1970

1970	ST. LOUIS CARDINALS W-91 L-71 GM: BILL CLARKE	The Cardinals kicked off the inaugural season of the CJBL by winning their 1st and only World Series title. Led Billy Williams who hit .308 and drove in 108runs. The staff arguably the best in the CJBL that year was led by Bob Gibson (18-10) and Tom Phoebus (19-8). Leadoff man Lou Brock help set the table from the leadoff spot with 53sb to go along with a .282avg. The unsung hero of the squad was Jose Cardenal who scored 108 runs and played superb defense in the outfield. Don't forget Catcher Hal Kings career year with 35hrs. The Cardinals went on to defeat the mighty Twins in the days when there were just 2 divisions, the NL and AL.
1971	BOSTON REDSOX W-97 L-65 GM: KNUCKLEBALL	This Redsox earned the tag of Cinderella in 1971. Led by AL MVP Ed Herrmann (.309 48hr 154rbi) who sparked them to the AL East title. The team also had all-time great Carl Yastremski (runner-up to Herrmann for AL MVP) at 1B and sparkplug Jimmy Ray leading the way. They defeated the AL West champion Twins with a 4 game sweep. They then faced the favored Astro's in the 1971 World Series. The battled to a 4-3 win behind their stellar offense and deep bullpen. Owner Knuckleball went on to win GM of the year for his team efforts.
1972	WASHINGTON SENATORS W-107 L-55 GM: MARTIN KING	Senator fans will remember this teams start to finish run to the World Series title. The Senators were a real juggernaut that led their division from start to finish and had a CJBL best 107 wins. Team captain Gene Tenace (.315 29hr 107runs) was the catalyst along with Frank Howard (41hrs) for this juggernaut. The staff was led by AL Cy Young winner Doyle Alexander (19-5) and Rookie Dick Tidrow (13-6). They favorites heading into the playoffs they swept a formidable Twins team and then beat the NL challenger Astor's 4-2.
1973	HOUSTON ASTROS W-96 L-66 GM: MARK DEAYTON	The '73 Astros edged out the Mets in a 7 game NLCS before toppling the Twins 4-2 to claim their first CJBL WS trophy. Pitching got the Astros to the playoffs that season, with Lynn McGlothen (22-9, 3.02), Fritz Peterson(20-13) and Ray Culp (18-11, 2.65, 319 IP) a formidable 1 to 3 in the rotation, and closer Pete Richert chiming in with 39 saves. Offensively, the team was led by shortstop Ron Hansen, who collected 31 dingers and drove in 114 runners. Second sacker Joe Morgan swiped 48 bases, while catcher Gene Lamont hit .305
1974	NEW YORK METS W-99 L-63 GM: DARREN HICKMAN	The team of the 70's would capture its 1st title behind the bat of #1 overall pick Robin Yount (24hr 109rbi). Yount would add the ROY award to go with his WS ring. FA pickup Larry Dierker came in with 19 wins, Frank Tanana chipped in with 13 wins.. The Mets always looking for others castoffs, capitalized on a big year from Boog Powell (35hr) as well. The team went with its patented 4 man rotation through out the year. It really paid dividends in the playoffs as they defeated a favored Padres squad and then the Oakland A's in the world series.
1975	DETROIT TIGERS W-111 L-51 GM: ERIC FULLING	The 1975 Detroit Tigers were a band of hungry players. Some of whom had some mild success in 1970 and 1971 and some were off season pickups. The result was a wire to wire World Series capping season to remember. The keystone to the team was off season pickup Rico Carty. He led the team in both avg and slugging. Complimenting him was Willie Horton. A nice power hitter but can hit for average as well. Pitching had the big three in Jenkins, Parsons and Kline. All of which had consistent seasons. Perhaps the real glue to the team was the supporting cast. Players such as Madlock, Bostock, Tolan and Grabarkewitz were the table setters and the fire starters. A team that excelled in all assets of the game: Starting Pitching , Relief Pitching, Baserunning, Average ,Power Hitting and Defense is the best summary of the 1975 Tigers
1976	HOUSTON ASTROS W-96 L-66 GM: MARK DEAYTON	Another 7 game battle with the Mets saw the '76 Astros advance to theWorld Series where they proceeded to sweep Baltimore 4-0. George Brett had his first big year with the bat, posting a .337 average, while Pete Rose, playing in center field, scored 103 runs and batted .286. Lynn McGlothen was again the pitching star, setting a franchise record for wins (23) that still stands to this day. Joe Morgan had 39 steals and a league leading 23 triples. Workhorse reliever Mike Cosgrove was miserly with a 2.50 ERA in 93 innings of work.
