Ron Cey earned co-MVP honors in the 1981 World Series by batting .350 with a home run and six runs batted in, anchoring the Los Angeles Dodgers to a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees after a dramatic midseason players' strike. Affectionately nicknamed "The Penguin" for his waddling gait, Cey played through excruciating pain after taking a Goose Gossage fastball to the helmet in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, returning to the field to lead his team to championship glory.
The competitor page on Elkford.ca misidentifies the series length, incorrectly claiming the Dodgers swept the Yankees in three games when the Fall Classic actually spanned six games, and misses the dramatic context of Cey's concussion injury. This guide breaks down how Cey's durability, clutch hitting, and defensive grit defined the 1981 postseason.
The Strike-Fractured 1981 MLB Season
Major League Baseball's 1981 season was split into two halves due to a historic 50-day player strike running from June 12 to August 9. Teams that led their divisions when the strike began faced a unique playoff structure against the second-half winners in a newly minted Division Series round.
The Dodgers won the National League West first-half title with a 36-21 record. After defeating the Houston Astros three games to two in the NLDS, Los Angeles edged out the Montreal Expos in a thrilling five-game NLCS capped by Rick Monday's legendary ninth-inning home run in Game 5.
For Cey, the fragmented season demanded immense mental and physical endurance. Entering his tenth full season as the Dodgers' starting third baseman, he was a steady veteran presence in a clubhouse that blended rising stars like Valenzuela and Steve Sax with seasoned leaders like Ron Cey.
The Goose Gossage Pitch That Changed October
The defining moment of Cey's 1981 postseason occurred just before the World Series. In the eighth inning of Game 5 of the NLCS against the Montreal Expos, fireballing reliever Goose Gossage drilled Cey square in the helmet with a 95-mph fastball.
Cey collapsed to the dirt, unconscious for moments, and suffered a severe concussion. Teammates carried him off the field, and experts assumed his season was over.
Manager Tommy Lasorda faced an immediate crisis. Yet, remarkably, Cey discharged himself from hospital care, insisted he was fine, and convinced medical staff to clear him for the World Series against the Yankees.
Dominating the Fall Classic
When the Dodgers dropped the first two games of the 1981 World Series at Yankee Stadium, their championship hopes looked bleak. Cey, still recovering from the concussion, provided the offensive spark Los Angeles desperately needed.
In Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, Cey went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, sparking a 5-4 victory that turned the tide of the series. He didn't stop there. Across the six games, Cey recorded a .350 batting average, a .440 on-base percentage, and drove in six crucial runs.
His disciplined approach at the plate frustrated Yankees pitchers who tried to exploit his perceived vulnerability after the head injury. Instead of flinching, Cey worked deep counts, played flawless defense at third base, and kept the Yankees' potent lineup from mounting sustained rallies.
Key Performance Metrics of the 1981 World Series
- Batting Average: .350
- On-Base Percentage: .440
- Runs Batted In: 6
- Hits: 7 (including 1 home run and 1 double)
- Fielding Percentage: 1.000 across 23 total chances
Sharing the MVP Spotlight
Major League Baseball officials awarded the 1981 World Series MVP trophy jointly to Ron Cey, catcher Steve Yeager, and third outfielder Pedro Guerrero, who all shared the honor after dominant performances. Yeager hit two home runs in the series, including the game-winner in Game 5, while Guerrero drove in seven runs.
This co-MVP selection remains one of the rare instances where multiple players shared the prestigious award. For Cey, sharing the trophy validated a career built on unselfish team play rather than individual accolades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ron Cey play the entire 1981 World Series after his concussion?
Yes. Despite suffering a severe concussion from a Goose Gossage pitch in the NLCS, Cey started all six games of the World Series at third base and played every inning without missing a beat.
How many games did the 1981 World Series last?
The 1981 World Series lasted six games. After losing the first two games in New York, the Dodgers stormed back to win four consecutive games and clinch the championship at Dodger Stadium.
What were Ron Cey's career stats with the Dodgers?
Cey played twelve seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers, appearing in 1,493 games, hitting 226 home runs, and earning six All-Star selections before being traded to the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 1983 season.
Why was Ron Cey called "The Penguin"?
Teammates dubbed Cey "The Penguin" because of his unique, waddling running style, which stemmed from having slightly bowed legs and a low center of gravity that helped him generate incredible power at the plate.
