NLCS history: Winners, key stats on the MLB playoff series - ESPN

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