BRONX, NY - 1978: Ron Guidry #49 of the New York Yankees pitches during a 1978 season game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DOG ASIDE:
The Yankees of the mid-1980’s were led by All-Star first baseman Don Mattingly….who as a team that in spite of accumulating the most total wins of any major league team….they failed to win a World Series….the first such Yankees team since the 1910’s….and had only 1 playoff appearance. Although they consistently had a powerful offense….Mattingly at various times was teammate to Dave Winfield….whom Mattingly battled for the AL batting title throughout most of the 1984 season….along with Rickey Henderson, Don Baylor, Ken Griffey, Sr., Mike Pagliarulo, Steve Sax and Jesse Barfield….who all helped the Yankees lead the majors in runs scored for the decade…. but these Yankees teams lacked sufficient starting pitching to win a championship. After posting a 22–6 record in 1985….arm problems caught up with Ron Guidry….and his performance declined over the next three years. Of the remaining mainstays of the Yankees’ rotation… only Dave Righetti stood out….who after pitching a no-hitter on July 4, 1983….was moved to the bullpen the next year where he helped to define the closer role.
The New York Mets’ 1985 season was the 24th regular season for the Mets….who finished the season at 98 – 64….finishing 2nd in the NL East. They were managed by Davey Johnson. They played their home games at Shea Stadium. This was a team however, that would win the World Series the following year in 1986….so, 1985 served as the final year in seasoning a World Champion.