1977	NEW YORK METS W-99 L-63 GM: DARREN HICKMAN	NL MVP Carl Yaztremski (.300, 41 HR, 120 rbi) led a revamped, but still potent, Met lineup. Yaz was acquired from Oakland in the off season, and quickly became the face of the franchise. Larry Dierker (24-9, 2.84) and Bob Johnson (20-5, 2.64) led the customary four man rotation of overachievers. The team cruised past San Diego 4-1 in the NLCS before defeating Baltimore 4-2 in the WS. The front office was also blessed in winning GM of the year, presumably from balancing all the new acquisitions while maintaining a winner.
1978	BALTIMORE ORIOLES W-98 L-64 GM: MIKE COUILLARD	After losing to Houston in the 1976 WS and then to the Mets in 1977, the Orioles felt this was their year. Dan Warthen punched up 22 wins to lead the staff. On offense it was guys like Amos Otis, Dale Murphy 34hr 106rbi and Willie Horton 25hrs. During the Playoffs the Orioles defeated the Oakland A's 4-2, the 3rd season in a row they pushed the A's out of the playoffs. In the WS they would face the pitching machine called the Padres. Many experts expected a very contested contest, they were wrong. Dale Murphy and crew would sweep the Padres 4-0 and win their 1st WS title.
1979	NEW YORK METS W-102 L-60 GM: DARREN HICKMAN	The Mets are built around offensive juggernauts like NL MVP Carl Yastremski (.335 41hr), Bernie Carbo and Steve Yeager. The staff is solid and revolves around a 4 man staff that shuts down the opponents bats. The Mets beat up 1st time playoff team the Reds 4-3 to win the NL Championship. They then go on to dismantle a very good Orioles team 4-2 in the World series. This is the Mets 3rd title in 6 seasons and gets Darren Hickman GM of the year!!
1980	BALTIMORE ORIOLES W-101 L-61 GM: MIKE COUILLARD	The Orioles back again after their 1978 championship carried many of the same familiar faces into battle for the 1980 season. The 101 wins set a franchise record for the Orioles. Veteran closer Ken Wright put up career numbers with 43 saves and was unbeatable in the playoffs. Dan Warthen 19-7 on the season would go on to dominate teams in the playoffs. They swept the upstart Angels 4-0 in the AL Championship series, with Warthen grabbing 3 wins. In the World Series the underdog Giants were no match as the Orioles captured their 2nd WS title in 3 seasons with a 4-0 sweep!!
1981	NEW YORK METS W-105 L-57 GM: DARREN HICKMAN	The Mets would capture their 4th CJBL title behind the bat of NL MVP Carl Yastremski (41hr 143rbi). The 105 wins would set a Mets record. The emergence of Jack Medina 21wins and John Montefuesco 18wins would help propel them into the NL championship series against their arch nemesis the Astros, who had knocked them out of the hunt 3 times before. Behind the bat of Yaz who hit a series record 6 dingers, they would beat the Astros 4-2. The WS was alomost anti-climatic as the Redsox put up a good fight but fell 4-3 to the Mets who would become the only team to win 4 CJBL titles.
1982	CHICAGO WHITESOX W-97 L-65 GM: JAY FROUDE	The 1982 champions were inspired to win the WS for veteran Rod Carew who was winding down an illustrious career. Carew led the CJBL with a hefty .365 avg. The Whitesox finished 4 games behind the Mariners but exemplified team work. Led by Barry Foote and a superb pitching staff the Whitesox rolled into the playoffs as underdogs. They surprised the Redsox with a 4-0 sweep then went to defeat a very strong Tigers team in 7 games. Up next were the NL Phillies winners of 100 games, the series went 7 games with Carew getting his 1st CJBL WS ring!!
1983	BOSTON REDSOX W-102 L-60 GM: KNUCKLEBALL	This 1983 Boston squad was a far cry from its 1971 counterpart. It was led by s stellar staff of pitchers. Led by do all pitcher Steve Sparks (16-5) and new staff ace Vida Blue the Redsox rolled to 102 wins on the year. Mix in Mike Schmidt who came over in a trade late in 1982. Schmidt would go on to capture the AL MVP in 1983. They defeated the Brewers 4-3 and then polished off the Oakland A's in the AL Championship series 4-3, behind former Oakland hurler Vida Blue. The Pirates, the NL's representative did not stand a chance as the Sox rolled to a 4-2 victory.
