American League Division Series

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

American League Division Series[edit | edit source]

The American League Division Series (ALDS) is a part of Major League Baseball's postseason, serving as the first round of the playoffs in the American League. The ALDS was first introduced in 1995 when Major League Baseball expanded the postseason format to include a wild card team from each league.

Format[edit | edit source]

The ALDS consists of two best-of-five series. The three division winners in the American League and the wild card team qualify for the ALDS. The team with the best record in the league faces the wild card team, while the other two division winners face each other. The team with the better regular-season record has home-field advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, and 5 if necessary.

History[edit | edit source]

The ALDS was established following the 1994 realignment, which divided each league into three divisions. The introduction of the wild card allowed a fourth team to qualify for the playoffs, necessitating an additional round. The first ALDS was played in 1995, with the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners winning their respective series.

Notable ALDS Moments[edit | edit source]

Impact on Teams[edit | edit source]

The ALDS is a critical step for teams aspiring to win the World Series. Success in the ALDS can build momentum and confidence, while failure can lead to significant offseason changes. Teams often rely on their top pitchers and clutch hitters to advance past this round.

Recent ALDS Results[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD