1981 Montreal Expos vs. 1986 New York Mets

Attribute	1981 Montreal Expos	1986 New York Mets
Team	Montreal Expos	New York Mets
Year	1981	1986
League	National League	National League
Division	NL East	NL East
Regular Season Record	60-48	108-54
Playoff Result	Lost in NLCS	Won World Series

Team Composition

The 1981 Montreal Expos were a team filled with young talent, including future Hall of Famers like Gary Carter and Andre Dawson. They also had a strong pitching staff led by Steve Rogers and Jeff Reardon. On the other hand, the 1986 New York Mets were a team with a mix of veteran players like Keith Hernandez and young stars like Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry. Their pitching staff was anchored by Cy Young winner, Dwight Gooden, and closer Jesse Orosco.

Offensive Production

In terms of offensive production, the 1981 Montreal Expos were led by Gary Carter, who had a standout season with 24 home runs and 83 RBIs. Andre Dawson also contributed with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs. The team as a whole had a solid lineup but lacked the depth of the 1986 New York Mets. The Mets had a potent offense with players like Darryl Strawberry, who hit 27 home runs and 93 RBIs, and Keith Hernandez, who had a .310 batting average. The Mets led the league in runs scored and had a deep lineup that could produce runs consistently.

Pitching Staff

When it comes to pitching, the 1981 Montreal Expos had a strong rotation led by Steve Rogers, who had a 3.06 ERA and 14 wins. Jeff Reardon anchored the bullpen with 26 saves. The Expos had a solid pitching staff overall but lacked the dominance of the 1986 New York Mets. The Mets had one of the best pitching staffs in the league, with Dwight Gooden winning the Cy Young award with a 2.84 ERA and 200 strikeouts. The Mets also had a dominant closer in Jesse Orosco, who had 21 saves and a 2.33 ERA.

Defense

Defensively, the 1981 Montreal Expos were a solid team with players like Gary Carter behind the plate and Andre Dawson in the outfield. The Expos had a strong defensive presence but were not as flashy as the 1986 New York Mets. The Mets had a Gold Glove first baseman in Keith Hernandez and a strong outfield with players like Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson. The Mets had a reputation for making spectacular defensive plays and were known for their strong defensive presence on the field.

Team Chemistry

Team chemistry is an important factor in the success of a baseball team. The 1981 Montreal Expos were known for their camaraderie and team spirit. Players like Gary Carter and Andre Dawson were leaders in the clubhouse and helped create a positive atmosphere for the team. On the other hand, the 1986 New York Mets had a reputation for their fiery personalities and sometimes tumultuous relationships. Despite this, the Mets were able to come together as a team and win the World Series in 1986.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the 1981 Montreal Expos and the 1986 New York Mets were talented teams with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Expos had a strong pitching staff and solid lineup, while the Mets had a potent offense and dominant pitching staff. Ultimately, the 1986 New York Mets were able to come together as a team and win the World Series, while the 1981 Montreal Expos fell short of their championship aspirations. Both teams will be remembered for their contributions to baseball history and the excitement they brought to fans.