The White Sox were in the postseason for the first time since the 1959 World Series, and their scruffy "Winning Ugly" persona was a rallying cry right through their 2-1 win in Game 1, as AL Cy Young winner LaMarr Hoyt went the distance.

Alas, he would finish his career with only that sparkling five-hitter to show on his postseason line, as Chicago manager Tony La Russa decided to wait to use him in a Game 5. There never was one, as Baltimore, led by AL MVP Cal Ripken Jr., won the next three. The clincher was a scoreless tie through nine, and it was Tito Landrum's solo homer off Brit Burns in the 10th that sent the Orioles toward an eventual World Series title. The White Sox, with sluggers galore, scored just once in the final 30 innings.

Path to the ALCS: Baltimore (98-64) won the AL East by six games; Chicago (99-63) won the AL West by 20 games.

Managers: Joe Altobelli, BAL; Tony LaRussa, CWS

MVP: Mike Boddicker