HOB - 1981 Season Recap

[Tiger Fan]

1981- THE GREAT CUBS COLLAPSE
At the beginning of September the Chicago Cubs appeared ready for the first trip back to the postseason since their surprising World Series win of 1973. As late as September 1st the Cubs had a 9 game lead in the National League East over both Pittsburgh and St Louis. Early September injuries to starting pitchers Larry Gura (9-11, 5.22) and Rich Nye (7-7, 4.55) certainly did not seeem to be devasting losses. However, by the 15th of September the Pirates were 5 games back. Then with a week to play they were 3 off the pace. On the final Friday of the season the gap was 2 games. The Cubs would lose to Philadelphia that night while the Pirates would beat Montreal and it was a 1 game difference. Both the Bucs and Cubs lost on Saturday so all the Cubs needed was to beat Philadelphia on Sunday and they would win the division. It wouldnt happen. Bob Walk (8-12, 4.33) and the Phillies beat Rick Reuschall (14-11, 3.56) and the Cubs 4-1 while Pittsburgh doubled Montreal 8-4 to set up a 1 game playoff.
NL East Playoff
The Cubs gave the ball to Larry Gura, back from his arm injury, in an effort to stop the bleeding. The surging Pirates, who made up 9 games in the final month, went with Dock Ellis (12-12, 4.52). The game was scoreless until the Pirates loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth inning. National League MVP Tony Armas doubled to score Dock Ellis and Milt May. May had singled, marking the 26th straight game he has hit safely in.
Ellis may have been winded from his time spent on the basepaths in the fifth or he may just have got careless, allowing a 2 out bloop single by Oscar Gamble followed by a 2 run homer from Joe Wallis that tied the game in the top of the 6th. The game entered the ninth inning still tied at 2. Pirates reliever Rod Scurry retired the Cubs in order in the top of the ninth. Lee Smith would attempt to do the same to the Pirates in the bottom of the inning. Smith took care of the leadoff man, Darrell Evans, but then he walked pinch hitter Ron Blomberg. Max Leon relieved Smith while speedster Omar Moreno pinch ran for Blomberg. Johnny Ray topped a slow roller down the third base line so Cubs 3B Bob Bailey had only one play. He retired Ray at first but Moreno moved into scoring position. The next batter, Tony Pena, who entered the game in the top of the ninth at first base, ripped a single to score Moreno and the Cubs season was done - Pittsburgh takes the NL East for the first time since 1975.

The Pirates had the best offense in the National League, led by MVP and league batting champ Tony Armas (.330,25,103), Dwight Evans (.268,17,94), Darrell Evans (.258,27,107) and catcher Milt May (.302,26,94). Bob Moose (17-7, 2.45) was named the league's top pitcher. He anchored a rotation that also included second year man Pascual Perez (14-7, 3.62) and Rick Langford (12-10, 4.14). Al Holland had 38 saves.

The Cubs relied on 1979 MVP Joe Wallis (.320,20,92) and John Mayberry (.282,26,101) for most of their offense. Oscar Gamble (.319,17,86), Mel Hall (.315,9,47) and Bob Bailey (.278,9,70) also played an important role. The bullpen was the strength of their staff with setup men Willie Hernadez (4-3, 4.45), Bruce Sutter (8-1, 2.95), Bill Caudill (5-2, 2.43) and Lee Smith (5-3, 2.85) plus closer Max Leon (3.65, 40 sv). Unfortunately, Leon and Smith couldnt do the job in the final game.

Like last season when they finished a game back of division winning Montreal, the St Louis Cardinals came up just short. Steve Carlton (18-7, 3.41) had the best season of his career. Keith Hernandez (.327,10,86) and Ken Griffey (.299,16,83) also had strong seasons.

Rookie of the Year Ryne Sandberg (.254,14,64) helped Philadelphia improve to fourth place. Ron Jackson (.290,12,80) came over from the Yankees in April to replace the aging Dick Allen at first base. Mike Schmidt (.248,23,69) had an off year. The Expos crashed down to earth going from first place a year ago to fourth. Only pitcher Ernie McAnally (11-10, 3.76) and aging outfielder Rusty Staub (.259,11,53) had a big drop in production. Andre Dawson (.301,19, 86), Larry Parrish (.273,18,86) and Gary Carter (.255,21,76) also played key roles. The last place Mets had the NL's lowest era but also it's lowest batting average. Tom Seaver (15-12, 3.30), Nolan Ryan (12-12, 3.33) and Billy Wynne (14-11, 2.91) did not get much offensive support except from outfielders Dave Schneck (.309,19,70) and Lee Mazzilli (.327,12,52).

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
Defending champion Cincinnati dropped to fourth opening the door for San Francisco to take the division for the third time in 4 years. The Giants won despite not having a pitcher with more than 11 victories. Steve Stone (11-9, 3.75) and Jim Barr (11-4, 2.65) led the way. Tony Conigliaro (.293,26,106) and Jack Clark (.282,24,91) provided the offense.
The Astros finished a surprising second behind the pitching of Scipio Spinks (15-10, 2.76), Doung Konieczny (15-9, 3.86) and JR Richard (15-10, 3.67) along with hitters Joe Lahoud (.281,20,93) and Tony Horton (.303,16,80). Los Angeles was tied with Houston thanks to Nate Colbert (.293,28,89), Bill Madlock (.278,20,83), Dave Parker (.303,15,109), Jeffrey Leonard (.271,20,106) and pitchers Bob Welch (15-9, 3.48) and Don Sutton (15-10, 3.13).
Even outstanding seasons from Jimmy Wynn (.268,31,115) and Bernie Carbo (.324,20,105) could not keep the Reds from falling to fourth. The Padres finished fifth. Dave Winfield (.283,27,94) was their big star. In last place for the 6th straight time it was Atlanta. The pitiful pitching staff was too bad for the bats of Bob Horner (.268,28,101), Brian Asselstine (.333,16,76), Dale Murphy (.245,25,79) and Earl Williams (.245,22,82) to overcome.