1984	CHICAGO WHITESOX W-95 L-67 GM: JAY FROUDE	A Team built around pitching, with 20 game winners Ed Figueroa (20-7)and Luis Leal (20-9). The bullpen rest in the hands of Jeff Reardon (1.43era 38svs)who had a monster year. The offense was led by All-stars Lance Parrish (26hr 104rbi) and Barry Foote. Mix in unknown Ron Andrews who posted career numbers across the board (.270 40sb) and you have a very formidable team. They defeat a surprising Toronto squad 4-2 in the 1st round. They then defeat division rival Minnesota 4-3 in the AL Championship series. Then take out Montreal 4-2 to bag their 2nd CJBL title.
1985	SAN DIEGO PADRES W-101 L-61 GM: CAMERON JAMES	The seeds of the 1985 Padres championship run started growing from a rocky start during the 1982 season. After a pair of seasons (1980 & 8’1) where the Padres finished one game behind the NL West winner. Buoyed by a staff that make many owners foam at the mouth, Randy Jones (16-8), Dennis Martinez (16-11), Terry Forster (19-4) and Bob Welch (16-8). The offense was led by all-star Jody Davis (27hr 103rbi) and the power of Nick Esasky (30hr). The Padres would go on to defeat the Cubs in a tough 7 game series. They would then go on to shock many by sweeping the Reds in the NLCS. They dumfounded the experts by putting away the Whitesox in 5 games to win their 1st Championship.
1986	BOSTON REDSOX W-90 L-72 GM: KNUCKLEBALL	A balanced "Fenway Offense" and strong team chemistry made the story of the '86 Red Sox and took them postseason. Rookie star Fred McGriff was huge for the team and balanced lineup kept the offense consistent and strong all year. In the playoffs, a determined 3-man rotation carried the team with couragous performances - pitching 21 games total in the postseason with few days off, and were backed up by an offense that defeated three of the league's best pitching staffs and 100-win teams. Each series came to a 7th game as the Red Sox defeated the Twins, A's, and finally the Mets in the World Series to claim their 3rd Championship and 2nd in 4 seasons.
1987	OAKLAND A'S W-106 L-56 GM: BIRD	17 years of frustration ended for Oakland as they captured their 1st world series title. The team was led by AL MVP Jack Clark (.353 45hr 143rbi), he was supported by Willie Upshaw (42hr), together they formed a potent 1-2 punch. Veteran Milt Wilcox (14-4) was brought in to help the team in the playoffs and he did not disappoint becoming the teams go to guy for their playoff run. During the season Eric Show (20-5) was the man and was rewarded with his 1st AL CY-Young award. The A's toppled the surprising Phillies 4-2 and look forward to keeping the WS trophy in Oakland in 1988 as well!
1988	SAN DIEGO PADRES W-98 L-64 GM: CAMERON JAMES	Beginning with the preseason, the San Diego Padres set out to grab one more title for two long-time core veterans, Randy Jones, who announced his decision to retire on April 1, and Terry Forster. The duo accounted for 364 wins since 1973, an average of nearly 23 wins per season over those 16 years. Given that Forster pitched in middle relief from 1973-1984, that number could have been even higher. Jones' career has been detailed in these articles before, but a small recap reads like this: 242 career wins, 3rd All-Time among CJBL more
1989	NEW YORK METS W-104 L-58 GM: DARREN HICKMAN	Early injuries almost derailed the Mets chance at a 5th title as ace of the staff Frank Pastore was hurt. Thanks to their might offense the Mets were able to overcome. Big bats included Barry Bonds 57hr and Gary Gaetti who had 34hrs along with 121rbi. Bob Sykes came out of the pen to post a 16-3 mark as a starter, while Frank Pastore was healthy enough to win 18 games and carry the Mets in the playoffs. This also ended GM Darren Hickman's reign with a 5th title as he stepped down as owner and into retirement.
1990	CALIFORNIA ANGELS W-97 L-65 GM: MATTHEW DYCK	Led by eventual HOF Bob Horner (61hr 158rbi), Frank Pastore (17 wins) was brought in late in the season for his playoff experience and it paid off as they trampled the competition through out the playoffs. They were also balanced with Tim Raines and Vince Coleman combining for over 100sb. They went on to defeat the Indians, Yankees and eventually trumped the Padres in the world series with Pastore being the work horse. Bob Horner led the playoff run with 5hrs and 12 rbis.
