HOB - 1980 Season Recap (long)

[Tiger Fan]

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 

----------------------------------------------------------

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)

 

------------------------------------

  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)

-------------------------------------------

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)

 

-------------------------------------

  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)

-------------------------------------

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.

[alhill]

I appreciate you responding to my popular demand. I only found out about OOTP about a month ago. I was looking for the newest version of baseball mogul and saw season tickey baseball on the shelf beside it. So instead of buying Mogul, I went home and did some internet research on what Season Ticket Baseball was. Of course then came the confusing period of figuring out the connection between STB and OOTP, but as soon as I figured it out and realized that OOTP could simply be downloaded and purchased off the net, I was on my way.

Whenever I get a game, my next step is always finding the definitive message board for it. Finally ended up here and started learning all I could about the game as well as tried to iron out some bugs (I have learned that OOTP cannot be run with any other programs running without crashing, which I find annoying but tolerable).

Eventually, I looked at the Dynasty Reports and was immediately hooked on yours. The reason yours was the best was (a) your writing style and (b) your commitment. So many people start a dynasty report and then stop it after a couple of years. You have done yours for a whole century of sims, so it has a certain epic scope that none other does. Who cares who the all-time home run leader is if you've simmed 2 seasons? But it's fascinating if you've simmed from the beginning of the modern era of baseball.

Anyway, just wanted you to know that these dynasty reports aren't a tree falling with no one to hear it. I read them all and check this site daily for your updates. And, as I said before, the 80's are sort of my formitive baseball period, so I'm psyched to see how things went.

[Tiger Fan]

1980 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
A natural rivalry should develop here especially with how talented each of these teams appear to be. It is the first playoff berth for the 1969 expansion Brewers while the White Sox make their third ALCS appearance in 4 years.

GAME 1 - Bart Johnson and Bill Travers meet in the opener of what should be a long series. The White Sox take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a 2-run double from Jose Ortiz but the Brewers responded with 2 runs in the second and 2 more in the third, the last 2 on a Willie Montanez homerun. Chicago ties the game with single runs in the 5th and 6th inning. It stays that way through 9. Neither team can mount a rally in the 10th inning. In the bottom of the 11th catcher Mike Colbern leads off with a double off of Brewer reliever Tom Hausman. Third baseman Fran Mullins, replacing the injured Don Money in the series, singles to score Colborn with the winning run and the White Sox take game 1 by a 5-4 score.
Mullins, a rookie who has just 3 major league games under his belt, is the hero going 3-for-6 with the game winning rbi.

GAME 2 - Dusty Baker hits a 2 run homer in the first inning and Francisco Barrios is outstanding as the White Sox go up 2-0 with a 3-2 win. Rich Gossage closes out the game for the save. Bucky Dent got the other rbi for the White Sox and had 2 hits. Moose Haas pitched well but took the loss.

GAME 3 - The series shifts north to Milwaukee. Paul Molitor drives in 3 runs as the Brewers double Chicago 6-3. A 3 run 8th inning highlighted by as bases loaded single from Ron Theobold was the difference. Jim Slaton got the win with Tom Hausman recording a save. Lamar Hoyt went the distance for Chicago but took the loss. Molitor had 3 and Robin Yount 2 of the Brewers 8 hits.

GAME 4 - The Brewers take a 4-1 lead early in the game. White Sox rookie Harold Baines cuts the Milwaukee lead to 1 with a 2 run homer off of Bart Johnson in the 4th but Gorman Thomas' solo shot in the 6th makes it 5-3 Brewers. In the 8th the White Sox rally to tie the game on rbi singles from Brian Downing and Dusty Baker.
Dan Spillner takes over from Johnson and promptly surrenders a single to Dave Parker to lead off the Milwaukee 8th. A few batters later Parker is on third with catcher Charlie Moore at the plate. Moore loops an rbi single and the Brewers lead 6-5. Tom Hausman pitches a perfect 9th for his second save and the series is tied at 2.

GAME 5 - A slugfest. Two homeruns from Fran Mullins, the first two of his major league career, stake Chicago to a 6-3 lead after 4 innings. Jerry Hairston's rbi single in the 6th makes it 7-3 but then the Brewer bats come alive. Doubles from Dave Parker and Gorman Thomas allow Milwaukee to score twice in the bottom of the 7th to make it 7-5, then 2 more runs in the 8th and the game is tied. Carlos May hits a pinch hit 2 run double in the 9th inning off of Brewer closer Tom Hausman and Chicago is back in front. With the score 9-7 White Sox the ball is handed to Goose Gossage to get the final 3 outs. It's over right? Dont count the Brewers out as Charlie Moore leads off with a double. Pinch hitter Jim Gantner grounds out but Willie Montanez singles to score Moore and make it a 1 run game. Another out is recorded but then Sixto Lezcano takes Gossage deep for a 2 run homer and the Brewers win the game 10-9 and take a 3-2 series lead.

