1985 New York Yankees

The final standing	2nd in AL East
Regular-season record	97-64 (.602)
Post-season record	Did not qualify
Divisional rank	2nd
ALDS record and opponent	Did not play
AL rank	2
ALCS record and opponent	Did not play
World Series record and opponent	Did not play
Manager	Yogi Berra, Billy Martin
Captain	–
Top batter	Home run:  Don Mattingly (35), Dave Winfield (26), Rickey Henderson (24), Don Baylor (23) BA: Don Mattingly (.324), Rickey Henderson (.314), Willie Randolph (.276), Andre Robertson (.328 in 50 games), Henry Cotto (.304 in 34 games) Runs: Rickey Henderson (146), Don Mattingly (107), Dave Winfield (105), Willie Randolph (75) RBI: Don Mattingly (145), Dave Winfield (114), Don Baylor (91)
Top pitcher/ (W-L, ERA)	Ron Guidry: 22-6, 3.27 Joe Cowley: 12-6, 3.95 Phil Niekro: 16-12: 4.09
Attendance record	2,214,587 (4th of 14)

1985 New York Yankees season: Summary

The 1985 New York Yankees season unfolded as a tale of contrasts, blending moments of brilliance with the frustration of unmet expectations. Across 161 games, the team navigated the highs and lows, ultimately finishing with a commendable 97-64 record. However, this effort placed them in the shadows of the Toronto Blue Jays, concluding the season in second place within the American League Eastern Division and falling just two games short of postseason qualification.

The team experienced changes in the off-season, with George Steinbrenner aiming for star power. Rickey Henderson joined, bringing speed with 80 stolen bases. Don Mattingly stood out, earning MVP with a .371 batting average and 145 RBIs. The lineup, including Dave Winfield and Ron Guidry, led the league in runs.

Pitching-wise, Guidry and Phil Niekro impressed. The bullpen, with Dave Righetti, provided stability. Managerial changes saw Yogi Berra replaced by Billy Martin, who guided the team through ups and downs.

A crucial series against the Blue Jays in September saw a promising start but ended with three losses, dashing hopes for the AL East title. Off-field incidents added drama. Despite a late surge, they finished 4.5 games behind.

The 1985 New York Yankees season was a showcase of talent and challenges, marking the end of an era for the Yankees. The road to postseason glory would have to wait until the Joe Torre/Derek Jeter era in 1996.

Yogi Berra’s unanticipated departure: The 1985 New York Yankees shake-up

In a surprising turn of events on April 28, 1985, the New York Yankees abruptly parted ways with Yogi Berra as their manager, only 16 games into the season. The decision followed a series sweep by the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park. The news was delivered by general manager Clyde King, dispatched by owner George Steinbrenner, who had initially assumed that Berra would manage the entire 1985 season.

Berra’s dismissal was a blow not just to the team but also to fans who held a deep affection for the legendary figure. The manner of his firing, carried out by a proxy and not Steinbrenner personally, added a layer of disappointment. The move reflected a swift shift in leadership philosophy, as Berra, a beloved figure and Hall of Fame catcher, was replaced by Billy Martin, marking the fourth instance of Martin taking over managerial duties for the Yankees.

Berra, known for his resilience and good-natured demeanor, handled the situation with grace, expressing no bitterness publicly. He vowed not to set foot in Yankee Stadium as long as Steinbrenner owned the team. This pledge spoke volumes about the personal impact of the decision on Berra, who had devoted much of his life to the Yankees.

Despite the abrupt departure, Berra continued to hold his head high, emphasizing the positive attributes of the team and expressing confidence in their potential. He acknowledged the managerial profession’s transient nature, stating, “Managers are hired to be fired.”

Billy Martin’s return marked the 12th managerial change since Steinbrenner took ownership in 1973, underscoring the organizational volatility during that period.