1991	NEW YORK METS W-91 L-61 GM: BOB CURRIER	The Mets won 91 ws in 7 games over Oakland. Mets expected to be in run for the title every year with their win now style. It was a tough run as starting catcher Milner was hurt for the entire year, and SP Steve Trout missed the last 1/3 of the season and playoffs forcing the use of a 3 man rotation for the playoffs. The Mets had a tough year with almost every single starter having numbers below their career averages, and just got into the playoffs via the wildcard. The playoffs were won with what GM Bob Currier has styled his team on, Power and a good bullpen, 7 of 12 wins were from relief pitchers. In 1992 the Mets will look to repeat as all the regulars are backas the team looks to expand on the legendary run of former gm Darren Hickman.
1992	OAKLAND A'S W-114 L-48 GM: BIRD	The A's won a league record 114 games on the backs of its pitching staff. It was led by Cy-young winner Phil Huffman (23-5) and Eric Show (21-3), the pen was manned by Tom Henke who had 35 saves. The offense was well balanced led by all-star catcher Darren Daulton (44hr), Don Mattingly (30hr), Tony Fernandez, Al Chambers and Kevin Bass. The WS was one to remember as Oakland down 3-2 was able to come back and win the series against a very tough SD team.
1993	OAKLAND A'S W-117 L-45 GM: BIRD	The A's won a league back to back titles becoming the 1st CJBL team to accomplish this feat. They also smashed the league record for wins with 117 on the season. All the regulars from the 1992 team were back, led by Don Mattingly who led the league with 160 rbi's. The staff was tops in the league and were led by Eric Show (20-5), Huffman and Guzman. The team went 12-2 in the playoffs that included sweeps over Detroit and the Padres in the World Series.
1994	PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES W-95 L-67 GM: JASON HAPER	A team considered by most to be the most balanced in the CJBL. The offense is led by NL ROY Carl Everett (35hr 112rbi), Travis Fryman, Luis Gonzalez (33hr), and Mike Piazza who was coming off an MVP in 1993. The staff was led by Roger Mcdowell (16 wins 2.55era), Curt Schilling and Mike Mussina (21 wins). A 4-1 win over Houston set Philadelphia up to take on the Danny Jackson (31-2) led Padres in the NLCS. In a tough 7 game series the Phillies would advance and beat the Yankees 4-2 in an anti-climatic world series.
1995	OAKLAND A'S W-123 L-39 GM: BIRD	The A's captured their 3rd title in 4 seasons, they have to be considered a dynasty Leading the way was ace Eric Show (20-7) and Tom Glavine (21-10), in the bullpen Tom Henke had a CJBL record 57 saves. On offense there was Darren Fletcher (.348 avg + batting title), Don Mattingly, Tony Fernandez, newcomer Jeremy Burnitz hit 38hrs as a rookie and won the AL ROY. In the playoffs the A's went 12-4, beating a talented Houston Astros team 4-1. Eric Show was a sparkling 5-0 during the playoff run!!
1996	HOUSTON ASTROS W-105 L-57 GM: MARK DEAYTON	Houston made it back to the series after 20 seasons and added its 3rd world series title to its franchise. leading the way was a stellar pitching staff led by Bud Black 23-8 and Oscar Ortiz 16-4. They combined to shutdown the Montreal and Philadelphia in the NL playoffs. Roland Goodyear was the catalyst that helped this no-name offense win 105 games on the season, Houston would go on to upset the Oakland A's in the world series and send Mark Deayton off to retirement as a CJBL 3 time champion.
1997	CHICAGO CUBS W-107 L-55 GM: KASEY KUDROW	The Cubs make the playoffs for only the 3rd time in franchise history and win their 1st title for GM Kasey Kudrow. Former Oakland ace Eric Show led the way with 22-5 record and was 6-2 in the playoffs. Rookie Andy Pettitte 8-6 in the regular season was 5-3 in the playoffs to form a 1-2 punch with Show. Damon Buford was added at the trade deadline (35hr) to add his power to an already solid lineup that included Jose Posado, Jose Valentine. The Cubs would win a dramatic game #7 over Oakland to capture its first title.
1998	OAKLAND A'S W-99 L-63 GM: JAMES MCCARTHY	The A's under new the new leadership of GM James Mccarthy would use its veteran roster to add a 5th title to its mantle. The staff was talented and deep, it included; Tom Glavine, Jon Lieber, Charlie Kerfield, and Carlos Perez. The offense was spurred by Deion Sanders 69sb, Darren Fletcher .328avg and new man Tony Clark who crushed 33 homers. Oakland would dismantle a great Philadelphia team in the world series and add even more prestige to its championship legacy.