Well before the commissioner's decision, the Mets and Cardinals had become embroiled in a heated rivalry atop the National League East, with Hernandez, newly acquired All-star catcher Gary Carter, and other talented veterans combining with a spectacular group of young talent to lead the charge for the Mets. The 1985 season came down to the wire as the Mets won 98 games, narrowly losing the division to a Cardinals team that won 101 games. The Mets had three players finish in the top ten in NL MVP balloting that season (Gooden 4th, Carter 6th, and Hernandez 8th). Meanwhile, the "Redbirds" placed four players in the top ten (Tommy Herr 5th, John Tudor tied Hernandez at 8th, Jack Clark 10th, and winner Willie McGee), as well as having the 11th-place finisher (Vince Coleman).