Eighties to Go! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Philadelphia Phillies

The others listed already had World Series rings. The Phillies mowed the National League Eastern Division before erasing Houston in the playoffs, then the Kansas City Royals in the World Series, four games to two. The Phillies also rostered Pete Rose at first base in the season. Schmidt won his first of three MVP Awards, while Carlton won his third Cy Young Award in 1980.

Answer: Fernando Valenzuela

Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea was a 20-year old rookie from Mexico. His 13-7 record along with 180 strikeouts edged out Tim Raines of Montreal for the rookie award, and Tom Seaver of the Reds for the Cy Young by only three votes. "Fernando Mania" retired in 1997 after 17 seasons, and later became a Dodger announcer for hispanic radio/TV.

Answer: Joel Youngblood

The others would not start their careers for another seven years. On August 4th, Youngblood the New York Met, was traded after their day game to the Montreal Expos. He hustled to Philadelphia to meet up with his new Expo team for the night game. As luck would have it, he had a hit in that game too. Youngblood played for 14 seasons and retired in 1989.

Answer: Tony LaRussa

The others had passed away before 1983. The Manager of the Year Award began in 1983. Over in the National League, Dodger Tom Lasorda won the award. LaRussa won his second and third award with Oakland in 1988 and 1992. His fourth Manager of the Year Award came in 2002 for his efforts with the Cardinals.

Answer: Willie Hernandez

The others never won a Cy Young or pitched for the Tigers. Hernandez was in his eighth season of baseball, after spending his first seven with the Cubs. He appeared in three games against the Padres in the World Series and was credited with two saves. Willie finished out his career with the Tigers, retiring in 1989.

Answer: Kansas City Royals

The others were all National League teams. The Royals, led by manager Dick Howser, had a cast including Steve Balboni, Frank White, George Brett, Willie Wilson, and DH Hal McRae. Their arms included 1985 Cy Young winner, Bret Saberhagen, who went 20-6 in the season, and won two World Series games to take the WS MVP Award also. The Royals won the series, four games to three.

Answer: Mike and Greg Maddux

The others were pitching brothers, but were rookies long before the 1986 season. On September 29, Greg of the Cubs faced older brother Mike of the Phillies. The Cubs won the game 8-3. Greg went on to win four Cy Young Awards and winning over 300 games, while brother Mike, a relief pitcher, retired with a 39-37 record.

Answer: San Diego Padres

Benito hit 18 home runs and batted .300 in the 1987 season. At the age of 40 in 2005, Santiago was in his 20th season, wearing a Pittsburgh Pirate uniform.

Answer: Kirk Gibson

Tom Lasorda put Gibson in the game to pinch-hit, although he had no intentions of Kirk playing in the series. In his only appearance in the series, he hit his historical two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth in game one. This was voted as one of the most memorable World Series moments in baseball history.

The Dodgers went on to defeat Oakland, four games to one. Orel Hershiser of the Dodgers was the series MVP.

Answer: He was an umpire

A former New York state licensed boxing referee, Conlan umpired in the National League for 25 seasons. Conlan ejected 26 players in the 1941 season. Jocko worked many World Series and All-Stars games in his career. He died at the age of 89 in 1989.