 National Standings :

  (Name                  W   L   PCT    GB   AVG  ERA)

   East Division

   Pittsburgh           92  71  .564    --  .284  3.94 

   Chicago (N)          91  72  .558     1  .264  4.11 

   St. Louis            89  73  .549   2.5  .289  3.86 

   Philadelphia         75  87  .463  16.5  .264  4.14 

   Montreal             75  87  .463  16.5  .258  3.89 

   New York(N)          71  91  .438  20.5  .251  3.63 

   West Division

   San Francisco        91  71  .562    --  .268  3.87 

   Houston              85  77  .525     6  .269  3.79 

   Los Angeles          85  77  .525     6  .270  3.86 

   Cincinnati           81  81  .500    10  .270  4.11 

   San Diego            76  86  .469    15  .277  4.26 

   Atlanta              62 100  .383    29  .259  4.88 



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BATTING LEADERS

 

  TOP 10 in BATTING AVG :

   .330  Tony Armas(PIT,N)

   .328  Craig Reynolds(PIT,N)

   .327  Keith Hernandez(SLN)

   .324  Bernie Carbo(CIN,N)

   .322  Danny Heep(HOU)

   .320  Joe Wallis(CHN)

   .317  Dan Driessen(CIN,N)

   .309  Dave Schneck(NYN,N)

   .308  Ed Goodson(MIN SDN)

   .303  Dave Parker(MIL LAN)

 

  TOP 10 in HOMERUNS :

   31  Jimmy Wynn(CIN)

   28  Bob Horner(ATL,N)

   28  Nate Colbert(LAN,N)

   27  Darrell Evans(PIT,N)

   27  Dave Winfield(SDN)

   26  Milt May(PIT,N)

   26  John Mayberry(CHN)

   26  Tony Conigliaro(SFN,N)

   25  Dale Murphy(ATL)

   25  Tony Armas(PIT,N)

 

  TOP 10 in RBI :

   115  Jimmy Wynn(CIN)

   109  Dave Parker(MIL LAN)

   107  Darrell Evans(PIT,N)

   106  Jeffrey Leonard(LAN)

   106  Tony Conigliaro(SFN,N)

   105  Bernie Carbo(CIN,N)

   103  Tony Armas(PIT,N)

   101  Bob Horner(ATL,N)

   101  John Mayberry(CHN)

   94  Milt May(PIT,N)

 

  TOP 10 in Doubles :

   43  Tony Armas(PIT,N)

   41  Dwight Evans(PIT)

   38  Tim Foli(NYN)

   38  Ed Goodson(MIN SDN)

   38  Larry Parrish(MON)

   36  Wayne Nordhagen(SDN)

   35  Tony Horton(HOU)

   34  Brian Asselstine(ATL)

   34  Nate Colbert(LAN,N)

   33  Ron Oester(CIN)

 

  TOP 10 in Triples :

   8  Tony Armas(PIT,N)

   8  Ron Washington(LAN)

   6  Dave Parker(MIL LAN)

   6  Ryne Sandberg( PHI)

   6  Oscar Gamble(CHN)

   5  Ozzie Smith(SDN)

   5  Dave Bergman(NYA NYN)

   5  Tito Fuentes(LAN)

   5  Brian Asselstine(ATL)

   5  Tom Herr(SLN)

 

  TOP 10 in Runs :

   113  Ivan Dejesus(SFN)

   108  Nate Colbert(LAN,N)

   103  Dave Winfield(SDN)

   101  Milt May(PIT,N)

   99  Bill Madlock(LAN)

   98  Craig Reynolds(PIT,N)

   98  Joe Wallis(CHN)

   97  Tony Conigliaro(SFN,N)

   97  Oscar Gamble(CHN)

   96  Keith Hernandez(SLN)

 

  TOP 10 in Stolen Bases :

   45  Ivan Dejesus(SFN)

   44  Dave Concepcion(CIN)

   40  John Wathan(CHN)

   40  Larry Lintz(MON,N)

   40  Dave Winfield(SDN)

   38  Sandy Alomar(SDN)

   37  Tom Herr(SLN)

   32  Ryne Sandberg( PHI)

   28  Ozzie Smith(SDN)

   26  Oscar Gamble(CHN)

 

  TOP 10 in BB's :

   95  Tony Horton(HOU)

   89  Mike Schmidt(PHI)

   86  Bernie Carbo(CIN,N)

   86  Jack Clark(SFN)

   84  Rusty Staub(MON)

   83  Joe Wallis(CHN)

   80  Ivan Dejesus(SFN)

   77  Jimmy Wynn(CIN)

   74  Derrel Thomas(CHN)

   73  Dwight Evans(PIT)

 

  TOP 10 in Strikeouts :

   172  Mike Schmidt(PHI)

   149  George Foster(SFN)

   144  Nate Colbert(LAN,N)

   142  Jim Williams(SFN)

   141  Dale Murphy(ATL)

   133  Gary Matthews(ATL)

   129  Jeffrey Leonard(LAN)

   124  Dave Kingman(SDN,N)

   123  Larry Parrish(MON)

   120  Dave Winfield(SDN)

 

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

  PITCHING LEADERS

 

  TOP 10 in ERA :

   2.45  Bob Moose (PIT,N)

   2.65  Jim Barr (SFN,N)

   2.76  Scipio Spinks (HOU)

   2.91  Billy Wynne (NYN,N)

   3.12  Tom Underwood (PHI)

   3.13  Don Sutton (LAN)

   3.23  Don Gullett (CIN)

   3.24  John Denny (SLN)

   3.29  Clay Kirby (SDN)

   3.30  Tom Seaver (NYN)

 

