The worst MLB teams from the 1980s

The historically bad Orioles lost 107 games, including a record 0-21 start to the season. Cal Ripken Sr. was let go as manager after only six games in favor of legend Frank Robinson, but the changes were for naught. The team scored only 550 runs and finished 23.5 games behind the next closest team in their division. Despite their struggles, Baltimore did have big offensive seasons from Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, and Fred Lynn. The Orioles' season also marked the debut of future ace Curt Schilling.

Atlanta was terrible in 1988 with 106 losses, though they were outdone by the Orioles in the American League. Four different starting pitchers on the squad had double-digit losses, though rookie second baseman Ron Gant was a bright spot with 19 home runs and 19 stolen bases, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting.

The Pirates struggled in the mid-80s, and 1985 was by far their worst squad. The team went 57-104. Jason Thompson led the anemic offense with 12 home runs, and the pitching struggled to find consistency beyond veteran All-Star Rick Reuschel.

Only two years after an ALCS appearance, the Tigers lost 103 games in 1989. The pitching staff showed their age, with Frank Tanana the only starter with an ERA below 4.00. Star second baseman Lou Whitaker did have another strong year, hitting a career-high 28 home runs and 85 RBI.

It was an uphill climb for the Mariners in their early years, including their fourth season in 1980. The team lost 103 games, with five different pitchers losing at least 12 games. First baseman Bruce Bochte was the team's high note, following up an All-Star season by hitting .300-13-78 with an .836 OPS.

Cleveland suffered their fourth consecutive losing season in 1985, losing 102 games. In spite of Bert Blyleven's 15 complete games in 23 starts before getting traded, the team struggled with run prevention and allowed 861 runs.

Seattle had their third 100-plus loss season in their seven years of existence, going 60-102 in 1983. The slow start cost manager Rene Lachemann is job in late June, and the team had three pitchers record at least 15 losses.

The Twins lost over 100 games in 1982 since they were known as the Washington Nationals in 1949. Minnesota finished the season 60-102 despite four players recording at least 20 home runs. Kent Hrbek and Gary Ward led the offense.

The 1987 Indians squad was one of the biggest disappointments of the decade, finishing 61-101 after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in April. The pitching staff allowed an incredible 957 runs and a 5.28 ERA. At least the offense delivered, as young stars Cory Snyder, Brook Jacoby, and Joe Carter each hit over 30 home runs.

The 1982 Reds squad finished in last place for the first time since 1937, losing 101 games. The team struggled to generate offense beyond first baseman Dan Driessen, though ace Mario Soto did have an All-Star season going 14-13 with a 2.79 ERA over 257.2 innings.

The 1985 Giants reached 100 losses for the first time in franchise history, with six different pitchers on the roster losing double-digit games. One of the few bright spots was rookie third baseman Chris Brown, who hit .271-16-61 in 131 games.

The Rangers went 62-99 and struggled with run prevention in spite of Charlie Hough's 3.31 ERA and 14 complete games in 34 starts. The offense was also anemic, with one of the few exceptions being first baseman Pete O'Brien, who hit .267-22-92.

The Pirates remained a work in progress when they hired manager Jim Leyland in 1986. The team lost 98 games after losing 104 games the previous year. The season was also notable for the arrival of rookie superstar Barry Bonds, who finished sixth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .223-16-48 with 36 steals in 113 games. Ace Rick Rhoden was a deserving All-Star, finishing the year at 15-12 with a 2.84 and 12 complete games.

After four winning seasons over the previous five years, Texas sputtered to a 64-98 record in 1982. The team scored the fewest runs in the American League, struggling to get on base as third baseman Buddy Bell was the only regular with an on-base percentage above .326.

The Cubs finished at the bottom of the division at 64-98 in 1980, their most losses since 1966. The team's starting rotation struggled, as all four primary members finished with at least 13 losses.

The Braves had to withstand some lean years in the late 1980s before their turnaround in the next decade. After losing 106 games in 1988, Atlanta lost 97 games in 1989. Left fielder Lonnie Smith did produce a tremendous season hitting .315-21-79 with 25 steals and a league-high .415 on-base percentage, while the starting rotation also started to show what it could be with John Smoltz and Tom Glavine at the top having breakout seasons.

The Padres finished 65-97 in Larry Bowa's first season as manager, though the team did get a thrill from rookie catcher Benito Santiago. He put together a 34-game hitting streak to help win NL Rookie of the Year, hitting .300-18-79 with 21 stolen bases. First baseman John Kruk also had a breakout season, hitting .313-20-91 with 18 steals and an .894 OPS.

The Mets' 97 losses in 1982 was the most of the decade for the franchise. The team struggled to generate offense beyond first baseman Dave Kingman's 37 home runs and 99 RBI, and finished with a negative-114 run differential.

Philly lost 96 games in their forgettable 1988 season. Three of the team's starting pitchers lost at least 14 games, and the Phillies failed to produce a 20 home run hitter as Mike Schmidt faced decline. They finished the season with only 597 runs scored.

While they saw big power seasons from Dale Murphy and Bob Horner, Atlanta struggled to finish 66-96 in 1985. Ace Rick Mahler did win 17 games with a 3.48 ERA while pitching a career-high 266.2 innings.