Metropolitan League Championship Series
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The Metropolitan League Championship Series (MLCS) is the best-of-seven annual championship series that determines the winning team of the Metropolitan League (ML) pennant. The winning team advances to play the winner of the Lake League (LL) Championship Series (LLCS) in the Bull Cup Championship Series, the Bull League's playoff championship series.
From 1991 to 1993, the names of the teams and the series results were inscribed on the American Eagle league Trophy, named for the former name of the league.
From 1991 to 2006, the division title winners for the two ML divisions, the ML East and the ML West, competed in the MLCS. Since 2007, there have also been wild card teams in the playoffs. The two ML division champions, and the top two teams in the ML after the two division champions advance to the playoffs and play in a best-of-five Elimination Round, from which two teams advance to the MLCS.
Contents
History
The series was formerly called the American Eagle League Championship Series (AELCS), until the league was renamed for the 2019 season.
The first AEL/ML Championship series took place in 1991 between the Chicago Knights, who were victorious, and the Nevada Speeders. Chicago were the AEL East division champions, and they won the series over the AEL West division champion Speeders in 4 games (3-1).
There was no series in 1992, as the league selected the championship team based on the standings at the conclusion of the short season. The Seattle Salts were the AEL team that was the highest ranked in the standings, and went on to represent the AEL at the Bull Cup championships.
Modern era (1995-present)
The league's Modern Era began in 1995 with the expansion to 16 teams and the schedule expanded to 80 games. The Richmond Ravens took the first two modern era AEL championships, in 1995 and 1996. They were the runner-up in the next two years, losing to Calgary in 1997, and Nevada in 1998.
The first series sweep occurred in 1999, when Calgary swept the San Diego Seagulls, who were in their first AEL championship appearance.
However, Nevada was the dominant team in the AEL early on, earning all six of their titles between 1998 and 2009. Their only losing appearance came in 2007, against the Ravens.
In 2019, with the expansion of the regular schedule to the traditional 162 games, the series was extended from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven.
MLCS results (1991–present)
Bold indicates team went on to win Bull Cup Championship Series. wc indicates wild card playoff team (since 2007).[1] [2]
† – Player had a postseason MVP sweep, claiming the Elimination Round MVP, League Championship MVP, and Bull Cup MVP in same postseason, or both the League Championship MVP and Bull Cup MVP (prior to 2007).
* – MVP selected from losing team.
MLCS Appearances by Team
Teams in Italics have folded or left the league.
| Series appearances |
Team | Wins | Losses | Pct. | Most recent win |
Most recent appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Las Vegas Lightning (Nevada Speeders) |
7 | 9 | .438 | 2020 | 2025 |
| 12 | Calgary Calicos (Calgary Chinooks, Inferno) |
7 | 5 | .583 | 2021 | 2021 |
| 11 | Minneapolis Ravens (Richmond Ravens, Jacksonville Ravens) |
5 | 6 | .454 | 2011 | 2017 |
| 9 | California Tidals | 5 | 4 | .555 | 2022 | 2024 |
| 6 | Houston Oilers (San Diego Seagulls, Anchorage Aces, St. Petersburg Admirals) |
3 | 3 | .500 | 2019 | 2020 |
| 4 | Chicago Pit Bulls (Chicago Knights) |
2 | 2 | .500 | 1991 | 2008 |
| 4 | Seattle Salts | 2 | 2 | .500 | 2014 | 2014 |
| 3 | Washington Freedom (Denver Highlanders, Denver Danger, Philadelphia Liberty Warriors) |
1 | 2 | .333 | 2024 | 2024 |
| 3 | Miami Storm | 2 | 1 | .750 | 2025 | 2026 |
| 2 | Kansas City Blizzard (Arizona Cowboys) |
1 | 1 | .500 | 2026 | 2026 |
| 0 | Atlanta Fire Ants | 0 | 0 | .000 | — | — |
| 0 | Denver Grizzlies | 0 | 0 | .000 | — | — |
Recurring MLCS matchups
Only current ML team matchups are included.
| Matches | Matchup | Record | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | California Tidals vs. Nevada Speeders | Tied, 2-2 | 1993, 2001, 2006, 2022 |
| 3 | California Tidals vs. Calgary Inferno | Tidals, 3-0 | 2000, 2012, 2013 |
| 2 | Calgary Inferno vs. St. Petersburg Admirals | Tied, 1-1 | 1999, 2002 |
See also
References
- ↑ 1991-1993 Stats. Bull League website. http://bullleague.org/archives/. Accessed: 8 April 2017.
- ↑ Bull Baseball League: History Index. BNN. http://bullleague.org/public_html/bull-league/reports/html/history/league_100_index.html. Accessed: 8 April 2017.
