1986 National League Championship Series vs. 1986 World Series

Attribute	1986 National League Championship Series	1986 World Series
Teams	New York Mets vs. Houston Astros	New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox
Number of Games	6	7
Champion	New York Mets	New York Mets
Most Valuable Player	Mike Scott (Houston Astros)	Ray Knight (New York Mets)
Key Moment	Game 6, 16-inning marathon	Bill Buckner's error in Game 6

Introduction

The 1986 Major League Baseball season was an exciting one for fans, as it featured two thrilling playoff series: the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and the World Series. Both series showcased some of the best teams in baseball at the time, and each had its own unique attributes that made it memorable for fans. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the 1986 NLCS and World Series to see how they stack up against each other.

Teams

The 1986 NLCS featured the New York Mets and the Houston Astros, two powerhouse teams that had dominated the National League throughout the regular season. The Mets finished the season with a record of 108-54, while the Astros finished with a record of 96-66. Both teams were stacked with talent, including future Hall of Famers like Mike Scott and Nolan Ryan for the Astros, and Gary Carter and Darryl Strawberry for the Mets.

On the other hand, the 1986 World Series featured the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox, two teams with storied histories and passionate fan bases. The Mets had a dominant season, finishing with a record of 108-54, while the Red Sox finished with a record of 95-66. Both teams had standout players, including Dwight Gooden and Keith Hernandez for the Mets, and Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens for the Red Sox.

Gameplay

The 1986 NLCS was a hard-fought series between the Mets and the Astros, with both teams showcasing their pitching prowess. The series went to six games, with the Mets ultimately coming out on top thanks to stellar performances from their pitching staff. Mike Scott was a standout for the Astros, throwing a no-hitter in Game 1 and dominating the Mets throughout the series.

On the other hand, the 1986 World Series was a back-and-forth battle between the Mets and the Red Sox, with both teams trading blows in a seven-game series. The series is perhaps best remembered for Game 6, when the Red Sox were one out away from winning the championship before a series of errors allowed the Mets to tie the game and eventually win in extra innings.

Impact

The 1986 NLCS was a pivotal moment for the Mets, as it marked their first trip to the World Series since 1973. The series showcased the team's resilience and determination, as they overcame a tough Astros team to advance to the championship. The Mets' victory in the NLCS set the stage for their dramatic World Series win against the Red Sox.

On the other hand, the 1986 World Series was a heartbreaking moment for the Red Sox, as they came so close to winning their first championship since 1918. The series is often remembered for the infamous error by Bill Buckner in Game 6, which allowed the Mets to tie the game and eventually win. The Red Sox's loss in the World Series was a devastating blow to their fans, but it also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1986 NLCS and World Series were both memorable playoff series that showcased the best of Major League Baseball. The NLCS featured a hard-fought battle between the Mets and the Astros, while the World Series was a dramatic showdown between the Mets and the Red Sox. Both series had their own unique attributes that made them stand out, and they will forever be remembered by fans as some of the most exciting moments in baseball history.