This second MLB Monday miniseries has reached a new decade, and with that development, we will have a new voted-award analysis today—and by the end of this month, two more to add to the discussion (finally!). Free agency was in full swing by this time, among other developments in the sport. Plus, it was that time for us as kids when we started to understand the sport more and follow every day of it, avidly.

1980 World Series MVP: Mike Schmidt, 3B, Philadelphia (original, confirmed)

In their first World Series appearance since 1950, the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals in 6 games, winning the organization’s first-ever MLB championship. With the matchup tied at 2 wins apiece, the Phillies won Game 5 on the road and closed the deal in Game 6 at home. Third baseman Mike Schmidt (2 HRs, 7 RBI, 4 BBs, 1.176 OPS) was voted the Series MVP: those will be hard numbers for anyone to beat.

Starting pitcher Steve Carlton went 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA, but his 1.533 WHIP was quite unsightly. Still, he won the clincher at home, which was a big start in order to avoid a Game 7. His 17 Ks in 15 IP also were impressive, but it’s hard to ignore the WHIP. Also, catcher Bob Boone (4 RBI, 4 BBs, 1.029 OPS) provided surprise offensive punch, too. But in the end, Schmidt will get our confirmation, because … the numbers.

1980 AL Championship Series MVP: Frank White, 2B, Kansas City (original, confirmed)

The Royals finally beat the New York Yankees in an ALCS, after losing in 1976, 1977, and 1978—sweeping the Bronx Bombers out in 3 games by a combined 14-6 margin. Second baseman Frank White (.545 BA, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1.455 OPS) was named the first ALCS MVP ever, and it’s hard to disagree with the numbers. It’s hard to choose pitchers for this award in a short-series sweep, too, so it’s always going to be the best hitter. Confirm!

1980 NL Championship Series MVP: Manny Trillo, 2B, Philadelphia (original); José Cruz, LF, Houston (revised)

Philadelphia needed the full 5 games to eliminate the Houston Astros, in the postseason for the first time ever. In fact, Game 5 itself in Houston went into extra innings before the Phils escaped with a 1-run victory and the NL pennant. Philadelphia 2B Manny Trillo (4 RBI, .935 OPS) won the NLCS MVP vote, but there are other players we want to look at, too. Actually, Games 2 through 5 all went to extras here, so … yeah.

Houston left fielder José Cruz (4 RBI, 8 BBs, 1.209 OPS) was definitely the hitting MVP here, and there were no pitchers from either side, really, who stepped up enough to claim this award. So, how did Cruz and Trillo do, respectively, in Game 5? Both players had multiple hits and 2 RBI in Game 5, so there’s a draw there. Overall, we think Cruz had a much better series, and it’s hard to ignore those 8 walks. He’s our pick, sadly.

1980 AL MOTY: Dick Howser, New York

While the Royals were winning the AL West in walkover by 14 games over the Oakland Athletics, the Yankees won 103 games—and only edged out the Baltimore Orioles by 3 games! New York Manager Dick Howser posted a plus-6 PPP mark, the highest in the junior circuit for any manager of a team with a winning record. It’s pretty clear he was the best manager of this season in the American League.

1980 NL MOTY: Bill Virdon, Houston

Both the Astros and the Phillies won their respective divisions by a single game this season, as both division races clearly went down to the wire. But Houston Manager Bill Virdon will win his second consecutive NL MOTY nod from us for posting the best PPP mark (plus-6) in the senior circuit, period. For the record, Philadelphia Manager Dallas Green (even-0 PPP) almost cost his team the NL East Division.