Dickie Thon was a rising star in 1982, part of a group of young shortstops who could field AND hit. He might’ve gone on to the Hall of Fame if not for a nasty beaning in early ’84 that changed his career forever.
Fred Lynn
August 22, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
This photo of Fred Lynn seems to be from spring training ’81, soon after he was traded to the Angels and just before his career would become an example of how ballparks can have an affect on a player’s production.
Lonnie Smith
August 21, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
If the Phillies didn’t trade Lonnie Smith to the Cardinals in November ’81, they probably would’ve eeked out another division title in ’82 and maybe a 2nd World Championship. Lonnie became the NL’s runner-up MVP that season in St Louis and beat up the Phillies pitching staff when the two met again.
Rich Gossage In Action!
August 20, 2010 @ 12:09 am
From 1975 through 1985, Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage was arguably the best fireman in the major leagues.
Johnny Bench in Action!
August 6, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
Arguably the best catcher in history was winding down his career by 1982, but what a career it was! MVP’s, World Championships, All-Star games, and a variety of records to hold. This card is also awesome because it actually has just enough detail for us to figure out what game this might’ve been.
Pete Rose, ’81 Highlight
August 4, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
The first day back in action after the strike, there was the All-Star game. The second day after the strike, Pete Rose resumes his assault on the all-time hits record by becoming the National League’s career leader in hits.
Sixto Lezcano
July 30, 2010 @ 9:24 pm
Believe it or not, Sixto Lezcano helped shape the 1982 baseball season like no other player, being a key figure in the Brewers and Cardinals race to the top. Then he simply went through the year on fire, but got no MVP consideration.
Rich Gossage
July 29, 2010 @ 2:08 pm
In ’82, Goose led his team in WAR, which is very rare for a reliever to do. He mighted even posted a sub-2.00 ERA if not for 1 bad outing in Chicago. Nonetheless, he rebounded and finished the year hot.
Milt Wilcox
July 28, 2010 @ 11:04 pm
The 32 year old Milt Wilcox, though not the ace of the Tigers staff in ’82, was good for a 3.62 ERA and 1.5 WAR. He had a very consistent and largely average year, but at the same time, he was bettering some of the best lineups in the American League.
Dave Kingman
July 25, 2010 @ 12:29 am
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the 1982 National League home run leader, Dave Kingman…
Ron LeFlore
July 24, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
1982 was the season Ron LeFlore went from being the reformed felon baseball star, to unwanted trouble…in a hurry.
Willie Stargell In Action!
June 13, 2010 @ 9:56 pm
The great Willie Stargell was back in action in ’82 after missing most of the previous two seasons with knee problems and surgery. Everyone knows about the ’79 “We Are Family” Pirates, and it’s easy to forget how great Willie was throughout his career…
Steve Carlton Becomes All-Time NL Strikeout Leader
June 11, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
On September 21, 1981, Steve Carlton passed Bob Gibson for the all-time strikeout lead in the National League. It didn’t come easy, but you don’t get 3,118 strikeouts by falling short in tough situations. Is it just me, or does he look like he’s missing part of his arm in this picture?
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