50 best MLB teams that didn’t win the World Series
76. . 95-67. Lost in the World Series. 1982 Milwaukee Brewers. 25. player
The 1982 Milwaukee Brewers narrowly defeated the Baltimore Orioles by one game in the American League East with a record of 95-67 to make it to the postseason for the second consecutive year. With a 4-3 victory over the California Angels in Game 5 of the ALCS, the Brewers reached the World Series for the first (and to date, the only) time.
When the Brewers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 10-0 in Game 1 of the Fall Classic, it appeared the young franchise would capture their first World Championship in just 13 seasons (12 in Milwaukee). However, the Cardinals fought back and won the it all after a 6-3 victory in Game 7.
The Brewers posted just a 3.98 team ERA in 1982, but Pete Vuckovich earned Cy Young honors with an 18-6 record and 3.34 ERA in 223 innings across 30 starts (including nine complete games).
Plus, Milwaukee had one of the most explosive lineups ever assembled, and led the American League in runs (891). Hall of Famer Robin Yount won the AL MVP thanks to a performance that included an AL best 210 hits, 46 doubles, .578 slugging percentage and .957 OPS, as well as 29 home runs, 114 RBI, and 129 runs. Paul Molitor, another future Hall of Famer, hit .302/.366/.450, hit 19 homers, and set the table with 201 hits and stole 41 bases. But most of the power belonged to Gorman Thomas (39 HR, 112 RBI), Cecil Cooper (32 HR, 121 RBI), Ben Oglivie (34 HR, 102 RBI) and Ted Simmons (23 HR, 97 RBI).
Next: 1986 Boston Red Sox