Len Barker (TEX)
143 Dennis Leonard (KCA)
143 Tom Bradley (CAL)
143 Steve Kline (NYA)
TOP 10 in BB's :
154 Sam Mcdowell (KCA)
116 Rich Gale (KCA)
105 Dave Boswell (MIN)
99 Frank Tanana (CAL)
95 Mike Norris (OAK,A)
93 Bert Blyleven (MIN)
93 Eric Wilkins (CLE)
92 John Miller (KCA)
91 Rich Hand (CLE)
90 Alan Wirth (OAK)
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NATIONAL LEAGUE
BATTING LEADERS
TOP 10 in BATTING AVG :
.354 Nate Colbert(LAN,N)
.353 Joe Wallis(CHN,N)
.336 Bernie Carbo(CIN,N)
.330 Pete Rose(CIN)
.324 Bake Mcbride(SLN)
.320 Ken Griffey(SLN)
.318 Rusty Staub(MON)
.318 Ivan Dejesus(SFN)
.318 Dave Winfield(SDN,N)
.316 Gary Matthews(ATL)
TOP 10 in HOMERUNS :
33 Larry Parrish(MON,N)
27 Johnny Bench(CIN,N)
27 Tony Armas(PIT,N)
26 Bob Horner(ATL)
26 Earl Williams(ATL)
25 Dave Kingman(SDN)
25 Dave Winfield(SDN,N)
25 Jeffrey Leonard(LAN,N)
24 Joe Wallis(CHN,N)
24 John Mayberry(CHN)
TOP 10 in RBI :
124 Larry Parrish(MON,N)
120 Nate Colbert(LAN,N)
115 Joe Wallis(CHN,N)
113 Jimmy Wynn(CIN)
109 Bill Madlock(LAN,N)
105 Jeffrey Leonard(LAN,N)
104 Tony Armas(PIT,N)
103 Johnny Bench(CIN,N)
102 John Mayberry(CHN)
100 Rusty Staub(MON)
TOP 10 in Doubles :
48 Nate Colbert(LAN,N)
45 Rusty Staub(MON)
40 Larry Parrish(MON,N)
40 Amos Otis(CIN)
40 Dwight Evans(PIT)
38 Bill Freehan(PHI)
35 Johnny Bench(CIN,N)
35 Joe Nolan(NYN)
34 John Wathan(CHN)
34 Tim Foli(NYN,N)
TOP 10 in Triples :
12 Ron Washington(LAN)
9 Rudy Law(LAN)
7 Derrel Thomas(CHN,N)
7 Jim Qualls(CHN)
7 Tony Armas(PIT,N)
7 Craig Reynolds(PIT)
5 Jerry Martin(PHI)
5 Ivan Dejesus(SFN)
4 Rusty Staub(MON)
4 Jeffrey Leonard(LAN,N)
TOP 10 in Runs :
117 Bernie Carbo(CIN,N)
113 Rusty Staub(MON)
111 Derrel Thomas(CHN,N)
109 Joe Wallis(CHN,N)
107 Keith Hernandez(SLN,N)
106 Nate Colbert(LAN,N)
105 Dave Winfield(SDN,N)
102 Jeffrey Leonard(LAN,N)
101 Rudy Law(LAN)
100 Jimmy Wynn(CIN)
TOP 10 in Stolen Bases :
44 Sandy Alomar(SDN)
41 Dave Concepcion(CIN)
38 Rudy Law(LAN)
37 Ivan Dejesus(SFN)
33 Cesar Cedeno(HOU)
33 Derrel Thomas(CHN,N)
33 Gary Matthews(ATL)
32 Tom Herr(SLN)
30 Ken Griffey(SLN)
30 Ozzie Smith(SDN)
TOP 10 in BB's :
96 Rusty Staub(MON)
95 Oscar Gamble(CHN)
94 Derrel Thomas(CHN,N)
83 Mike Schmidt(PHI)
83 Keith Hernandez(SLN,N)
83 Jimmy Wynn(CIN)
81 Bernie Carbo(CIN,N)
80 Joe Wallis(CHN,N)
78 Dave Winfield(SDN,N)
71 Tony Perez(NYN)
TOP 10 in Strikeouts :
239 Dick Allen(PHI)
177 Jim Williams(SFN)
161 Dave Kingman(SDN)
159 Dale Murphy(ATL)
157 Mike Schmidt(PHI)
143 Nate Colbert(LAN,N)
143 Boog Powell(SFN)
143 Gene Tenace(LAN)