Yogi Berra, the eternal Yankee, never managed to reconcile with Steinbrenner during the remaining years of the owner’s tenure. The estrangement persisted until the turn of the century when, in a belated but poignant gesture, Steinbrenner apologized to Berra in 1999, acknowledging the mistake of firing him. This reconciliation led to Berra’s return to Yankee Stadium and marked the beginning of a renewed relationship between the two iconic figures.

Yogi Berra passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of sportsmanship, and a commitment to the principles he held dear. His return to the Yankees, though delayed, allowed him to savor the last chapters of his baseball journey in the place he had called home for so many years.

1985 New York Yankees in videos

Postseason

(Did not qualify – Eliminated in Regular Season)

1985 New York Yankees roster

Name	Age	B	T	Ht	Wt	DoB	Yrs	G	GS	WAR	Salary
Neil Allen	27	R	R	6′ 3″	185	Jan 24, 1958	7	17	0	0.6
Mike Armstrong	31	R	R	6′ 3″	193	Mar 7, 1954	6	9	0	0.2
Don Baylor	36	R	R	6′ 1″	190	Jun 28, 1949	16	142	126	0.7	$810,000
Dale Berra	28	R	R	6′ 0″	180	Dec 13, 1956	9	48	33	0.1	$477,500
Juan Bonilla	29	R	R	5′ 9″	170	Jan 12, 1956	4	8	3	-0.1
Rich Bordi	26	R	R	6′ 7″	210	Apr 18, 1959	6	51	3	1.3
Scott Bradley	25	L	R	5′ 11″	185	Mar 22, 1960	2	19	12	-0.5
Marty Bystrom	26	R	R	6′ 5″	200	Jul 26, 1958	6	8	8	-0.5	$250,000
Don Cooper	29	R	R	6′ 1″	185	Jan 15, 1956	4	7	0	-0.1
Henry Cotto	24	R	R	6′ 2″	178	Jan 5, 1961	2	34	15	0.1
Joe Cowley	26	R	R	6′ 5″	210	Aug 15, 1958	3	30	26	2	$120,000
Juan Espino	29	R	R	6′ 1″	190	Mar 16, 1956	3	9	3	0.1
Brian Fisher	23	R	R	6′ 4″	210	Mar 18, 1962	1st	55	0	2.4
Ken Griffey	35	L	L	5′ 11″	190	Apr 10, 1950	13	127	101	2.1	$1,075,000
Ron Guidry	34	L	L	5′ 11″	161	Aug 28, 1950	11	34	33	4.5	$900,000
Ron Hassey	32	L	R	6′ 2″	200	Feb 27, 1953	8	92	68	1.6	$425,000
Rickey Henderson HOF	26	R	L	5′ 10″	180	Dec 25, 1958	7	143	141	9.9	$1,470,000
Rex Hudler	24	R	R	6′ 1″	180	Sep 2, 1960	2	20	16	-0.3
Victor Mata	24	R	R	6′ 1″	165	Jun 17, 1961	2	6	1	-0.2
Don Mattingly	24	L	L	6′ 0″	175	Apr 20, 1961	4	159	159	6.5	$455,000
Bob Meacham	24	B	R	6′ 1″	175	Aug 25, 1960	3	156	153	1.3	$100,000
John Montefusco	35	R	R	6′ 1″	180	May 25, 1950	12	3	1	-0.4	$637,500
Omar Moreno	32	L	L	6′ 2″	180	Oct 24, 1952	11	34	16	0.4
Dale Murray	35	R	R	6′ 4″	205	Feb 2, 1950	12	3	0	-0.2
Joe Niekro	40	R	R	6′ 1″	185	Nov 7, 1944	19	3	3	-0.1
Phil Niekro HOF	46	R	R	6′ 1″	180	Apr 1, 1939	22	33	33	1.7	$600,000
Mike Pagliarulo	25	L	R	6′ 1″	205	Mar 15, 1960	2	138	96	1.6
Dan Pasqua	23	L	L	6′ 0″	203	Oct 17, 1961	1st	60	36	0.5
Willie Randolph	30	R	R	5′ 11″	165	Jul 6, 1954	11	143	141	4	$600,000
Dennis Rasmussen	26	L	L	6′ 7″	230	Apr 18, 1959	3	22	16	0.1
Dave Righetti	26	L	L	6′ 4″	195	Nov 28, 1958	6	74	0	2.5	$680,000
Andre Robertson	27	R	R	5′ 10″	155	Oct 2, 1957	5	50	42	0.6
Billy Sample	30	R	R	5′ 9″	175	Apr 2, 1955	8	59	43	0.3	$435,000
Rod Scurry	29	L	L	6′ 2″	180	Mar 17, 1956	6	5	0	0.3
Bob Shirley	31	R	L	5′ 11″	180	Jun 25, 1954	9	48	8	2.9	$637,500
Keith Smith	23	B	R	6′ 1″	175	Oct 20, 1961	2	4	0	0
Ed Whitson	30	R	R	6′ 3″	195	May 19, 1955	9	30	30	-0.7	$800,000
Dave Winfield HOF	33	R	R	6′ 6″	220	Oct 3, 1951	13	155	154	3.4	$1,795,704
Butch Wynegar	29	B	R	6′ 1″	190	Mar 14, 1956	10	102	90	2.4	$550,000

