Or think of this list as Tony La Russa calling to the bullpen 15 times in one game.
"Fernandomania"
As a 20-year-old starting pitcher in 1981, Fernando Valenzuela helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to World Series championship, while racking up individual honors such as NL Cy Young, NL Rookie of the Year, and Silver Slugger. The mania even inspired some tribute songs, such as Ole Fernando.
s3-ak.buzzfeed.com / Via scpr.org
Ozzie Smith Backflips
The Wizard of Oz executed backflips in other decades, but his acrobatics officially arrived on the national stage during the 80s. Luckily for fans, Ozzie's sweet signature entrance was a prelude to the poetry of his glove work. If you're wondering if Ozzie still does backflips, the question has been asked via Twitter.
Sports Illustrated Tumblr / Via siphotos.tumblr.com
Father and Sons
Cal Ripken Sr. (center) became the first in MLB history to manage two sons on the same team. Billy (left) and Cal Jr. (right) played for their dad in 1987. Toward the end of decade, Billy earned further fame due to a fairly infamous baseball card, while Cal Jr. powered toward the all-time consecutive game streak.
Sports Illustrated / Via i.cdn.turner.com
George Brett's Passion
Sports Illustrated penned an excellent oral history of the Pine Tar Game, but, let's be honest, no one is talking about that game years later, if not for the indelible image of George Brett storming out of the dugout. The boxscore is also a friendly reminder that Mike Armstrong ended up getting the win.
TheBigLead.com / Via wordpress.com
