The Best Major League Baseball Team of the 1980's

When you think of the 1980's Major League Baseball teams that were considered to be the best of the decade, most people automatically think of the 1988 Dodgers, or the 1984 Tigers. Both of these teams were dominant, and would give fits to any Major League team now or any team that has come before. Overall, however, I think the best team of the 1980's was the 1989 Oakland Athletics. For a mixture of offense, defense, bullpen, and team speed, the Athletics were the best.

From an offensive point of view, the Athletics were simply loaded. Mark Mcgwire, Carney Lansford, Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, Dave Henderson, Dave Parker, and Terry Steinbach were all serious threats in the lineup and for a variety of reasons. Rickey is legendary for his prowess at the plate, and Dave Henderson was a clutch player that always seemed to be at the plate when the team needed that hit. Mcgwire was beginning a series of homerun bashing years that would take him to the pinnacle of the sport. Steinbach was a clutch hitter as well. This was a fearsome lineup.

On defense, the Athletics were talented from top to bottom, and Steinbach and Mike Gallego led the way. All of the position players were at or near the top of their respective positions, and they knew how to position themselves for success. The team was always well prepared thanks to the brilliant coaching of Tony LaRussa. No manager has ever been better at positioning his defense, and they all made the plays when needed.

The bullpen for the 1989 Oakland Athletics was simply legendary. Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley was as lights out perfect as a pitcher could be. Todd Burns and Rick Honeycutt among others helped the Athletics to one of the best bullpens in history. Give me Eckersley from 1989 over any reliever in history except Mariano Rivera. Not bad for a team known for hitting.