MLB Monday returns with the next mini dynasty of the 1970s: the New York Yankees. They won three straight American League pennants from 1976-1978, after the Oakland Athletics won three straight AL pennants from 1972-1974—and the Baltimore Orioles won three straight AL pennants from 1969-1971. What a crazy world, to have three straight threepeats for the AL pennant, right? Rarely the NL, either.

1977 World Series MVP: Reggie Jackson, RF, New York (AL) (original, confirmed)

“Mr. October” was born in this Fall Classic, as Yankees right fielder Reggie Jackson—the self-proclaimed “Straw the Stirs the Drink“—was named the Series MVP after New York dropped the Los Angeles Dodgers in 6 games. Jackson, who also was the voted MVP Series in 1973, posted a stunning 1.742 OPS in the matchup, with a 5 home runs, 8 RBI, and a .450 batting average. His Game 6 performance is legendary, of course.

We will point out that Yankees starting pitcher Mike Torrez (2-0, 2.50 ERA, 18 IP, 15 K, 1.167 WHIP) also should be considered, after L.A. outscored N.Y., 28-26, in this Series. He won Game 3 on the road after the Dodgers had stolen a road victory in Game 2, and Torrez then pitched the clincher back home in Game 6, prevented L.A. from building momentum after its Game 5 victory. Torrez deserves equal credit here, no?

Jackson’s numbers stand out more, of course, in a pure math sense, so he wins the sabermetric analysis. But the effort Torrez put forth in 2 huge starts also stand out, even if his sabermetrics aren’t as pretty. It’s hard to explain just how badly the Yankees needed Game 3 on the Best Coast: if they lose that one, they’re down in the Series and may never return to New York. Jackson had just 2 RBI after Game 3, as well, so it’s an idea.

We’d be more inclined to go with Torrez if the sabermetrics were closer, but generally speaking, Jackson contributed almost twice as much in terms of Win Probability for the series than Torrez did—despite the two complete-game efforts. Both men combined to eliminate the Dodgers in Game 6, of course, and Jackson just did it with more flair … and more sabermetric value. So be it, but this was a tough(er) decision in reality.

1977 AL Championship Series MVP: Sparky Lyle, RP, New York

Once again, the Kansas City Royals took the Yankees to 5 games in the ALCS, as N.Y. won on the road, 5-3. We have two candidates for this one: center fielder Mickey Rivers (.391 BA, 2 RBI, 1 SB) or relief pitcher Sparky Lyle (2-0, 0.96 ERA, 9 1/3 IP). We’re more inclined to go with Lyle, as a few Yankees hitters stood out, without shining individually. Meanwhile, Lyle’s relief wins in Game 4 and 5 on the road were huge.

1977 NL Championship Series MVP: Dusty Baker, LF, Los Angeles (original, confirmed)

Dodgers left fielder Dusty Baker—a future PED-enabling manager—was voted the first-ever NLCS MVP trophy as L.A. eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies in 4 games. With 2 HRs and 8 RBI, he easily stood out among his peers as the Dodgers outscored the Phils, 22-14. Los Angeles lost Game 1 at home before winning three straight games to clinch its second NL pennant in 4 years. No pitcher could match that impact, either.

1977 AL MOTY: Earl Weaver, Baltimore

The Yankees won the AL East by 2.5 games over both the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox, while the Royals won the AL West by 8 games over the Texas Rangers. Orioles Manager Earl Weaver (plus-9 PPP) easily delivered the best managerial performance in the league—more than twice as high as the next-best manager of a winning team (Kansas City’s Whitey Herzog at plus-4 PPP). Weaver wins his third MOTY.

1977 NL MOTY: Chuck Tanner, Pittsburgh

The Phillies won the NL East by 5 games over the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Dodgers won the NL West by 10 games over the Cincinnati Reds. Pirates Manager Chuck Tanner (plus-8 PPP) easily posted the best managerial mark in the league—more than twice as high as the next-best manager of a winning team (Philadelphia’s Danny Ozark at plus-3 PPP). As a result, Tanner wins his first MOTY from us here.