GAME 6 - With a chance to clinch the series, the Brewers come out flat. It is all Chicago as the White Sox delight the home crowd with an 8-3 win to force a 7th game. Fran Mullins is again the star driving in 3 runs. After going 1-for-13 in his 3 career regular season games Mullin is batting .321 with 2 homers and 8 rbi in the series.

GAME 7 - For the third time in the series it is Bart Johnson against Bill Travers. Dusty Baker hits a solo homer in the bottom of the second to give Chicago the lead but Fred Lynn ties the game for Milwaukee with a third inning homer. In the top of the 6th Paul Molitor goes yard to make it 2-1 Brewers but the White Sox respond with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning. Brian Downing's 2 run double is the big blow. In the 7th Fran Mullins leads off with a double and scores on a Bucky Dent single to make it 5-2 Chicago. George Culver replaces a tiring Johnson in the 8th and, despite allowing 2 hits, escapes without any major damage done. Rich Gossage strikesout the side in the 9th and the White Sox are going back to the World Series.

Mullins caps a cinderella series for himself by winning the Series MVP award. He has now played 10 career games with all but 3 in the postseason.

Next up the NLCS.

[Tiger Fan]

1980 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
The Cincinnati Reds were back in the postseason for the first time since 1975. It was still basically the same team as the one at the end of the early 1970's dynasty. The Reds would be missing a key component of their regular season run. Mike LaCoss, the young pitcher who amazed everyone going 17-1 would be out for the series with an arm injury suffered late in the regular season. He would be available for the World Series if the Reds could get there.
Facing the veteran laden Reds was a team of playoff novices from north of the border. The Montreal Expos, like their 1969 expansion counterparts from Milwaukee, were making their first playoff appearance. In fact, not a single Expos regular had ever appeared in a postseason game.

GAME 1 - Scott Sanderson and Mario Soto engage in a pitchers duel in the opener at Riverfront. Both pitchers have no-hitters going when Rusty Staub hits a 1-out single in the top of the fourth. Two batters later Expos catcher Barry Foote blasts a home run to put Montreal ahead 2-0. Sanderson loses his no-hitter in the bottom of the fourth and then gives up a solo homer to Dan Driessen in the 5th making the game 2-1. Both pitchers are cruising along as we finish seven innings but Sanderson gets into trouble in the bottom of the 8th. Pete Rose and Dave Concepcion hit one singles to chase Sanderson. Hal Dues comes on for the Expos and gets out of the jam by getting a doubleplay ball from Ray Knight. That was as close as the Reds would come to tying the game as Expos closer Bob James pitches a 1-2-3 ninth for the save. Soto takes the loss despite allowing just 3 hits in 8 innings.

GAME 2 - A lot more offense this time as both Don Gullett and Steve Rogers struggle. The two clubs combine for 13 runs and 23 hits as Cincinnati builds a 7-4 lead and hangs on to win 7-6. Dave Concepcion homers and Dan Driessen has 3 hits and 3 rbi's to lead the Reds. Rusty Staub had 3 hits in a losing cause for Montreal. Billy McCool pitches the ninth for Cincinnati to earn his 18th career postseason save. I have not officially researched it but I am quite confident he is the alltime playoff save leader.

GAME 3 - The first playoff game ever played in Canada sends the hometown fans away happy as the Expos score four times in the first inning enroute to a 9-3 victory. Gary Carter has 3 rbi's for Montreal with Andre Dawson and Barry Foote driving in 2 each. Ernie McAnally gets the win while Ross Grimsley takes the loss.

GAME 4 - Johnny Bench and Jimmy Wynn homer as the Reds take a 7-1 lead into the ninth only to see the Expos rally as Rawly Eastwick surrenders a three run homer to Andre Dawson to make it 7-4. On comes Billy McCool to get the final 3 outs or so we think. Instead it is a scary sight as the first batter to face McCool, Ellis Valentine, rips a fastball back up the middle and it catches McCool square in the pitching hand. His finger is broken so McCool's season is over. The Reds do hang on to win the game as Manny Sarimento gets the save and the Reds even the series.

GAME 5 - The Expos take a 3-1 lead into the 8th inning thanks to some outstanding pitching from Steve Rogers. In the 8th a tiring Rogers surrenders a solo homer to Bernie Carbo so the Expos give the ball to Bob James in the ninth to protect the one run lead. Seldom used Remy Hermoso gets a pinch hit single as does Joel Youngblood and the Reds are threatening. James gets Pete Rose to pop out for the second out of the inning bringing up Ray Knight. Knight drills a double scoring both runners to give the Reds the lead 4-3. Rookie reliever Jay Howell pitches a scoreless ninth for his second major league save and the Reds have a 3-2 series lead.