  TOP 10 in WINS :

   18  Steve Carlton (SLN)

   17  Bob Moose (PIT,N)

   15  J.R. Richard (HOU)

   15  Don Sutton (LAN)

   15  Bob Welch (LAN,N)

   15  Scipio Spinks (HOU)

   15  John Denny (SLN)

   15  Doug Konieczny (HOU)

   15  Tom Underwood (PHI)

   15  Tom Seaver (NYN)

 

  TOP 10 in LOSSES :

   17  Joaquin Andujar (HOU)

   16  Mike Scott (NYN)

   16  Tony Brizzolara (ATL)

   16  Joe Mcintosh (SDN)

   15  Doug Rau (LAN)

   15  Larry Christenson (PHI)

   15  Nelson Briles (SLN)

   15  Steve Rogers (MON)

   14  Mike Caldwell (SDN)

   14  Al Santorini (ATL)

 

  TOP 10 in SAVES :

   43  Greg Minton (SFN)

   40  Max Leon (CHN)

   38  Al Holland (PIT)

   37  Kevin Saucier (PHI)

   37  Steve Howe (LAN)

   36  Reggie Cleveland (SDN)

   35  Bob James (MON)

   32  Billy Mccool (CIN,N)

   27  Cecil Upshaw (ATL,N)

   27  Tug Mcgraw (NYN)

 

  TOP 10 in COMPLETE GAMES :

   10  Steve Carlton (SLN)

   10  Tom Seaver (NYN)

   8  J.R. Richard (HOU)

   8  Bob Moose (PIT,N)

   7  Doug Rau (LAN)

   7  Scipio Spinks (HOU)

   7  Mike Caldwell (SDN)

   6  Steve Rogers (MON)

   6  Rick Langford (PIT)

   6  Don Gullett (CIN)

 

  TOP 10 in SHUTOUTS :

   4  Scipio Spinks (HOU)

   4  Bob Moose (PIT,N)

   2  Steve Carlton (SLN)

   2  J.R. Richard (HOU)

   2  Doug Rau (LAN)

   2  Tom Seaver (NYN)

   2  Jim Barr (SFN,N)

   2  John Montefusco (SFN)

   2  Rick Langford (PIT)

   2  Don Gullett (CIN)

 

  TOP 10 in K's :

   271  Nolan Ryan (NYN)

   230  Doug Rau (LAN)

   219  Bob Moose (PIT,N)

   219  Steve Carlton (SLN)

   213  Mike Caldwell (SDN)

   202  John Candelaria (PIT)

   202  Mario Soto (CIN)

   201  Steve Stone (SFN)

   199  Larry Mcwilliams (ATL)

   198  J.R. Richard (HOU)

 

  TOP 10 in BB's :

   96  Wade Blasingame (ATL)

   94  Charlie Hough (LAN)

   90  Nolan Ryan (NYN)

   90  Eric Show ( SDN)

   86  Steve Stone (SFN)

   83  Bob Walk (PHI)

   82  Bob Welch (LAN,N)

   79  Tom Underwood (PHI)

   77  Larry Mcwilliams (ATL)

   77  Billy Wynne (NYN,N)

Next up the American League Recap.

[ December 19, 2001: Message edited by: Tiger Fan ]

[Tiger Fan]

Athletics Dominate American League
Everything went right for the Oakland Athletics in 1981. The A's won a league best 105 games and improved a full 24 games on their 1980 total. The 105 wins was one off of the franchise record set in 1969 and gave the A's their first division title since 1975.
Reggie Jackson (.293,34,103), Steve Garvey (.303,22,106) and Ken Singleton (.304,22,90) were mashing the ball while the Oakland pitching staff was the stingiest in the American League. Vida Blue (18-11,3.86), Jim Nash (17-12, 3.47) and Rollie Fingers (49 sv, 2.41) had their usual strong seasons but the big surprise was Alan Wirth (18-6, 3.95). In his 4th major league season, the 24 year old cut his era nearly in half from last season and virtually reversed his 5-17 record of a year ago.
Despite the pitching of Welch Award winner Rudy May (16-7, 2.95) and Ed Figueroa (16-6, 3.44), the California Angels finished a distant second. Charlie Spikes (.357,12,93) and Ken Landreaux (.325,17,112) each had career years.
Injuries decimated the White Sox pitching staff as the club dropped from 111 wins a year ago to 89 this season. Last years top pitcher Francisco Barrios (13-6, 3.00) missed over a month. Bart Johnson (3-9, 4.70) hurt his arm in April and then was lost for the season in July. Lamarr Hoyt (3-3, 5.28), Ken Kravac (8-5, 4.80), Britt Burns (12-11, 4.67) and Rich Gossage (29 sv) also missed extensive time. The situation got so bad that the White Sox had 4 pitchers disabled in July, forcing them to deal last years rookie of the year Harold Baines to Texas for veteran starter Joe Coleman (15-10, 3.32). Chet Lemon (.281,13,82) stepped up nicely to replace Baines. Dusty Baker (.315,25,92), Brian Downing (.295,19,99), Jorge Orta (.349,19,90), Don Money (.291,25,127) and Lamar Johnson (.279,8,60) gave the White Sox plenty of offense.
Offense was not a problem in Kansas City as batting champ Jose Cruz (.359,15,86), Clint Hurdle (.333,14,90), George Brett (.302,18,92), Al Cowens (.315,10,93), Frank White (.290,23,88) and Reggie Smith (.306,41,144) generated plenty of runs. The pitching staff was awful though, as only Dennis Leonard (16-10, 4.54) managed a winning record among the starters. Dan Quisenberry had 36 saves but received little help in the pen.
The emergence of rookie of the year Kent Hrbek (.301,32,130) allowed the Twins to deal Ed Goodson to San Diego for outfielder Bill Buckner (.326,14,108). Rod Carew (.352,4,60), catcher Ed Putman (.276,17,66) and Lyman Bostock (.284,8,66) were also prominent.
After a brief moment of optimism in Texas when the Rangers finished in second place last year, it was back to old times. They did add a future superstar in 22 year old Harold Baines (.311,22,90) but the deal cost them their best pitcher. Infielders Greg Pryor (.286,20,95), Roy Smalley (.301,11,58) and Vic Harris (.340,16,79) played well while outfielder Greg Luzinski (.297,21,97) had the best season of his career in his first full year out of Philadelphia.
The Mariners are regressing, losing a franchise worst 114 games. The pitching staff just plain sucks. Dave Freisleben (3-20, 11.10) likely had the worst season ever by a pitcher. Pete Redfern (6-18, 6.76) and Mike Parrott (10-18, 7.18) didnt fare much better. In contrast rookie Bud Black (13-16, 4.58) must have looked like Cliff Markle. Rowland Office (.358, 6,59) nearly won the batting title while rookie Dave Henderson (.252,22,74) looks promising.

