Columbus qualified for the playoffs in each of the next three seasons but was eliminated in the semifinals each time. Several Clippers were recognized with league awards during this period. Third baseman Tucker Ashford won the 1982 IL MVP Award. In 1984, catcher Scott Bradley was the MVP and Rookie of the Year, and the Clippers won a third Larry MacPhail Award. Outfielder Dan Pasqua was a dual MVP and Rookie of the Year in 1985. The 1985 club reached the finals, but they lost the Governors' Cup to the Tidewater Tides. Though missing the postseason in 1986, first baseman Orestes Destrade won the Rookie of the Year Award. The 1987 Clippers, managed by Bucky Dent, swept the Rochester Red Wings in the semifinals and Tidewater in the finals to win their fourth IL championship. Brad Arnsberg won the 1987 Most Valuable Pitcher Award. Columbus next returned to the playoffs in 1990 via a Western Division title, but they lost the single round of playoffs and the championship to Rochester. Outfielder Hensley Meulens was the MVP of the 1990 season, and Dave Eiland was the top pitcher.
