MLB altered its playoff structure in 1969 and established the League Championship Series. The LCS is a showdown between the winners of the division series to determine which team will represent its respective league — American League and National League — in the World Series.
Baseball expanded both the ALCS and NLCS in 1985, from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven series. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are facing off in the 2024 NLCS.
Here's a look at notable stats from NLCS history: Franchise with the most appearances Los Angeles Dodgers, 16 Franchise with the most games played Los Angeles Dodgers and St.
Louis Cardinals are tied with 81 apiece Franchise with the most wins Los Angeles Dodgers, 39 Franchise with the most series wins Los Angeles Dodgers, 8 Player with the most games Terry Pendleton, 38 Player with the most at-bats Terry Pendleton, 135 Player with the highest batting average Lloyd McClendon, .625 Player with the most hits Pete Rose, 45 Player with the most home runs Albert Pujols, 10 Player with the most RBIs Albert Pujols, 27 Player with the most runs Albert Pujols, 25 Player with the most stolen bases Ron Gant, Davey Lopes and Joe Morgan are tied with eight apiece Pitcher with the most games Mark Wohlers, 19 Pitcher with the most wins Tom Glavine and John Smoltz tied with six apiece Pitcher with the most losses Tom Glavine, 10 Pitcher with the most saves Brad Lidge, 10 Pitcher with the lowest ERA Dave Dravecky, 0.43 Pitcher with the most strikeouts John Smoltz, 89 Manager with the most wins Bobby Cox, 28 (5-5 in 10 NLCS appearances with the Atlanta Braves) All-time winners 2023 — Arizona Diamondbacks 2022 — Philadelphia Phillies 2021 — Atlanta Braves 2020 — Los Angeles