How does the MLB playoffs work?

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Table of Contents hide
1. Introduction to the MLB Playoffs
2. How the MLB Playoffs Work
2.1. Wild Card
2.2. Divisional Series
2.3. Championship Series
2.4. World Series
3. MLB Playoff Format
3.1. Wild Card Format
3.2. Divisional Series Format
3.3. Championship Series Format
3.4. World Series Format
4. Rules of the MLB Playoffs
5. MLB Postseason Awards
6. MLB Postseason History
7. Conclusion

Introduction to the MLB Playoffs

The Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs are a series of elimination tournaments intended to determine the best team in the league. The playoffs take place at the end of the regular season and generally involve the top teams from each division playing against each other in a best-of-five or best-of-seven series. The winner of each series advances to the next round, eventually culminating in the World Series, which pits the champions of the American League and National League against each other for the championship.

How the MLB Playoffs Work

The MLB playoffs are divided into two parts: the Wild Card, and the Divisional and Championship Series.

Wild Card

The Wild Card is a single-elimination tournament that pits two teams against each other for a single spot in the Divisional Series. The two teams that participate in the Wild Card are the two teams with the best records in their respective leagues who did not win their division. The winner of the Wild Card advances to the Divisional Series and the loser is eliminated.

Divisional Series

The Divisional Series is a best-of-five series between the three division winners and the winner of the Wild Card. The team with the better record in the regular season automatically receives home-field advantage. The winner of the Divisional Series advances to the Championship Series, while the loser is eliminated.

Championship Series

The Championship Series is a best-of-seven series between the two teams that won their respective Divisional Series. Again, the team with the better record in the regular season automatically receives home-field advantage. The winner of the Championship Series advances to the World Series, while the loser is eliminated.

World Series

The World Series is a best-of-seven series between the champions of the American League and the National League. The team with the better record in the regular season automatically receives home-field advantage. The winner of the World Series is crowned the champion of Major League Baseball for that season.

MLB Playoff Format

The MLB playoffs are structured as a double-elimination tournament, meaning that teams are eliminated after two losses in the playoffs. Teams can also be eliminated if they are unable to win four games in the Divisional or Championship series.

Wild Card Format

The Wild Card is a single-elimination tournament between two teams. The team with the better regular season record is awarded home-field advantage. The winner of the Wild Card advances to the Divisional Series, while the loser is eliminated.

Divisional Series Format

The Divisional Series is a best-of-five series between the three division winners and the winner of the Wild Card. The team with the better regular season record is awarded home-field advantage. The winner of the Divisional Series advances to the Championship Series, while the loser is eliminated.

Championship Series Format

The Championship Series is a best-of-seven series between the two teams that won their respective Divisional Series. Again, the team with the better regular season record is awarded home-field advantage. The winner of the Championship Series advances to the World Series, while the loser is eliminated.

World Series Format

The World Series is a best-of-seven series between the champions of the American League and the National League. The team with the better regular season record is awarded home-field advantage. The winner of the World Series is crowned the champion of Major League Baseball for that season.

Rules of the MLB Playoffs

The MLB playoffs are governed by a set of rules that must be followed in order for the tournament to be considered fair and competitive. These rules include:

  • Designated Hitter – Each team must use a designated hitter in all games of the playoffs.
  • Inning Limits – Each inning of the playoffs is limited to a maximum of 12 batters.
  • Pitching Limits – Each team must limit the number of innings pitched by each of their starting pitchers to no more than three innings in each game.
  • Re-entry Rule – A player is allowed to re-enter the game one time per game, provided the player has not been removed from the game for a pitching change.
  • Extra Innings – If a game is tied after nine innings, the teams will play extra innings until a winner is determined.
  • Home-Field Advantage – The team with the better regular season record is awarded home-field advantage in each series.

MLB Postseason Awards

In addition to the excitement of the playoffs, the MLB also awards a variety of awards to recognize the best players and teams of the postseason. Some of the most notable awards include:

  • World Series Most Valuable Player – Awarded to the player who had the best overall performance in the World Series.
  • League Championship Series Most Valuable Player – Awarded to the player who had the best overall performance in the League Championship Series.
  • Divisional Series Most Valuable Player – Awarded to the player who had the best overall performance in the Divisional Series.
  • Rolaids Relief Man of the Year – Awarded to the relief pitcher who had the best overall performance in the playoffs.
  • Silver Slugger Award – Awarded to the best offensive players in the playoffs.

MLB Postseason History

The MLB playoffs have been around since 1903, when the National League and American League first began playing against each other in the World Series. Since then, the playoffs have evolved to include more teams, more rounds, and more awards. Some of the most memorable moments in MLB postseason history include:

  • Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” – One of the most iconic moments in baseball history, Babe Ruth’s “called shot” in the 1932 World Series is still celebrated today.
  • Kirk Gibson’s Home Run – In the 1988 World Series, Kirk Gibson hit a dramatic home run off of Oakland Athletics’ pitcher Dennis Eckersley, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a series victory.
  • The 2004 Boston Red Sox – The 2004 Boston Red Sox were the first team in MLB history to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, eventually going on to win the World Series.
  • The Wild Card Era – In 1995, the MLB introduced the Wild Card, allowing teams with the best records in their respective leagues, who did not win their division, to qualify for the playoffs.
  • The 2017 Houston Astros – In 2017, the Houston Astros became the first team in MLB history to win the World Series after having the worst record in the league the year before.

Conclusion

The MLB playoffs are a thrilling tournament that pits the best teams in the league against each other in a series of elimination games. With its rich history and exciting moments, the MLB playoffs are sure to provide plenty of excitement for baseball fans each and every year.