The Ultimate Showdown: Unpacking the Rich History of the National League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) has been the pinnacle of baseball excitement since its inception in 1969. This best-of-seven series determines which team will represent the National League in the coveted World Series. Over the years, the NLCS has witnessed some of the most thrilling matchups, remarkable performances, and unforgettable moments in baseball history.
A Look Back at the Most Dominant Franchises
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the most consistent performers in the NLCS, boasting an impressive 16 appearances and 39 wins. They share the record for most games played (81) with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Dodgers have also claimed the most series wins, with eight titles under their belt.
Record-Breaking Performances
Terry Pendleton holds the record for most games played (38) and at-bats (135) in the NLCS. Lloyd McClendon’s incredible.625 batting average remains unbeaten. Pete Rose leads the pack with 45 hits, while Albert Pujols has smashed 10 home runs and driven in 27 runs. Ron Gant, Davey Lopes, and Joe Morgan are tied for most stolen bases with eight each.
Pitching Greats
Mark Wohlers has taken the mound in 19 NLCS games, the most in history. Tom Glavine and John Smoltz are tied for most wins with six apiece. Unfortunately, Glavine also holds the record for most losses with 10. Brad Lidge has saved 10 games, while Dave Dravecky’s remarkable 0.43 ERA remains the lowest in NLCS history. John Smoltz has struck out an impressive 89 batters.
Managerial Mastery
Bobby Cox, former manager of the Atlanta Braves, has notched the most wins with 28, although his NLCS record stands at 5-5.
A Timeline of Champions
From the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2023 victory to the New York Mets’ 1969 triumph, here’s a look at every NLCS winner since its inception:
- 2023 – Arizona Diamondbacks
- 2022 – Philadelphia Phillies
- 2021 – Atlanta Braves
- 2020 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2019 – Washington Nationals
- 2018 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2017 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2016 – Chicago Cubs
- 2015 – New York Mets
- 2014 – San Francisco Giants
- 2013 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 2012 – San Francisco Giants
- 2011 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 2010 – San Francisco Giants
- 2009 – Philadelphia Phillies
- 2008 – Philadelphia Phillies
- 2007 – Colorado Rockies
- 2006 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 2005 – Houston Astros
- 2004 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 2003 – Florida Marlins
- 2002 – San Francisco Giants
- 2001 – Arizona Diamondbacks
- 2000 – New York Mets
- 1999 – Atlanta Braves
- 1998 – San Diego Padres
- 1997 – Florida Marlins
- 1996 – Atlanta Braves
- 1995 – Atlanta Braves
- 1993 – Philadelphia Phillies
- 1992 – Atlanta Braves
- 1991 – Atlanta Braves
- 1990 – Cincinnati Reds
- 1989 – San Francisco Giants
- 1988 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 1987 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 1986 – New York Mets
- 1985 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 1984 – San Diego Padres
- 1983 – Philadelphia Phillies
- 1982 – St. Louis Cardinals
- 1981 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 1980 – Philadelphia Phillies
- 1979 – Pittsburgh Pirates
- 1978 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 1977 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 1976 – Cincinnati Reds
- 1975 – Cincinnati Reds
- 1974 – Los Angeles Dodgers
- 1973 – New York Mets
- 1972 – Cincinnati Reds
- 1971 – Pittsburgh Pirates
- 1970 – Cincinnati Reds
- 1969 – New York Mets
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