141 Larry Parrish(MON,N)
139 Tony Armas(PIT,N)
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PITCHING LEADERS
TOP 10 in ERA :
2.73 J.R. Richard (HOU)
2.82 Don Gullett (CIN,N)
2.94 Don Sutton (LAN,N)
3.01 Ernie Mcanally (MON)
3.18 Mike Scott (NYN)
3.25 Steve Carlton (SLN)
3.32 Bob Moose (PIT)
3.34 Scipio Spinks (HOU)
3.35 Bob Forsch (SLN)
3.35 John Fulgham (SLN)
TOP 10 in WINS :
22 Don Gullett (CIN,N)
19 John Fulgham (SLN)
19 Ernie Mcanally (MON)
17 Jim Barr (SFN,N)
17 Mike Lacoss (CIN)
16 Scipio Spinks (HOU)
16 Bob Welch (LAN,N)
15 Bob Forsch (SLN)
15 John Candelaria (PIT,N)
14 Pascual Perez ( PIT)
TOP 10 in LOSSES :
20 Larry Mcwilliams (ATL)
20 Fergie Jenkins (PHI)
20 Al Santorini (ATL)
18 Steve Rogers (MON)
18 Dean Chance (SFN)
16 Bob Walk ( PHI)
16 Joe Mcintosh (SDN)
16 Joaquin Andujar (HOU)
15 Rick Langford (PIT)
15 Mike Caldwell (SDN)
TOP 10 in SAVES :
47 Billy Mccool (CIN,N)
42 Tug Mcgraw (NYN)
41 Bob James (MON,N)
40 Kim Seaman (SLN,N)
37 Steve Howe ( LAN)
36 Dave Smith ( HOU)
36 Greg Minton (SFN)
33 Reggie Cleveland (SDN,N)
30 Cecil Upshaw (ATL)
29 Al Holland (PIT)
TOP 10 in COMPLETE GAMES :
12 Steve Carlton (SLN)
11 Rick Langford (PIT)
9 Al Fitzmorris (CHN)
8 Don Gullett (CIN,N)
8 Tom Seaver (NYN)
8 Mike Caldwell (SDN)
8 Fergie Jenkins (PHI)
8 John Fulgham (SLN)
6 Scipio Spinks (HOU)
6 Joe Mcintosh (SDN)
TOP 10 in SHUTOUTS :
3 Steve Carlton (SLN)
2 Pascual Perez ( PIT)
2 Doug Rau (LAN)
2 Don Gullett (CIN,N)
2 Don Sutton (LAN,N)
2 Rick Reuschel (CHN)
2 Ernie Mcanally (MON)
2 Ed Halicki (SFN)
1 Rick Langford (PIT)
1 Steve Stone (SFN)
TOP 10 in K's :
251 Steve Carlton (SLN)
244 Nolan Ryan (NYN)
231 John Candelaria (PIT,N)
214 Rich Nye (CHN)
212 Doug Rau (LAN)
195 Mario Soto (CIN)
191 Bob Moose (PIT)
183 Dean Chance (SFN)
182 Larry Mcwilliams (ATL)
177 Scipio Spinks (HOU)
TOP 10 in BB's :
109 Wade Blasingame (ATL)
104 Steve Rogers (MON)
94 Nolan Ryan (NYN)
91 Tom Underwood (PHI)
84 Steve Carlton (SLN)
82 Steve Arlin (SDN)
82 Rick Matula (ATL)
80 Rick Mahler (ATL)
79 Larry Mcwilliams (ATL)
79 Fergie Jenkins (PHI)
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1980 LEAGUE NOTES
ALL STAR GAME - The 1980 allstar game became the Bill Madlock show as the Dodger infielder blasted an allstar record 3 home runs in a 7-2 National League triumph. Madlock had 5 rbi's. His teammate Jeffrey Leonard also homered while Dodger ace Don Sutton pitched 3 shutout innings to earn the win. White Sox pitcher Francisco Barrios started for the AL and gave up 5 earned runs in 3 innings to take the loss.
