The 1974 ALCS featured the two teams who had met the previous year (with the A's prevailing in five games) and who had combined for seven appearances in the previous five ALCS. Just like in 1973, it was the A's who advanced to the World Series.

Oakland was led -- as was becoming customary in the postseason -- by terrific pitching performances from Vida Blue and Ken Holtzman, who each had shutout victories. Jim Palmer, also per usual, was terrific for Baltimore (one run in nine innings) in a losing effort in Game 3.

Don Baylor, Paul Blair, Tommy Davis and Bobby Grich each had four hits in the series for Baltimore. Blair and Grich both homered.

Path to the ALCS: The A's (90-72) won the AL West by five games. The Orioles (91-71) won the AL East by two games.?

Managers: Alvin Dark, OAK; Earl Weaver, BAL