Brewers Take East Again
For the second year in a row the Milwaukee Brewers were the class of the American League East Division finishing 5 games ahead of second place Detroit.
American League MVP Fred Lynn (.328,35,136) led an offense that more than made up for weak pitching. Gorman Thomas (.256,36,114), Paul Molitor (.354,14,94), Ron Theobold (.316,15,72) and Charlie Moore (.305,7,76) were the other key hitters. Pedro Guerrero (.285,20,81) was added in a midseason trade that sent Dave Parker to Los Angeles. A career year from Gary Ryerson (15-7, 3.75) was the best among the pitching staff. The rotation also included Bill Travers (14-11, 5.05), Jim Slaton (12-9, 5.01) and Larry Sorenson (13-10, 4.78)
Detroit finished second as the Tigers were led by Dave Rozema (15-11, 4.22), Kirk Gibson (.319,17,71), John Wockenfuss (.297,13,85), Toby Harrah (.315,21,100), Jeff Burroughs (.267,18,96) and Leon Roberts (.266,27,92).
Steve Kline (17-10, 3.75) and Ron Guidry (15-14, 4.68) helped the Yankees to a third place finish. Damaso Garcia (.288,25,81) became a power threat in his 4th season. Thurman Munson (.324,18,96), Otto Velez (.341,18,98), Bobby Murcer (.293,16,81) and Dave Revering (.288,14,93) also contributed.
The Blue Jays finished 4th for the second year in a row. The future looks good with a young rotation that includes Dave Stieb (12-13, 3.90), Jim Clancy (10-13, 5.52), Silvio Martinez (9-9, 4.98) and Mark Lemongello (12-7, 5.80). Closer Victor Cruz (2.51, 43 sv) had another outstanding year. George Bell (.287,11,79) is a rookie to watch.
In Baltimore, most of the talk centered around rookie shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. (.269,22,114). First baseman Eddie Murray (.315,24,112) had a career year. Dennis Martinez (17-14, 4.74) was the best of a weak staff. John Tudor (17-10, 4.26) returned to his rookie of the year form from 2 years ago but injuries dropped Boston from second place to 6th. Al Oliver (.361,24,111) had a monster year for the Sox.
Guess where Cleveland finished. Joe Charbonneau (.257,7,47) was anything but super in his second season. Barry Bonds (.253,29,97) and Carlton Fisk (.297,22,86) did get some offensive help from Mike Cubbage (.334,10,81) and Leron Lee (.354,10,76). Dennis Eckersley (12-9, 3.66) pitched well. Tommy John (4-20, 8.69) didnt.

 American Standings :

  (Name                  W   L   PCT    GB   AVG  ERA)

   East Division

   Milwaukee            92  70  .568    --  .303  4.60 

   Detroit              87  75  .537     5  .290  4.60 

   New York (A)         85  77  .525     7  .284  4.30 

   Toronto              82  80  .506    10  .272  4.80 

   Baltimore            81  81  .500    11  .287  5.46 

   Boston               79  83  .488    13  .293  5.26 

   Cleveland            75  87  .463    17  .285  4.77 

   West Division

   Oakland             105  57  .648    --  .292  3.83 

   California           92  70  .568    13  .298  4.45 

   Chicago (A)          89  73  .549    16  .294  4.09 

   Kansas City          76  86  .469    29  .294  5.48 

   Minnesota            76  86  .469    29  .283  4.79 

   Texas                67  95  .414    38  .289  4.80 

   Seattle              48 114  .296    57  .280  6.19 



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

  BATTING LEADERS

 

  TOP 10 in BATTING AVG :

   .359  Jose Cruz(KCA)

   .358  Rowland Office(SEA)

   .357  Charlie Spikes(CAL)

   .354  Leron Lee(CLE)

   .354  Paul Molitor(MIL,A)

   .349  Jorge Orta(CHA,A)

   .343  Cecil Cooper(BOS)

   .341  Otto Velez(NYA)

   .340  Vic Harris(TEX)

   .334  Mike Cubbage(CLE)

 

  TOP 10 in HOMERUNS :

   41  Reggie Smith(KCA,A)

   36  Gorman Thomas(MIL)

   35  Fred Lynn(MIL,A)

   34  Reggie Jackson(OAK)

   34  Ben Oglivie(BOS,A)

   32  Kent Hrbek( MIN,A)

   29  Doug Decinces(BAL)

   29  Bobby Bonds(CLE)

   27  Leon Roberts(DET)

   25  Don Money(CHA)

 