MILESTONES - Philadelphia's Dick Allen joined the 3000 hit club with a home run off of the Mets Craig Swan in September.
Other milestones include:
2500th hit - Reggie Smith of Kansas City reached the 2500 hit plateau with a single off of the Yankees Tim Lollar in July.
- In September, Jimmy Wynn of Cincinnati got his 2500th hit. It came off of San Diego's Joe McIntosh
2000th hit - Paul Blair of California got hit 2000 off of Seattle's Dick Pole in June.
- In August, Houston's Tony Horton got his 2000th hit. Cincinnati's Gary Nolan was the victim.
- In September Boog Powell of San Francisco notched his 2000th hit off of Mike LaCoss of the Reds.
ASSELSTINE CHALLENGES HITTING STREAK MARK
Brian Asselstine of Atlanta made a run at Rod Carew's 5 year old hitting streak record of 38 games. Asselstine was stalled at 31 games by the Dodgers Bob Welch. The National League mark of 37 games set by Babe Herman of Brooklyn has stood since 1934.
John Doherty of Cleveland tied the Tribe's team hitting streak mark by hitting safely in 27 straight games. Leron Lee set the mark in 1978, besting the previous mark of 23 set by Harry Heilmann in 1922.
35 YEAR OLD RBI RECORD IS TIED
Seattle's Bruce Bochte tied a 35 year old American League record by driving in 10 runs in Seattle's 19-8 pasting of Boston on May 1st. Bochte went 4-for-6 with 2 homers and a double. Jim Tabor of Boston had set the mark on April 16, 1945. The major league mark is 11 set by Pittsburgh's Hank Thompson in 1956.
RICHARD TOSSES THIRD NO HITTER
On April 7, 1980 JR Richard of Houston pitched the third no-hitter of his career. Richard struck out 8 and walked 3 as the Astros blanked San Francisco 5-0 at Candlestick Park. It was the first opening day no-hitter since Cy Young pitched one in the first American League game ever played - April 1, 1901. All 3 of Richard's no-hitters have come on the road: in 1972 at Montreal and 1974 in St Louis.
It ended the longest drought between no-hitters in league history -nearly 5 years. Previously, the longest time between no-hitters was just under 4 years, from September 1946 when the Giants Dave Koslo threw one until July of 1950 when Johnny Schmitz of the Cubs tossed a no-hitter.
Here are the pitchers with 3 or more no-hitters in the HOB
Hal Newhouser NYY 4
George Dumont Wash 3
Les Tietje Cubs-Det 3
Dave Koslo NYG 3
J.R.Richard Hou 3
CARLTON FANS 17
In September St Louis Cardinals fireballer Steve Carlton fanned 17 Philadelphia batters. It was the most strikeouts in 1 game since the Mets Nolan Ryan fanned 18 back in 1975. The Major league record for strikeouts in a game is 19 set by Brooklyn's Neal Brady in 1928 and equelled by Bob Feller of Cleveland and the Dodgers Sandy Koufax.
OTHER RECORDS
Yankee infielder Damaso Garcia set a new major league mark for at bats in a season. He had 710 to beat Paul Molitor's 1977 mark of 707. Prior to Molitor, the American League record belong to Don Kolloway of the White Sox who had 694 at bats in 1947. The National League mark is 704 set by Jack Mills of St Louis in 1925.
Dodgers closer Steve Howe tied a National League rookie record with 37 saves. The mark had been set by Pittsburgh's Gene Garber in 1969. The major league rookie record for saves is 43 which was accomplished by Oakland's Rollie Fingers in 1968.
Wow. Longer than I planned. Guess a lot happened in 1980. Next up the postseason and hopefully the 1980 Hall of Fame ballot.