With just a few glaring exceptions, I like the teams headed to the playoffs this year. Taken collectively, they offer the excuse for nostalgia. In fact, when I see the playoff schedule, the Human League starts playing in my head.
That's because this year's playoff grouping definitely features an '80s flavor.
There is still one playoff spot undecided -- the A's or Mariners will determine that tonight or tomorrow (or Monday) -- but I can still see a team from every World Series of the 1980s, except 1986, in this year's playoffs.
Here is the breakdown:
1980: Royals
1981: Dodgers
1982: Cardinals
1983: Orioles
1984: Tigers
1985: Royals and Cardinals
1987: Cardinals
1988: Dodgers (and maybe A's)
1989: Giants (and maybe A's)
That's nine years out of 10, which is a better representation than any recent decade. The 1970s features six years (eight if the A's get in). The 1990s features none (one if the A's get in). The 2000s features three.
This makes me happy, partly because I hated the Series matchups in the '90s, but mostly because the '80s was full of good times and the unexpected, both on the field and off, in my life and out.
I think this is why the Royals are drawing so much applause for making the playoffs for the first time since 1985. People of a certain age (mine) and even younger remember the days when the Royals made the postseason virtually every year. We grew up during that time. The Royals were -- are -- supposed to be in the playoffs. During the late '80s, it felt awfully empty without K.C., and, apparently, when you don't let K.C. in the playoffs for a few years, then the '90s happen and it's the Yankees and Braves stomping their boot all over everything.
So, yeah, good for the Royals. And all those other teams who were good in the '80s making it back again (mostly the Dodgers and Orioles).
I'm looking forward to seeing some new blood in the World Series.
Which actually is old blood.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night card binder candidate: 1980 World Series, Phillies beat Royals in 6, 1981 Topps, #403
Does it make the binder?: Yes!
Comments