The Sox lost the World Series in seven games to the Cardinals, but
it seemed a good bet at the time that they would have continued
success. It never happened; in the off-season, Lonborg broke his
leg skiing, and vanished almost as quickly as he had arrived
(though he would eventually have a couple of good seasons with
Philadelphia). Despite the presence of some good players, the team
could never get over the top again. Dick Williams was fired, and
won some championships with Oakland instead.
As for Lonborg, he had an impressive season. His ERA is a
little higher than the other guys, but remember, he pitched in
Fenway Park. I don't think he was the best pitcher in the league,
and he was a long way from Roger Clemens, but he was good.
This was the first year that the AL gave out its own Cy Young
Award. Lonborg won easily over Joel Horlen. But in the MVP
balloting, Horlen received more support. Why? Horlen's team, the White
Sox finished only three games out of first place. They had unbelievable
pitching, led by Horlen and Gary Peters. Chicago was the only team with
a staff ERA under 3.00, and it was 2.45. Their offense stunk, of course;
only the Yankees(!) scored fewer runs. But I think Horlen was clearly the
AL's best pitcher.
I'm inclined to think that Peters, and maybe Dean Chance as
well, might have been better than Lonborg. But I'll give Big Jim
the benefit of the doubt, that it was a tough year pitching in
Fenway Park. Oddly enough, all four pitchers- Horlen, Lonborg,
Peters, Chance- slipped badly next year, and would not recover.