  TOP 10 in RBI :

   144  Reggie Smith(KCA,A)

   136  Fred Lynn(MIL,A)

   130  Kent Hrbek( MIN,A)

   127  Don Money(CHA)

   115  Ben Oglivie(BOS,A)

   114  Cal Ripken jr.( BAL,A)

   114  Gorman Thomas(MIL)

   112  Ken Landreaux(CAL)

   112  Eddie Murray(BAL,A)

   111  Al Oliver(BOS)

 

  TOP 10 in Doubles :

   55  Jose Ortiz(CHA)

   50  Joe Rudi(OAK,A)

   49  Fred Lynn(MIL,A)

   48  George Brett(KCA,A)

   41  Cecil Cooper(BOS)

   41  Reggie Smith(KCA,A)

   39  Paul Molitor(MIL,A)

   39  Ken Singleton(OAK)

   39  Kevin Pasley(SEA)

   37  Ken Landreaux(CAL)

 

  TOP 10 in Triples :

   9  Jose Ortiz(CHA)

   7  Leron Lee(CLE)

   6  Mike Colbern(CHA)

   6  Dickie Thon(CAL)

   6  Lyman Bostock(MIN)

   6  Al Oliver(BOS)

   6  Dave Revering(NYA)

   5  George Bell( TOR)

   5  Damaso Garcia(NYA)

   5  Mike Cubbage(CLE)

 

  TOP 10 in Runs :

   128  Fred Lynn(MIL,A)

   119  Reggie Smith(KCA,A)

   118  Kent Hrbek( MIN,A)

   116  Toby Harrah(DET)

   112  Jose Cruz(KCA)

   109  Damaso Garcia(NYA)

   108  Ken Landreaux(CAL)

   108  Cecil Cooper(BOS)

   108  Jose Ortiz(CHA)

   105  Reggie Jackson(OAK)

 

  TOP 10 in Stolen Bases :

   61  Jose Cruz(KCA)

   45  Garry Maddox(NYA)

   44  U.l. Washington(KCA)

   42  Paul Molitor(MIL,A)

   40  Damaso Garcia(NYA)

   40  Larry Bowa(MIN)

   40  Bill Sample(TEX)

   40  Mickey Rivers(CAL)

   36  Al Bumbry(BAL)

   33  Reggie Smith(KCA,A)

 

  TOP 10 in BB's :

   100  Vic Harris(TEX)

   88  Brian Downing(CHA)

   87  Fred Lynn(MIL,A)

   85  Frank White(KCA)

   84  Rowland Office(SEA)

   82  Reggie Jackson(OAK)

   81  Reggie Smith(KCA,A)

   80  Jeff Burroughs(DET)

   79  Dusty Baker(CHA)

   77  Mike Cubbage(CLE)

 

  TOP 10 in Strikeouts :

   168  Gorman Thomas(MIL)

   147  Reggie Jackson(OAK)

   140  Jamie Quirk(KCA)

   132  Bobby Bonds(CLE)

   123  Greg Luzinski(TEX)

   119  Mike Colbern(CHA)

   118  Leon Roberts(DET)

   116  George Brett(KCA,A)

   115  Otto Velez(NYA)

   114  Jim Rice(BOS)

 

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

  PITCHING LEADERS

 

  TOP 10 in ERA :

   2.83  Dave Goltz (MIN)

   2.95  Rudy May (CAL,A)

   3.00  Francisco Barrios (CHA)

   3.28  Mike Norris (OAK)

   3.32  Joe Coleman (TEX CHA)

   3.44  Ed Figueroa (CAL)

   3.47  Jim Nash (OAK,A)

   3.66  Dennis Eckersley (CLE)

   3.72  Stan Bahnsen (NYA)

   3.75  Steve Kline (NYA,A)

 

  TOP 10 in WINS :

   18  Alan Wirth (OAK)

   18  Vida Blue (OAK,A)

   17  Dennis Martinez (BAL)

   17  Steve Kline (NYA,A)

   17  John Tudor (BOS)

   17  Jim Nash (OAK,A)

   16  Dennis Leonard (KCA,A)

   16  Rudy May (CAL,A)

   16  Ed Figueroa (CAL)

   15  Dave Rozema (DET)

 

  TOP 10 in LOSSES :

   20  Dave Freisleben (SEA)

   20  Tommy John (CLE)

   18  Mike Parrott (SEA)

   18  Pete Redfern (SEA)

   17  Scott Mcgregor (BAL)

   17  Len Barker (TEX)

   16  Bud Black ( SEA)

   16  Dick Bosman (TEX)

   16  Roger Erickson (MIN)

   15  Paul Splittorff (KCA)

 

  TOP 10 in SAVES :

   49  Rollie Fingers (OAK,A)

   43  Victor Cruz (TOR,A)

   38  Dave Righetti (NYA)

   37  Sparky Lyle (BOS)

   36  Dan Quisenberry (KCA)

   30  Dave Laroche (CAL)

   29  Don Stanhouse (TEX)

   29  Rich Gossage (CHA)

   25  Bob Apodaca (BAL)

   25  Tom Johnson (MIN)

 

  TOP 10 in COMPLETE GAMES :

   16  Dave Goltz (MIN)

   15  Dave Rozema (DET)

   12  Jim Nash (OAK,A)

   12  Dick Bosman (TEX)

   10  Danny Darwin (TEX)

   10  Jack Morris (DET)

   9  Mark Fidrych (DET)

   9  Len Barker (TEX)

   8  Jim Slaton (MIL)

   8  Tom Bradley (CAL)

 

  TOP 10 in SHUTOUTS :

