1985 Kansas City Royals vs. 1986 New York Mets

Attribute	1985 Kansas City Royals	1986 New York Mets
Team	Kansas City Royals	New York Mets
League	American League	National League
Manager	Dick Howser	Davey Johnson
Regular Season Record	91-71	108-54
Playoff Result	Won World Series	Lost in NLCS
Key Players	George Brett, Bret Saberhagen	Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry

Team Composition

The 1985 Kansas City Royals were known for their balanced roster, with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. The team was led by stars like George Brett, Willie Wilson, and Bret Saberhagen. The Royals had a solid pitching staff and a strong defense, which helped them win the World Series that year.

On the other hand, the 1986 New York Mets were a powerhouse team with a lineup full of All-Stars. Players like Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, and Darryl Strawberry led the Mets to a dominant season. The Mets had a deep pitching rotation, with Dwight Gooden and Ron Darling anchoring the staff.

Regular Season Performance

The 1985 Kansas City Royals finished the regular season with a record of 91-71, winning the American League West division. They had a strong second half of the season, which helped them secure a playoff spot. The Royals went on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS before winning the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Similarly, the 1986 New York Mets had an impressive regular season, finishing with a record of 108-54, the best in the National League. The Mets dominated their division and cruised to the NL East title. They continued their success in the playoffs, defeating the Houston Astros in a thrilling NLCS before winning the World Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Offensive Production

The 1985 Kansas City Royals had a solid offense, led by George Brett who hit .335 with 30 home runs and 112 RBIs. Willie Wilson was a threat on the basepaths, stealing 43 bases and scoring 87 runs. The Royals had a balanced lineup with contributions from players like Frank White and Hal McRae.

On the other hand, the 1986 New York Mets had a potent offense, scoring the most runs in the National League. Darryl Strawberry led the team with 27 home runs and 93 RBIs, while Gary Carter added 24 home runs and 105 RBIs. The Mets had a deep lineup with power hitters like Keith Hernandez and Kevin Mitchell.

Pitching Staff

The 1985 Kansas City Royals had a strong pitching staff, anchored by Cy Young winner Bret Saberhagen. Saberhagen had a stellar season, posting a 20-6 record with a 2.87 ERA. The Royals also had solid contributions from pitchers like Charlie Leibrandt and Danny Jackson, who both won double-digit games.

Similarly, the 1986 New York Mets had a dominant pitching staff, led by Dwight Gooden who won the Cy Young award that year. Gooden had a remarkable season, going 17-6 with a 2.84 ERA and 200 strikeouts. The Mets also had strong performances from pitchers like Ron Darling and Bob Ojeda, who both had ERAs under 3.00.

Defense

The 1985 Kansas City Royals were known for their strong defense, with Gold Glove winners like George Brett and Willie Wilson anchoring the outfield. The Royals had a solid infield defense as well, with Frank White and Onix Concepcion turning double plays with ease. Overall, the Royals were a well-rounded team with solid defensive play.

On the other hand, the 1986 New York Mets also had a strong defense, with Gold Glove winners like Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter leading the way. The Mets had a solid outfield defense with players like Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson covering ground. The Mets' defense was a key factor in their success that season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the 1985 Kansas City Royals and the 1986 New York Mets were powerhouse teams with strong rosters and impressive performances. The Royals had a balanced team with solid pitching and defense, while the Mets had a potent offense and dominant pitching staff. Ultimately, both teams were able to capitalize on their strengths and win the World Series in their respective seasons.