1985 American League Championship Series

1985 American League Championship Series
Team (Wins) Manager(s) Season
Kansas City Royals (4) Dick Howser 91–71, .562, GA: 1
Toronto Blue Jays (3) Bobby Cox 99–62, .615, GA: 2
DatesOctober 8–16
MVPGeorge Brett (Kansas City)
UmpiresDave Phillips (crew chief)
Dale Ford
Jim Evans
Ted Hendry
Vic Voltaggio
Derryl Cousins
Broadcast
TelevisionNBC
TV announcersBob Costas and Tony Kubek
RadioCBS
WIBW (KC)
CJCL (TOR)
Radio announcersErnie Harwell and Curt Gowdy (CBS)
Denny Matthews and Fred White (WIBW)
Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth (CJCL)
Streaming
← 1984 ALCS 1986 →

The 1985 American League Championship Series was played between the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays from October 8 to 16. Major League Baseball decided to extend the Championship Series in both leagues from its best-of-five (1969–1984) to the current best-of-seven format starting with this year, and it proved pivotal in the outcome of the ALCS. The Blue Jays seemingly put a stranglehold on the Series, earning a three games to one lead over the Royals after four games. However, Kansas City staged an improbable comeback, winning the next three games to win the American League Championship Series four games to three. The Royals would proceed to defeat their cross-state rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, in the World Series four games to three.