Baseball in the 1980s

Year

Clue

Answer

NL shortstop wins his first gold glove. He goes on to win the award every season during the 1980s.

This event at midseason causes a "split" season with the winners of each half meeting in the postseason.

Causes an eponymous mania, winning both the NL Cy Young and MVP. In his distinctive windup he directed his eyes skyward.

Sets the single season record for stolen bases with 130.

Already recognized as a great defensive second-baseman, he has a brilliant day at the plate on national television, hitting two late-inning home runs.

Has a home run disallowed because there was pine tar too far up the handle of his bat.

Breaks Ty Cobb's career hits record with 4192.

Umpire calls Jorge Orta safe at first in the world series. Replays and photos clearly show Orta was out. (Name the umpire.)

Pitcher becomes the youngest winner of the Cy Young Award. It was downhill from there, as this was his only 20-win season, perhaps party due to drug problems.

Yankees manager is fired for the fourth time.

Becomes the first pitcher to strike out 20 batters in a game.

Lets a grounder through his legs, contributing to the Red Sox world series loss.

Wins the last of his 10 gold gloves at third base. Also a great slugger, he hit 548 career home runs.

Selected by the National League as its next president. He would later become commissioner of baseball but died in 1989.

Pitcher sets the record for most consecutive scoreless innings.

Becomes the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season. (He later gained fame for being forthcoming during the steroid scandal.)

Wins his fourth consecutive batting title. He was often a challenger of Ted Williams' status as the last man to hit .400.

Wins the last of his 11 gold gloves at first base. He later made a guest appearance on "Seinfeld."

Hits a game-winning home run in the world series despite being hobbled with injuries to both his legs.

Wins his second MVP. His first was as a shortstop, while this one was as a centerfielder.