   3  Bill Travers (MIL)

   3  Tom Bradley (CAL)

   3  Ron Guidry (NYA)

   3  Rudy May (CAL,A)

   2  Joe Coleman (TEX CHA)

   2  Francisco Barrios (CHA)

   2  Dennis Leonard (KCA,A)

   2  Steve Kline (NYA,A)

   2  Ken Kravec (CHA)

   2  Stan Bahnsen (NYA)

 

  TOP 10 in K's :

   243  Joe Coleman (TEX CHA)

   229  Steve Kline (NYA,A)

   185  Len Barker (TEX)

   174  Paul Moskau (TOR)

   152  Dave Boswell (MIN)

   151  Jim Nash (OAK,A)

   147  Vida Blue (OAK,A)

   144  Frank Tanana (CAL)

   139  Dave Stieb (TOR)

   138  Steve Busby (BOS)

 

  TOP 10 in BB's :

   112  Steve Dunning (CLE)

   111  John Miller (KCA)

   107  Dave Boswell (MIN)

   105  Sam Mcdowell (KCA)

   96  Frank Tanana (CAL)

   94  Eric Wilkins (CLE)

   88  Vida Blue (OAK,A)

   88  Dave Freisleben (SEA)

   88  Tommy John (CLE)

   85  Darrell Jackson (MIN)

1981 MISC. NOTES
The American League batting race was the tighest in memory as just .005 seperated the top 5 hitters.

ALLSTAR GAME Kansas City outfielder Reggie Smith hit a 3 run homer off of Pittsburgh's Bob Moose in the first inning as the American League breezed to a 7-2 victory in the 1981 Midseason Classic. Smith, who had 3 hits and 4 rbi's was named the game's MVP. Milwaukee's Fred Lynn also had 3 hits while Minnesota rookie Kent Hrbek had a pair of hits. Only Pittsburgh shortstop Craig Reynolds managed more than one hit for the National Leaguers. Oakland's Jim Nash got the win with teammate Rollie Fingers and Toronto closer Victor Cruz pitching well in relief. Moose was tagged with the loss.

Bosley's streak On August 7th California's Thad Bosley tied Rod Carew's 1975 record of hitting safely in 38 straight games. Bosley went 1-for-4 with a 7th inning single of Milwaukee reliever Kevin Kobel to keep the streak alive. It ended the next day as Moose Haas and 2 Brewer relievers held Bosley off the basepaths. The major league record remains at 38 games and is now shared by Bosley and Carew.

MILESTONES
Speaking of Carew, the Minnesota infielder got his 3000th career hit in June. It was a triple off of Kansas City reliever Jim York.

Other milestones: 4 players notched their 2000th career hit this season. They are: Tony Perez Mets, Thurman Munson Yankees, Cecil Cooper Boston, George Foster San Francisco

MAY NO-HITTER
California's Rudy May pitched the second no-hitter of his career when he blanked Seattle 2-0 on June 29th. Only a walk to second baseman Bob Sheldon spoilled the perfect game. May threw his first no-hitter in 1975 against Baltimore.

THE RECORD BOOK

Kansas City's Jose Cruz set a new American League stolen base record by swiping 61 bags this season. He broke Baltimore's Frank Tavaras' mark of 52 set in 1978. Lou Brock still holds the major league record of 72. He set it with the Cubs in 1971.

Minnesota rookie Kent Hrbek broke a 51 year old record by driving in 130 runs this season. The previous best for a rookie was 128 set by the White Sox Smead Jolley in 1930. Chcuk Klein of the Phillies owns the major league rookie mark. He drove in 142 in his Triple Crown rookie season of 1928.

Bucky Dent of the White Sox tied the record for most at bats in an extra inning game when he had 11 on April 19th. Craig Reynolds was the last player to have 11 at bats. The Pittsburgh infielder did it in 1978. The last American Leaguer before Dent was Willie Montanez of California in 1968.

MAJOR TRADES OF 1981
In April San Diego sent outfielder Bill Buckner to Minnesota for 1B Ed Goodson. Rookie Kent Hrbek made Goodson expendable.

In July Texas dealt their only reliable starter in veteran Joe Coleman to the White Sox for OF Harold Baines, OF Leo Sutherland and 3B Fran Mullins. The White Sox pitching staff was riddled with injury so they had to give up a potential superstar in the 22 year old Baines. How soon they forget. 1980 ALCS MVP Fran Mullins is run out of the Windy City.

In July Milwaukee deals outfielder Dave Parker to Los Angeles for 1B Pedro Guerrero. Likely means the end of Willie Montanez in Milwaukee. Guerrero was expendable for LA with Nate Colbert at first base.

In July Pittsburgh sends 3B Richie Hebner to Houston for P Ken Forsch and OF Derek Bryant. Hebner has been unhappy in Pittsburgh ever since Darrell Evans arrived in town 5 years ago. He will start in Houston and is a big improvement on Wayne Krenchicki, who was playing everyday for the Astros now that Bob Aspromonte has reached the end of the line. Forsch may not crack the Pirates rotation but will add depth to their staff. The Pirates then moved Manny Sanguillen and Bryant to San Francisco for middle reliever Terry Cornutt.

Derek Bryant never played a game in the HOB but he was well travelled.
Here is his transaction history:
1979 - April 23 traded with 1B Dave Revering from Oakland to Baltimore for P Bill Dillman.
1981 - June 15th traded from Baltimore to Houston with 3B Wayne Krenchicki for P Tom Dixon
1981 - July 29th traded from Houston to Pittsburgh with P Ken Forsch for 3B Richie Hebner.
1981 - July 30th traded from Pittsburgh to San Francisco with C Manny Sanguillen for P Terry Cornutt.

He must of got sick of the moving because he retired at the end of the 1981 season. Bryant never played above AA in the HOB. In real life the OF batted .179 in 39 games for the 1979 Oakland A's.

