Nicknamed the "greed" decade, the 1980s served as a backdrop for the beginning of the end of the cold war, the boon of spaceflight, and over-the-top pop culture. During this time, the U.S. men's hockey team triumphed over the heavily favored Soviet Union team to win gold at the 1980 Olympic Games, the first American won the Tour de France, and Bo Jackson made history by simultaneously playing baseball and football at the pro level. 1980–1989, Second Edition showcases these standout moments in sports, with vivid photographs, handy reference features, and colorful narration.

Highlights include:

• The U.S. hockey team wins the gold medal at the 1980 Olympics, defeating the much-favored Soviet Union team in a dramatic upset
• Carl Lewis breaks the world indoor long-jump record in 1982
• In 1983 the New York Islanders become the second NHL team to win the Stanley Cup in four consecutive years
• The Lakers and the Celtics meet for the ninth time in the NBA finals in 1985, and for the first time the Lakers win
• Greg LeMond wins the 1986 Tour de France, becoming the first man from the United States to do so
• Bo Jackson, already playing baseball for the Kansas City Royals, signs to play pro football the same year with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1987.