When Did the ALCS Change to a 7-Game Series Format?

Discover when the American League Championship Series (ALCS) expanded from 5 to 7 games and why the change was made.

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The American League Championship Series (ALCS) became a 7-game series format in 1985. Prior to that, it was a best-of-5 series from its inception in 1969 until 1984. The change was made to align the ALCS with the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and to provide a more comprehensive test of the teams' abilities.

FAQs & Answers

  1. When did the ALCS expand from a best-of-5 to a best-of-7 series? The ALCS changed from a best-of-5 series to a best-of-7 format in 1985 to align with the National League Championship Series.
  2. Why was the ALCS series format changed in 1985? The change was made to provide a more comprehensive test of the teams' abilities and to match the format used in the NLCS.
  3. What was the original format of the ALCS before 1985? From its inception in 1969 until 1984, the ALCS was played as a best-of-5 series.