[ December 21, 2001: Message edited by: Tiger Fan ]

[Tiger Fan]

1981 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS vs PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Giants make their 4th appearance in the NLCS in the past 6 years. San Francisco won just once, in 1979, but lost to California in the World Series. The Giants last World Series victory came in 1969. The only previous time they won it all was in 1951.
The Pirates enter the postseason on a roll after catching the Cubs on the final day of the regular season and winning the NL East tiebreaker. It is Pittsburgh's first trip back to the postseason since 1975 when they lost the NLCS to Cincinnati. Prior to that the Pirates had not been to the postseason since 1962 when they lost to Baltimore in the World Series. Pittsburgh has won 4 World Championships - in 1933, 1936, 1945 and 1946.
It will be the first ever postseason meeting between the two franchises.

GAME 1 - The hometown crowd has Three Rivers rocking as the Pirates continue to roll, dropping San Francisco 4-1 in the opener. Bob Watson hits a 2 run homer and Craig Reynolds scores the other 3 runs to lead the Bucs offense. Catcher Milt May gets an rbi single and going back to the regular season he has now hit safely in 27 straight games. Bob Moose outduels Jim Barr for the win with Al Holland getting the save.

GAME 2 - Just like game 1, the Pirates win 4-1. Dwight Evans hits a 2 run homer in the first inning off Giants starter Jim Merritt and Rick Langford makes it stand up. Al Holland gets Langford out of a jam in the ninth for his second save. Tony Conigliaro hits a solo homer for the Giants run.

GAMe 3 - We shift west but the result is the same. The Pirates take a 3-0 series lead with a 4-3 victory. All the Pittsburgh runs come off Giants starter Steve Stone in the fourth inning. Tony Armas hits a 2 run double to key the rally. Dock Ellis goes 7 plus innings for the win. Al Holland survives a scare in the ninth, allowing 1 run, but hangs on for his third straight save.

GAME 4 - Barr and Moose hook up in a terrific pitchers duel. Jack Clark hits a 2-run double in the bottom of the fifth to give the Giants the lead. It stays 2-0 until the ninth when Armas drives in Reynolds with a single to make it 2-1. A tiring Barr is relieved by Greg Minton, who gets the final out to preserve the 2-1 victory as the Giants avoid the sweep. May's hitting streak comes to an end.

GAME 5 - The Giants score 3 times in the first off Rick Langford but Pittsburgh scratches back with single runs in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings to tie the game. However, in the bottom of the 8th George Foster hits an rbi double to snap the tie and Minton pitches a perfect ninth inning. The Giants are back in business trailing the series 3-2 as we return to Pittsburgh for Game 6.

GAME 6 - At the end of 8 innings Milt May and Ivan Dejesus each have 2 rbi's as the game is deadlocked at 2. Starters Pascual Perez and Steve Stone both give way to the bullpen. Bill Grief takes over on the mound for the Pirates. A walk to Joe Strain and a single from Dejesus and Grief is gone. Al Holland is called on to put out the fire. It doesnt work as Denny Walling and Jack Clark each deliver rbi singles and the Giants have a 4-2 lead. Greg Minton retires the Bucs without incident in the ninth and sets the stage for Game 7.

GAME 7 - Has it struck midnight on the Pirates Cinderella season? The Bucs have blown a 3-0 series lead but do have the luxury of home field for the deciding game. Jim Barr and Bob Moose will meet for the third time in the series with each winning a game. The Giants strike first as second baseman Joe Strain drives in 2 runs in the top of the second inning. The Pirates get one back in the bottom of the second when Bob Watson's rbi single scores Ron Blomberg. In the third Tony Armas leads off with a double and scores on a single from Blomberg to tie the game. Blomberg drives in another run in the fifth and the Pirates lead 3-2. Moose is cruising along for the Pirates, having allowed just 1 hit since the Giants scored those second inning runs. In the 7th inning Darrell Evans adds an insurance run with an rbi double. Moose completes 8 innings allowing just 2 runs and 5 hits before turning the ball over to Al Holland. Holland allows 2 runners to reach base for the Giants before striking out pinch hitters Chili Davis and Bob Brenly to end the game and the series.

With saves in all 4 Pirates victories Al Holland is named the series co-MVP. He shares the award with shortstop Craig Reynolds. The Pittsburgh leadoff man batted .423 and scored 8 runs in the series.

Next up the ALCS.

[Tiger Fan]

1981 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
OAKLAND ATHLETICS vs MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Brewers are making their second straight postseason appearance, and the second in franchise history. Milwaukee lost the ALCS to Chicago in 7 games last year.
The Oakland Athletics dominated the AL West in it's early days, winning 6 times in the first 8 years of division play but this will be the A's first meaningful games in October since 1975. Oakland won it all that season and also were World Champions in 1970. In all, the Athletics franchise has 5 World Series Trophies, with the first 3 coming while the club was based in Philadelphia.

GAME 1 - The series gets underway in Oakland as Vida Blue faces Bill Travers. It is scoreless through 7 as each pitcher has yielded just 4 hits. With 1 out in the bottom of the 8th Travers allows a single to Ken Singleton. Travers is tiring so the Brewers go to the pen and call on setup man Gary Beare. Jeff Cox pinch runs for Singleton and takes third base on a hit from Rich Aurebach. Pinch hitter Claudell Washington and first baseman Steve Garvey follow with rbi singles before Beare settles down. However, the damage is done as the A's lead 2-0 with the Brewers down to their final 3 outs. Blue allows a lead off single to Ron Theobold to start the ninth but he retires Pedro Guerrero. With the ever dangerous Gorman Thomas up next the A's take no chances and turn the ball over to closer Rollie Fingers. Fingers fans Gorman Thomas and then retires Dan Thomas to end the game.

