American League Championship Series

American League Championship Series
Title	American League Championship Series
Current season	2023 American League Championship Series
Sport	Baseball
Founded	1969
Champion	Texas Rangers
Most champs	New York Yankees (11)

American League Championship Series. The American League Championship Series (ALCS) is a best-of-seven playoff series in Major League Baseball (MLB) that determines the American League (AL) champion and pennant winner, who then advances to the World Series. First played in 1969 following the league's split into two divisions, it has featured many of the sport's most iconic teams and players, from the dynastic New York Yankees to legendary figures like Reggie Jackson and David Ortiz. The winner is awarded the William Harridge Trophy, named for the former AL president.

History

The event was created in 1969 when MLB restructured, adding the American League West and American League East divisions, necessitating a postseason series to decide the league champion. Initially a best-of-five format, it pitted the winners of each division, with the first ALCS victory going to the Baltimore Orioles, managed by Earl Weaver. The 1976 season saw the expansion of the format to a best-of-seven series. A significant structural change occurred in 1994 with the realignment into three divisions and the introduction of the Wild Card, creating the American League Division Series (ALDS) as a preliminary round. This era has been defined by intense rivalries, such as the New York Yankees–Boston Red Sox rivalry, highlighted by the 2004 American League Championship Series where the Boston Red Sox famously overcame a 3–0 deficit against the New York Yankees en route to breaking the Curse of the Bambino.

Format

Under the current postseason structure, the two participants are the winners of the two American League Division Series, which themselves feature the three division champions (American League East, American League Central, American League West) and three Wild Card teams. The series follows a 2–3–2 game schedule, with the team holding the better regular-season record receiving home-field advantage for Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 at their home ballpark, such as Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium. The opponent hosts Games 3, 4, and 5. This format has been in place since the 1998 season and ensures the team with the superior record has the potential to clinch the pennant at home.

Results

The New York Yankees hold the record for most appearances and victories, having won 11 times, including a run of four consecutive pennants from 1998 to 2001 under manager Joe Torre. The Oakland Athletics have won six times, with their "Swingin' A's" of the early 1970s featuring Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson. The Boston Red Sox have won five times, with their 21st-century championships often coming through dramatic series against the Yankees. Other multiple winners include the Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Kansas City Royals. The most recent champion is the Texas Rangers, who won the 2023 American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros.

Trophy

The winning team is presented with the William Harridge Trophy, named for the league's president from 1931 to 1959. The trophy, a silver award featuring a baseball and flags, has been awarded since the series' inception. Players and coaches on the winning team also receive individual American League championship rings, and the club is awarded the American League pennant, a tradition dating to the 19th century. The trophy presentation typically occurs on the field immediately following the final out, often with coverage by Fox Sports.

Records and statistics

Individual records are held by many baseball legends. George Brett of the Kansas City Royals holds the highest career batting average for the series. Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees' legendary closer, holds the records for most saves and appearances. The record for most home runs in a single series is shared by several players, including Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers. Pitching records include most wins, held by Andy Pettitte of the Yankees, and most strikeouts in a series, held by Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros. Team records include the most consecutive appearances, set by the Yankees from 1998 to 2001.

Broadcasters

National television coverage has been provided by several networks over the decades. Initially broadcast on NBC as part of the Major League Baseball on NBC package, coverage later moved to ABC and then to CBS in the early 1990s. Since 2000, coverage has primarily alternated between Fox Sports and TBS, with Fox typically airing the series in even-numbered years. Renowned broadcasters who have called the action include Vin Scully, Bob Costas, Joe Buck, and Ernie Harwell. Radio coverage is provided nationally by ESPN Radio and locally by flagship stations like WFAN for the Yankees.

Category:American League Category:Major League Baseball playoffs