1985 New York Yankees player additions, transactions, and trades

November 1984

• Nov 5, 1984: Matt Keough was released.
• Nov 8, 1984: Oscar Gamble entered Free Agency.

December 1984

• Dec 4, 1984: Traded Brian Dayett and Ray Fontenot to the Chicago Cubs for Porfi Altamirano, Rich Bordi, Henry Cotto, and Ron Hassey.
• Dec 5, 1984: Traded Rick Cerone to the Atlanta Braves, acquiring Brian Fisher. Also, traded Tim Birtsas, Jay Howell, Stan Javier, Eric Plunk, and Jose Rijo to the Oakland Athletics for Bert Bradley, Rickey Henderson, and cash.
• Dec 20, 1984: Traded Tim Foli, Steve Kemp, and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Dale Berra, Jay Buhner, and Alfonso Pulido.
• Dec 27, 1984: Ed Whitson was signed as a free agent.
• Before the 1985 season: Lorenzo Gray was acquired from the Cleveland Indians through an undisclosed transaction.

January 1985

• Jan 8, 1985: Juan Espino was purchased from the Cleveland Indians.

February 1985

• Feb 26, 1985: Juan Bonilla was signed as a free agent.
• Feb 27, 1985: Traded Toby Harrah to the Texas Rangers, getting a player to be named later and Billy Sample. Eric Dersin (minors) was later sent to the Yankees by the Rangers to complete the trade on July 14, 1985.

April 1985

• Apr 29, 1985: Dale Murray was released.

May 1985

• May 25, 1985: Kevin Hickey and Mike O’Berry were released.

June 1985

• Jun 3, 1985: Ken Patterson, Shane Turner, and Mike Christopher were drafted in the 3rd, 6th, and 7th rounds, respectively, in the 1985 amateur draft. Bill Bean was drafted in the 24th round but did not sign.

July 1985

• Jul 16, 1985: Neil Allen was purchased from the St. Louis Cardinals.

August 1985

• Aug 16, 1985: Omar Moreno was released.
• Aug 24, 1985: Jim Leyritz was signed as an amateur free agent.

September 1985

• Sep 13, 1985: Bernie Williams was signed as an amateur free agent.
• Sep 14, 1985: Rod Scurry was purchased from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Sep 15, 1985: Traded players to be named later and Jim Deshaies to the Houston Astros for Joe Niekro. The Yankees sent Neder Horta (minors) on Sep 24, 1985, and Dody Rather (minors) on Jan 11, 1986, to the Astros to complete the trade.

October 1985

• Oct 1985: Kelly Heath was released.
• Oct 15, 1985: Curt Brown entered Free Agency.
• Oct 18, 1985: Ramon Manon was signed as an amateur free agent.
• Oct 31, 1985: Hensley Meulens was signed as an amateur free agent.