GAME 2 - Jim Nash scatters 6 hits in going the distance as the A's take game 2 rather easily by a 5-1 score. Ken Singleton's 2 run double in the 6th is the key to the Oakland offense. Reggie Jackson had a pair of hits and scored twice for the A's, who totalled 10 hits off of loser Larry Sorenson and reliever Frank Dipino. Paul Molitor's rbi double in the 5th accounted for the Milwaukee run.

GAME 3 - Charlie Moore hits two solo homeruns and Fred Lynn has a two-run double as the Brewers blank the A's 5-0 at County Stadium in Milwaukee. Each team had 10 hits but the Brewers capitalized on their chances against Oakland starter Mike Norris while Milwaukee starter Moose Haas always found a way out of a jam.

GAME 4 - First inning rbi's from Steve Garvey and Reggie Jackson help the A's build a 5-1 lead. Vida Blue allowed just 4 hits through 7 innings before giving the ball to Mike Morgan to get the final out of the 8th. Morgan started the ninth but nearly gave the game away, allowing Milwaukee to score 3 times to pull within a run before Rollie Fingers closed the door to preserve the 5-4 Oakland win. A big loss for the A's came when Reggie Jackson left the game after hyperextending his knee running the bases in the first inning. Jackson is likely gone for the season.

GAME 5 - Pedro Guerrero hits a 2 run homer and an rbi single as the Brewers win Game 5 by a 6-2 score. Jim Slaton goes the distance for the win with Jim Nash taking the loss. For the second game in a row the A's lose a player as Manny Trillo gets hit by a Slaton pitch. Trillo is diagnosed with blurred vision and could miss the rest of the postseason.

GAME 6 - Mike Norris pitches a 7-hit shutout as the A's blank Milwaukee 4-0 to win the series in 6 games. Shortstop Rich Aurebach has a pair of hits and drives in 2 of the Oakland runs.

Aurebach is named the series MVP after batting .480. The A's move on to face Pittsburgh for the World Series.

1981 WORLD SERIES
OAKLAND ATHLETICS vs PITTSBURGH PIRATES
For the third time in the History of Baseball Replay it will be the Pirates and Athletics for the World Series. The A's won the 2 previous meetings between the clubs but they were a long time ago and it was a cross-state rivalry at the time. In 1925 the then-Philadelphia Athletics topped Pittsburgh in 6 games while in 1942 it took the Philadelphia A's the full 7 games to beat their Pennsylvania rivals. Game 7 of the 1942 series was one of the most exciting World Series games of its era. Solo home runs from Jimmie Foxx and Bob Johnson helped the A's to a 2-1 victory and the Series.

Jimmie Foxx was the big slugger for the A's back then. If the A's are to win again this time they will have to do it without their top slugger as Reggie Jackson is definately out for the series. Second baseman Manny Trillo is also expected to miss the entire series for Oakland. The Pirates will be missing pitcher John Candeleria but he was not likely to start in the series even if he was healthy.

GAME 1 - Rick Aurebach hits a first inning homer and the A's add a run in the second off Pittsburgh starter Rick Langford. Dwight Evans has rbi singles off of Vida Blue in the third and 8th inning to even things up at the end of 9. In the top of the 10th Tony Armas hits a two-out triple off of Oakland reliever Masanori Murakami, the ex-Giant closer. Rollie Fingers takes over for Oakland but promptly surrenders a single to Willie Randolph and the Pirates lead for the first time in the game, 3-2. Al Holland strikes out 2 of the 3 batters he faces in the bottom of the inning to preserve the victory.

GAME 2 - Joe Rudi and Dave Duncan each homer in a 6-3 Oakland victory. Jim Nash gets the win with Pascual Perez taking the loss. The A's built up an early 5-0 lead and then put it on cruise control.

GAME 3 - The series shifts to Pittsburgh tied 1-1. Game 3 is a wild affair that turns into the Claudell Washington show. Each team scores 3 times in the ninth inning as the A's hang on for a 9-8 win. Washington goes 6-for-6 in the game to equal a World Series record for hits in a game. John Stone of Detroit first did it in the 1928 World Series with the Mets Bob Christian equalling the feat in 1976. Reggie Smith of Boston also had 6 hits in a postseason game - that was in the 1972 ALCS. Washington had 2 rbi's and scored twice in the game. Steve Garvey also had 2 rbi's and 2 runs for Oakland while Tony Armas led Pittsburgh with a homer and 4 rbi's.

GAME 4 - Ken Singleton gives Oakland an early lead with a 2 run homer in the first inning but the Pirates gets rbi singles from TOny Pena and Tony Armas in the 7th and 8th inning to tie the game. With one out in the bottom of the ninth Tony Pena doubles off of A's reliver Dick Calmus. Rollie Fingers takes over for Oakland and quickly retires Craig Reynolds but with 2 out Tony Armas bloops a single to score Pena with the winning run as the Pirates even the series with a 3-2 win.

GAME 5 -Tony Armas is the hero once again. Trailing 3-2 with 2 on and 2 out in the bottom of the ninth, Armas rips a single off of Fingers to score Willie Randolph and Bob Watson to end the game. Al Holland gets his second win of the series. Fingers takes the loss spoiling a terrific effort from Jim Nash.

GAME 6 - It is all Pittsburgh as Darrell Evans homers and drives in 3 runs while Craig Reynolds has 5 hits and 2 rbi's in a 7-2 Pirates victory. The Pirates celebrate their first World Series title since 1946.

Tony Armas is named the series MVP mainly for his game 4 and 5 heroics. He batted .321 (9-28)in the World Series with 7 rbi's and 4 runs scored.

[ December 23, 2001: Message edited by: Tiger Fan ]