GAME 6 - Ernie McAnally and Ross Grimsley keep the game scoreless through 6 innings until Andre Dawson breaks the tie with a solo homer to lead off the 7th for Montreal. Don Demola relieves McAnally and has no troubles retiring the Reds in the bottom of the 7th but things fall apart in the 8th inning. 2 hits and 2 walks have the Reds in the lead 2-1 with runners on second and third and still no one out. Denny Riddleberger takes over for Demola but a pair of sacrifice flies from pinch hitters Youngblood and Hermosa have the Reds up 4-1. Jay Howell earns his second save in as many games and the game ends 4-1 to give the Reds the series in 6.

Dan Driessen, who hit .474 and drove in 6 runs was named the series MVP.

1980 WORLD SERIES
CINCINNATI REDS VS CHICAGO WHITE SOX

For the fourth time in the HOB the Cincinnati Reds will meet the Chicago White Sox to determine the World Champion. The clubs met 3 times in the sixties, when the Reds decade of dominance was just beginning, and on all 3 occassion Cincinnati came out on top. In 1965 and 1967 it took 7 games to decide a winner while in 1968 the Reds won in six games.
The White Sox have just two World Series victories in 8 trips to the Classic, beating the Dodgers in 1963 and the Mets two years ago. This will be Cincinnati's 16th trip to the World Series. The Reds have won 8 times including 5 of their last seven since 1965.

The season the White Sox and Reds were the only teams to win at least 100 games. Both teams will be missing a key contributer for the series. The Reds will be without the greatest closer in the history of the game as Billy McCool is gone for the year with a broken finger. However, Mike LaCoss will be available to start game 3 or 4 after missing the NLCS with an injury. The White Sox will again be without third baseman Don Money, an allstar a year ago. Money broke his foot in the final week of the season so the job goes to rookie Fran Mullins, a veteran of just 3 regular season games. However, Mullins had an outstanding ALCS and was named the series MVP.

GAME 1 - Mario Soto blows out his arm in the third inning and things go from bad to worse for the Reds, who get shelled 10-1 in the opener at Comiskey. Dusty Baker homers and drives in 3 runs to pace the White Sox. Jose Ortiz, Bucky Dent and Mike Colbern each have 2 rbi's. Rookie Harold Baines gets a hit in his 8th straight postseason game.

GAME 2 - In what is believed to be the longest playoff game in the History of Baseball Replay, the Reds even the series with a 5-2 victory in an 18 inning marathon. 14 pitchers are used in the game that lasts 5 and a half hours. Remy Hermosa with a 2 run single and Dave Concepcion drive in the Reds runs in the 18th.

GAMe 3 - Bart Johnson pitches a complete game 4 hitter as the White Sox thump Cincinnati 9-3. Jorge Orta homers and drives in 3 runs for the White Sox. Jose Ortiz has 3 hits and scores 4 runs.

GAME 4 - Mike LaCoss makes his return just in time for Cincinnati. The dream season continues as LaCoss tosses 6 innings of shutout ball to help the Reds win 3-0. LaCoss has won his last 16 straight decisions. Jay Howell gets the save. Dave Concepcion has 2 rbis to lead the Reds offense. Francisco Barrios took the loss.

GAME 5 - Bruce Howard pitches 8 plus innings of shutout ball and Dan Spillner gets the final two outs as the White Sox win big 8-0. Mike Colbern hits a pair of doubles and drives in 3 runs to lead the assault on Don Gullett and the Reds.

GAME 6 - On win away from beating the Reds the White Sox do the same thing they did in 1965, come out flat and get blown out. Cincinnati wins 7-2 to force a game 7 for the third time in the 4 series between these organizations. It is a balanced attack from Cincinnati as Ron Oester, Dave Concepcion, Johnny Bench, Jimmy Wynn and Dan Driessen each have 2 hits. Ross Grimsley gets the win while Bart Johnson is the loser.

GAME 7 - The Reds give the ball to Mike LaCoss in hopes that his Cinderella season has one more game left before the clock strikes midnight. Unfortunaltey for the Reds, his pitches look as big as pumpkins to the Chicago batters - 3 runs in the first inning include a 2 run single from Harold Baines and the White Sox are off and running. By the time LaCoss is pulled in the 6th it is 6-1 Chicago and the White Sox have pounded out 13 hits. Francisco Barrios takes things into the 9th inning before giving way to Cy Acosta who gets the final two outs in a 7-1 White Sox victory.

With two wins in 3 starts and a 1.13 era Francisco Barrios adds a World Series MVP trophy to the Welch Award he won this season. What of rookie Fran Mullins, the ALCS MVP, you ask? Well Mullins started the series 0-for-14 with 5 strikeouts but finsihed 8-for-16 with 2 doubles and 2 rbi's for a respectable .267 World Series average. So I am sure we will be hearing a lot more of Mullins in the future, right. Unfortunately not. The 1980 ALCS was his one and only moment in the spotlight as Mullins did little for the rest of his career.

[alhill]

Great season. Pretty exciting playoffs and it was good to see some new faces there.

Looking forward to 1981!