Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
During the 1980s, pitchers did have to face hitters who had taken performance enhancers, like uppers. There were clubhouse coffee machines that had both “regular” and “unleaded” options. But they didn’t have to worry about hitters adding tens of pounds of muscle mass via syringes, which led to many more balls flying out of the park. Batters were coming to the plate with forearms that made Popeye look weak. These 12 hurlers were among the best during the 1980s, when hitters were just trying to stay awake:
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Nolan Ryan’s Texas Heat: The Strikeout King’s 100-mph Stare
Nolan Ryan was the Intimidator on the mound during the 80s. Goliath himself could have gotten in the batter’s box, and Ryan would have brushed him back. His glare would have made Medusa run screaming. The Ryan Express ran unimpeded during the 80’s.
Jack Morris and the Moustache That Meant Business
Jack Morris was also one tough man. He had a ‘stache as formidable as his split-finger. The man lived to finish each game that he started, and managers hated seeing his glare if they thought about taking him out of the game.
Dave Stieb’s Slider: Toronto’s Unhittable Secret Weapon
Dave Stieb’s hard-biting slider was something that gave opposing hitters nightmares. He pitched with a chip on his shoulder and a delivery that snapped like a winter wind off Lake Ontario. There were times when he could be tough on his fielders if they made errors, but the man was born to compete.
Orel Hershiser’s Bulldog Days and Scoreless Nights
Orel Hershiser looked more like a high school teacher than a Major League pitcher. However, in 1988, he transformed Dodger Stadium into a scoreless desert, stringing together 59 consecutive shutout innings. He got hot at the right time as the Dodgers stunned the world by beating both the Mets and the A’s to win it all.
Dwight “Doc” Gooden’s Magical First Two Years at Shea
Doc Gooden’s 1984 rookie campaign wasn’t just dominant—it was electric. Then, he laughed in the face of the so-called “Sophomore Slump” and put together a season for the ages, going 24-4. He was so good that Mets fans asked, “How did he lose four games?” While he didn’t reach the same heights after that, he was still someone who made the hitters look foolish.
Fernando Valenzuela: Fernandomania and the Screwball Revolution
It’s hard to explain exactly what Fernandomania was to those who weren’t alive at the time. Fernando Valenzuela brought a nation together with his hypnotic windup and legendary screwball. Think of how Boston was during Pedro Martinez’s run in the late 90’s and you have an idea of what his starts were like at Dodger Stadium.
Bret Saberhagen’s Baby Face and World Series Brilliance
Bret Saberhagen looked like he should be asking for your daughter’s curfew on prom night, not mowing down Cardinals in the ‘85 World Series. But behind that wholesome grin was a right arm that owned October. He won two Cy Youngs during the decade of the 80s, and Royals fans still think fondly of him.
Mike Scott’s Mysterious Split-Finger and the 1986 Astros Surge
Mike Scott’s split-finger fastball was baseball’s equivalent of a magic trick—hitters swore it disappeared before it reached the plate. His splitter was so baffling that opponents frequently accused him of scuffing the ball, a controversy that only added to his mystique in 1986. He confounded hitters, especially ones from the Mets, and had a heck of a run.
Rick Sutcliffe’s Roaring Red Beard and Comeback Fire
Rick Sutcliffe had a 1984 run with the Cubs that was a fever dream of red-bearded fury and comeback glory. He made Chicago fans dream of a World Series that only Leon Durham and Steve Garvey could shatter. The right-hander also won 18 and 16 games later on in the decade.
Bob Welch: Oakland’s Silent Assassin on the Mound
Bob Welch came onto the scene in 1978 when he struck out Reggie Jackson in a high-leverage situation in the World Series. He proved to be a formidable pitcher during the 80s, winning at least 10 games seven times during the decade, and he opened the 90s with an incredible 27-win season.
Ron Guidry’s Cajun Lightning Strikes the Bronx
When Ron Guidry pitched, even the Bronx’s toughest fans went quiet—at least until the strikeouts started piling up. “Louisiana Lightning” zipped through lineups and left batters spinning. While he didn’t approach his 70s glory, he did win at least 20 games twice in the 80s before falling off.
Steve Carlton’s Final Philly Phantasmagoria
Steve Carlton’s slider was still snapping in the early part of the ‘80s, even as his legendary Phillies run neared its end. He won 24 games to begin the decade, and 23 in ’82. This was during an 18-season streak that saw him win at least 10 games each year. Lefty was one of a kind.