Introduction to the National League Championship Series (NLCS)
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) is a best-of-seven playoff series played at the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) regular season. It is a single-elimination tournament between the winners of the two divisions in the National League (NL). The winner of the NLCS advances to the World Series, the MLB’s championship series.
How is the NLCS Structured?
The NLCS is a seven-game series, with the team with the best regular-season record in the National League (NL) playing the team with the second-best record in the NL. The series is played in a 2–3–2 format, with the team with the better regular-season record hosting Games 1, 2, 6, and 7. The team with the lesser regular-season record hosts Games 3, 4, and 5.
History of the NLCS
The NLCS was established in 1969, when the National League was split into two divisions, East and West. The two divisional champions met in a best-of-five series to determine the pennant winner. The series was expanded to a best-of-seven format in 1985, when the National League was restructured into three divisions.
Notable NLCS Champions
Since its inception, several teams have enjoyed success in the NLCS. The New York/San Francisco Giants have won the NLCS the most times, with a total of nine titles. The Los Angeles Dodgers have won seven NLCS championships, while the St. Louis Cardinals have won five. The Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs have each won three NLCS titles.
Does the Winner of the NLCS Go to the World Series?
The answer is Yes. The winner of the NLCS advances to the World Series and is crowned the National League champion. The World Series pits the National League champion against the American League champion in a best-of-seven series. The winner of the World Series is crowned the Major League Baseball champion.
Reasons why the Winner of the NLCS goes to the World Series
- The NLCS is the Final Step: The NLCS is the final step in the National League playoff format. The winner of the NLCS is declared the National League champion and advances to the World Series.
- The NLCS Champion is the Best Team in the National League: The winner of the NLCS is the best team in the National League and has earned the right to represent the league in the World Series.
- The NLCS Champion is the Best Team in Baseball: The winner of the NLCS is the best team in baseball and is the only team that can compete for the championship.
- The NLCS Champion is the Most Deserving Team: The winner of the NLCS has earned the right to compete for the championship and is the most deserving team in the league.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Does the winner of the NLCS go to the World Series?” is Yes. The winner of the National League Championship Series advances to the World Series and is crowned the National League champion. The NLCS is the final step in the National League playoff format, and the winner of the NLCS is the best team in the National League and in baseball. The NLCS champion is the most deserving team in the league and has earned the right to compete for the championship.
References
- MLB. (2021). National League Championship Series. Retrieved from mlb.com/playoffs/history/national-league-championship-series
- MLB. (2021). World Series. Retrieved from mlb.com/world-series
- MLB. (2021). National League Championship Series Winners. Retrieved from mlb.com/playoffs/history/national-league-championship-series-winners