The Royals finally learned who they would face in the World Series, as Philadelphia outlasted Houston, 8-7, in the deciding game of the NLCS. The Phillies scored five runs in the eighth to take a 7-5 lead, only to see the Astros score two in the bottom of the inning. But Garry Maddox doubled with two outs in the top of the 10th to drive in Del Unser, giving the Phillies the win in the fourth extra-inning game (out of five) in the series.

Royals players and staff watched the end of Game Five from a private lounge at the Newark airport. Once their opponent was determined, the Royals headed back to the hotel, planning to take the short bus ride to Philadelphia the next morning. The Phillies would not return to their home city from Houston until the next day.

The upcoming World Series was something new for baseball fans. Of course, the Royals were making their first-ever appearance, while Philadelphia had not been in the Fall Classic since 1950, and one of these teams would be winning their first-ever title. The Phillies, just like the Royals, had captured their fourth division title in five seasons in 1980, and finally emerged victorious in the playoffs.

1980 sports news: The Chiefs, after an 0-4 start, picked up their second straight win with a 21-20 win over the Houston Oilers at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City quarterback Steve Fuller  scored on a 38-yard run with three minutes left in the game for the winning score. The Chiefs overcame a 10-0 halftime deficit, with Fuller connecting with Henry Marshall on a 31-yard touchdown pass and linebacker Gary Spani returning an interception 47 yards for another touchdown.

Today’s birthdays: Jorge Pedre (1966), Francisco Pena (1989)