In 1985, the 21-year-old Saberhagen established himself as the ace of the Royals' staff. He went 20–6 with a 2.87 ERA and won the American League Cy Young Award. He led the Royals to a World Series championship and was named MVP of the World Series, pitching two complete games, including a shutout in Game 7. He was also the subject of much media attention during the Series as his wife gave birth to his first son, Drew William, on the same night of the infamous Don Denkinger call.

This Rawlings official MLB Baseball was signed in blue by Saberhagen and inscribed, "WS Champs." This baseball includes a JSA sticker and COA.