The 1985 Topps All-Star Rookie Team introduced baseball fans to a talented group of players, some of whom would become significant contributors in the league. Let’s look at their careers, standout statistics, and fascinating highlights.
Mark Salas – C – Twins
Mark Salas began his career as a solid catcher with a reliable bat. Known for his left-handed swing, Salas hit .300 in 1985, his first full season, with 9 home runs and 41 RBIs. Over his eight-year career, he compiled a .247 batting average with 38 home runs and 143 RBIs.
Glenn Davis – 1B – Astros
Known as “Big Bopper,” Glenn Davis was a power hitter who anchored the Astros lineup in the late 80s. He earned two All-Star selections and finished second in the NL MVP voting in 1986. Over his 10-year career, Davis hit .259 with 190 home runs and 603 RBIs, with his best season in 1986 when he hit 31 home runs and 101 RBIs.
Ernest Riles – SS – Brewers
Ernest Riles made an immediate impact, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting in 1985 with a .286 average, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs. Over nine seasons, he batted .254, with 48 home runs and 284 RBIs. Riles made history in 1990 when he hit the 10,000th home run for the San Francisco Giants franchise.
Chris Brown – 3B – Giants
Chris Brown, known for his athleticism and potential, was an All-Star in 1986 with the Giants, where he hit .317 with 7 home runs and 49 RBIs. His six-year career was limited by injuries, but he still managed a .269 batting average with 38 home runs and 184 RBIs.
Ozzie Guillén – SS – White Sox
Ozzie Guillén’s defense and enthusiasm earned him the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1985. Over his 16-year career, he was a three-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove. He hit .264 lifetime, with 619 RBIs and 173 stolen bases. Guillén later managed the White Sox to a World Series title in 2005, becoming a fan-favorite in Chicago.
Vince Coleman – OF – Cardinals
Known for his blazing speed, Vince Coleman stole 110 bases in his Rookie of the Year season in 1985, leading the league for six consecutive seasons. Coleman, a two-time All-Star, had 752 career stolen bases over 13 years, a .264 batting average, and 346 RBIs, making him one of the greatest base-stealers of all time.
Oddibe McDowell – OF – Rangers
Oddibe McDowell, nicknamed “Young Again,” was a five-tool player known for his speed and power. In 1985, he became the first Ranger to hit for the cycle. Over eight seasons, McDowell hit .253 with 74 home runs, 266 RBIs, and 129 stolen bases, showcasing a blend of power and speed.
Larry Sheets – OF – Orioles
A powerful left-handed hitter, Larry Sheets had his breakout season in 1987, when he batted .316 with 31 home runs and 94 RBIs for the Orioles. In eight seasons, he hit .266 with 94 home runs and 332 RBIs. His knack for clutch hitting made him a reliable presence in the Orioles lineup during his tenure.
Brian Fisher – P – Yankees
Brian Fisher was a valuable bullpen piece for the Yankees, particularly in 1985 when he recorded a 2.38 ERA with 14 saves. Known for his fastball, Fisher posted a career 4.14 ERA, with a 36-34 record and 32 saves over six seasons, making him a dependable reliever in his prime.
Roger McDowell – P – Mets
Roger McDowell was a key reliever for the Mets, especially during their 1986 World Series run. Known for his quirky personality and effective sinker, he posted a 3.30 ERA over 12 seasons with 70 saves. McDowell was a fan favorite and a valuable bullpen arm, later becoming a pitching coach in the majors.
Tom Browning – P – Reds
Tom Browning made headlines in 1988 when he threw a perfect game, the first in Reds history. Nicknamed “Mr. Perfect,” Browning posted a 123-90 record with a 3.94 ERA and 1,000 strikeouts over 12 seasons. In his 1985 rookie season, he went 20-9, becoming a key figure in the Reds’ rotation for years.
Conclusion
The 1985 Topps All-Star Rookie Team boasted a group of talented and diverse players, from Vince Coleman’s lightning speed on the basepaths to Tom Browning’s perfect game. Many went on to long careers, while others transitioned into impactful post-playing roles. These players left a memorable mark on the game, reminding us of the promise and excitement of their early years.
Each of these players made a unique contribution to the game and left a lasting legacy that fans still celebrate. Whether it’s Ozzie Guillén’s enthusiasm, Vince Coleman’s speed, or Tom Browning’s perfect game, the 1985 Topps All-Star Rookie Team remains an unforgettable class.