1985 New York Yankees player Debuts

• Brian Fisher – 05-07-1985 – 23 years old
• Dan Pasqua – 05-30-1985 – 23 years old

1985 New York Yankees stats (batting)

Pos	Name	Age	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA
C	Butch Wynegar	29	102	375	309	27	69	15	0	5	32	0	0	64	43	0.223
1B	Don Mattingly	24	159	727	652	107	211	48	3	35	145	2	2	56	41	0.324
2B	Willie Randolph	30	143	597	497	75	137	21	2	5	40	16	9	85	39	0.276
SS	Bob Meacham	24	156	566	481	70	105	16	2	1	47	25	7	54	102	0.218
3B	Mike Pagliarulo	25	138	435	380	55	91	16	2	19	62	0	0	45	86	0.239
LF	Ken Griffey	35	127	487	438	68	120	28	4	10	69	7	7	41	51	0.274
CF	Rickey Henderson	26	143	654	547	146	172	28	5	24	72	80	10	99	65	0.314
RF	Dave Winfield	33	155	689	633	105	174	34	6	26	114	19	7	52	96	0.275
DH	Don Baylor	36	142	564	477	70	110	24	1	23	91	0	4	52	90	0.231
C	Ron Hassey	32	92	298	267	31	79	16	1	13	42	0	0	28	21	0.296
LF	Dan Pasqua	23	60	166	148	17	31	3	1	9	25	0	0	16	38	0.209
LF	Billy Sample	30	59	154	139	18	40	5	0	1	15	2	1	9	10	0.288
3B	Andre Robertson	27	50	136	125	16	41	5	0	2	17	1	2	6	24	0.328
3B	Dale Berra	28	48	118	109	8	25	5	1	1	8	1	1	7	20	0.229
OF	Omar Moreno	32	34	68	66	12	13	4	1	1	4	1	1	1	16	0.197
OF	Henry Cotto	24	34	60	56	4	17	1	0	1	6	1	1	3	12	0.304
2B	Rex Hudler	24	20	57	51	4	8	0	1	0	1	0	1	1	9	0.157
DH	Scott Bradley	25	19	51	49	4	8	2	1	0	1	0	0	1	5	0.163
2B	Juan Bonilla	29	8	16	16	0	2	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	3	0.125
C	Juan Espino	29	9	11	11	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.364
OF	Victor Mata	24	6	7	7	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.143
SS	Keith Smith	23	4	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Team Totals	28.9	161	6236	5458	839	1458	272	31	176	793	155	53	620	771	0.267
	Rank in 14 AL teams				12	1	6	5	10	3		1	9	2	2	3

1985 New York Yankees stats (pitching)

Pos	Name	Age	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	GS	GF	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER
SP	Ron Guidry	34	22	6	0.786	3.27	34	33	0	11	2	0	259	243	104	94
SP	Phil Niekro	46	16	12	0.571	4.09	33	33	0	7	1	0	220	203	110	100
SP	Joe Cowley	26	12	6	0.667	3.95	30	26	2	1	0	0	159.2	132	75	70
SP	Ed Whitson	30	10	8	0.556	4.88	30	30	0	2	2	0	158.2	201	100	86
SP	Dennis Rasmussen	26	3	5	0.375	3.98	22	16	1	2	0	0	101.2	97	56	45
CL	Dave Righetti	26	12	7	0.632	2.78	74	0	60	0	0	29	107	96	36	33
RP	Bob Shirley	31	5	5	0.5	2.64	48	8	9	2	0	2	109	103	34	32
RP	Brian Fisher	23	4	4	0.5	2.38	55	0	23	0	0	14	98.1	77	32	26
RP	Rich Bordi	26	6	8	0.429	3.21	51	3	16	0	0	2	98	95	41	35
RP	Neil Allen	27	1	0	1	2.76	17	0	10	0	0	1	29.1	26	9	9
	Marty Bystrom	26	3	2	0.6	5.71	8	8	0	0	0	0	41	44	29	26
	Mike Armstrong	31	0	0		3.07	9	0	8	0	0	0	14.2	9	5	5
	Rod Scurry	29	1	0	1	2.84	5	0	2	0	0	1	12.2	5	4	4
	Joe Niekro	40	2	1	0.667	5.84	3	3	0	0	0	0	12.1	14	8	8
	Don Cooper	29	0	0		5.4	7	0	2	0	0	0	10	12	6	6
	John Montefusco	35	0	0		10.29	3	1	1	0	0	0	7	12	8	8
	Dale Murray	35	0	0		13.5	3	0	2	0	0	0	2	4	3	3
	Team Totals	31.4	97	64	0.602	3.69	161	161	136	25	5	49	1440.1	1373	660	590
	Rank in 14 AL teams		2	13		3				7	3	1	8	3	3	3

