American League Championship Series

In Major League Baseball, the American League Championship Series (ALCS) determines who wins the American League pennant and advances to baseball's championship, the World Series, to face the winner of the National League Championship Series. It began in 1969, when the American League was reorganized into two divisions, East and West. The winners of each division played each other in a best-of-five series to determine who would advanced to the World Series. In 1985, the format changed to best-of-seven.

Related Topics:
Major League Baseball - American League - Baseball - World Series - National League Championship Series - 1969 - 1985

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In 1994, the league was restructured into three divisions, with the three division winners and a wild-card team advancing to a best-of-five playoff round, known as the American League Division Series or ALDS. The winners of that round then advanced to the best-of-seven ALCS. This is the system currently in use.

Related Topics:
1994 - American League Division Series

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A Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is given to the outstanding player in the ALCS. No MVP award is given for Division Series play.

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For American League pennant winners prior to 1969, see American League pennant winners 1901-68.

Related Topics:
1969 - American League pennant winners 1901-68

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