American League Championship Series

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is an annual baseball championship series in Major League Baseball (MLB) that determines the champion of the American League (AL). The winner of the series advances to the World Series, where they compete against the champion of the National League Championship Series. The ALCS began in 1969 as part of the expansion of the MLB playoffs, coinciding with the split of the American League into two divisions.

History

The ALCS was established in 1969 following the division of the American League into the East and West divisions, which was a result of the addition of two new teams to the league. Initially, the series was a best-of-five playoff, but it was changed to a best-of-seven format in 1985 to match the National League Championship Series.

Format

The format of the ALCS is a best-of-seven playoff. The teams that compete are the winners of the American League Division Series (ALDS). The series is played in a 2-3-2 format, where the team with the better regular season record has home-field advantage and hosts the first two and the last two games, if necessary.

Notable Games and Moments

Over the years, the ALCS has been the stage for many memorable moments in baseball history. These include dramatic comebacks, individual performances, and game-changing plays. Some of the most notable moments include:

• The 2004 ALCS, where the Boston Red Sox became the first team in MLB history to come back from a 0-3 deficit, defeating the New York Yankees in seven games.
• The 1993 ALCS, where the Toronto Blue Jays' Joe Carter hit a walk-off home run to clinch the series.

Impact and Legacy

The ALCS has significant cultural and sporting importance in North America. It not only determines the American League's representative in the World Series but also garners extensive media coverage and fan interest. The series has helped to enhance rivalries, particularly between teams like the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, adding to the lore and appeal of Major League Baseball.

See Also

• List of American League pennant winners
• Major League Baseball postseason
• World Series