1985 New York Yankees vs. opponents/ team splits

Opponent (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
Baltimore Orioles (13)	12	1	0.923
Boston Red Sox (13)	8	5	0.615
California Angels (12)	9	3	0.750
Chicago White Sox (12)	6	6	0.500
Cleveland Indians (13)	7	6	0.538
Detroit Tigers (12)	3	9	0.250
Kansas City Royals (12)	7	5	0.583
Milwaukee Brewers (13)	6	7	0.462
Minnesota Twins (12)	9	3	0.750
Oakland Athletics (12)	7	5	0.583
Seattle Mariners (12)	9	3	0.750
Texas Rangers (12)	8	4	0.667
Toronto Blue Jays (13)	6	7	0.462

1985 New York Yankees: Monthly record

Month (Games)	Won	Lost	WP
April (18)	6	12	0.333
May (26)	18	8	0.692
June (27)	13	14	0.481
July (28)	18	10	0.643
August (28)	20	8	0.714
September (28)	18	10	0.643
October (6)	4	2	0.667

1985 New York Yankees All-Star

• Dave Winfield
• Rickey Henderson
• Don Mattingly

1985 New York Yankees: Awards and honors

AL MVP: Don Mattingly

Gold Glove Awards

• Dave Winfield
• Ron Guidry
• Don Mattingly

Silver Slugger Awards

• Don Baylor
• Dave Winfield
• Rickey Henderson
• Don Mattingly

Roberto Clemente Award: Don Baylor

All-Star Appearances

• Dave Winfield
• Rickey Henderson
• Don Mattingly

Other Achievements

• Rickey Henderson finished 3rd in AL MVP Voting.
• Ron Guidry finished 2nd in AL Cy Young Voting.
• Brian Fisher finished 6th in AL Rookie of the Year Voting.
• Billy Martin finished 4th in AL Manager of the Year Voting.

League Leaders

• Rickey Henderson led the American League in stolen bases with 80.
• Rickey Henderson led Major League Baseball in runs scored with 146.
• Don Mattingly led the American League in RBIs with 145.

1985 New York Yankees: Best ever team to miss the playoff glory

In the nostalgic glow of 1985, an era free from the constant buzz of sports news and social media, baseball captured the hearts of young fans with its pure and unfiltered magic. Though falling short of the playoffs, the New York Yankees of that year etched themselves into the memories of those fortunate enough to witness their thrilling journey.

The anticipation began in December of the preceding year. George Steinbrenner, the larger-than-life owner, orchestrated a series of moves that promised to reshape the team. The roster boasted stalwarts like Mattingly, Winfield, and Guidry, but the excitement reached a fever pitch with the acquisition of the electrifying Rickey Henderson from the Oakland A’s.

As the pieces fell into place, the Yankees became a powerhouse on paper. The team was a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents, from the likes of Willie Randolph and Don Baylor to the promising young prospect, Jay Buhner. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and we, the young fans, couldn’t wait for the season to unfold.

The 1985 season kicked off with high expectations, but a slow start prompted Steinbrenner’s trademark impatience. In a move that stunned even a 10-year-old, Yogi Berra, the beloved Yankees manager, was unceremoniously fired after just 16 games. The decision sent shockwaves through the fanbase, and Yogi’s vow to stay away from Yankee Stadium until Steinbrenner’s ownership ended left a somber note.

Enter Billy Martin, a returning figure with a legendary aura. Martin’s arrival injected new life into the team, and a resurgence followed. The Yankees, despite their rollercoaster season, boasted the best offense in baseball, led by the formidable trio of Mattingly, Winfield, and Henderson. The MVP-worthy performances of Mattingly and Henderson were a beacon of hope in a lineup that showcased power, speed, and balance.

While the offense dazzled, the pitching staff faced its challenges. Ron Guidry stood out as the ace, but the rotation lacked depth. Yet, under Martin’s strategic guidance, the bullpen, featuring Dave Righetti and unsung hero Bob Shirley, emerged as a crucial asset. Shirley’s versatility and reliability made him a secret weapon, a fact often overlooked in the excitement of the season.

The summer of 1985 unfolded with the Yankees winning 60 of their last 90 games, setting the stage for a dramatic final series against the division-leading Blue Jays. A sweep and a one-game playoff hung in the air, reminiscent of the magical 1978 season. However, controversy and a broken arm, courtesy of a Martin-Whitson brawl, added a touch of drama that only Billy Martin could bring.

As the regular season concluded, the Yankees fell short of the playoffs, ending a season that had promised so much. Mattingly’s MVP-worthy performance, Niekro’s milestone 300th victory, and the overall excitement couldn’t mask the disappointment of missing October baseball once again.

Looking back, the 1985 Yankees stand as a paradox—a team that was arguably one of the best but failed to reach the postseason. In a different era with a Wild Card system, their 97 wins would have secured a spot in the World Series. For a 10-year-old fan, that summer was a taste of the pennant race drama, a memory forever etched as the best team that never made the playoffs.

The echoes of 1985 lingered, laying the groundwork for future championships and instilling in fans the enduring hope that defines the essence of being a Yankee.

1985 New York Yankees: Top 4 moments

Mattingly’s Noteworthy Achievement: Consecutive Seasons with 200 Hits

In 1985, Don Mattingly made baseball history by accomplishing the rare feat of achieving back-to-back 200-hit seasons, a feat not seen since Joe DiMaggio‘s time with the Yankees. Mattingly’s reliability at the plate and his knack for delivering in crucial moments solidified his position as one of the league’s premier hitters. This accomplishment not only echoed the greatness of Yankees legends but also left an enduring imprint on the team’s storied history.

Hotel Bar Clash: Billy Martin’s Fractured Arm

A dramatic incident unfolded on September 22 at a Baltimore hotel bar involving pitcher Ed Whitson and manager Billy Martin. The intense argument between the two reached a boiling point, resulting in Whitson breaking Martin’s arm. This shocking altercation not only cast a shadow over the team’s season but also added another layer to the already tumultuous relationship between Martin and his players. Unfortunately, Whitson’s time with the Yankees would be remembered more for this regrettable incident than for his on-field performance.

Disappointment in Baltimore: Yankees’ Defeat to Blue Jays

October 5 marked a pivotal moment in the 1985 season as the Yankees faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays in a crucial game. Trailing the division-leading Blue Jays by two games, the Yankees needed a victory to keep their playoff dreams alive. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays, led by pitcher Doyle Alexander, emerged triumphant with a 5-1 win, securing their first-ever division title. This defeat shattered the Yankees’ postseason hopes and marked the end of a hard-fought battle for playoff contention.

Niekro’s Landmark Win: A Knuckleballer’s Milestone

On October 6, Phil Niekro etched his name in the annals of baseball history by achieving his 300th major league win. Renowned for his mastery of the knuckleball, Niekro pitched a shutout against the Blue Jays, winning 8-0. In a fitting conclusion, he unleashed his trademark knuckleball for the final pitch of the game, striking out Jeff Burroughs. Niekro’s milestone victory illuminated his illustrious career and provided a positive note to conclude the 1985 season, despite the team falling short of the playoffs.

How do you rate the 1985 New York Yankees?