What does it mean to be the National League pennant winner in Major League Baseball?

The National League pennant winner is the team that wins the championship of Major League Baseball's National League (NL). This victory grants them the Warren C. Giles Trophy and the right to compete in the World Series against the champion of the American League (AL).

What trophy is awarded to the National League pennant winner, and who presents it?

The National League pennant winner receives the Warren C. Giles Trophy. This trophy is named after Warren Giles, who served as the league president from 1951 to 1969, and is presented immediately after each NL Championship Series (NLCS) by his son, Bill Giles, who is the honorary league president and former owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.

How did the method of determining the National League pennant winner change starting in 1969?

Beginning in 1969, the National League was divided into East and West divisions. The champions of these divisions would then play each other in the League Championship Series (NLCS) to determine the pennant winner, moving away from simply awarding it to the team with the best regular-season record.

What further change was made to the National League playoff structure in 1995?

In 1995, Major League Baseball restructured the two divisions in each league into three, adding an additional playoff series. This new format introduced the NL Division Series (NLDS), a best-of-five playoff, which precedes the NLCS to determine the teams that will play for the pennant, and also included a wild card team.

Why was the National League pennant not awarded in 1994?

The National League pennant was not awarded in 1994 because a players' strike forced the cancellation of the entire postseason for that year.

Who are the current National League pennant winners as of October 2024?

As of October 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the current National League pennant winners, having defeated the New York Mets to secure the pennant.

What was the format of the NLCS before the 1985 postseason, and how did it change?

Before the 1985 postseason, the format of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) was a best-of-five series. For the 1985 postseason and onward, it was changed to a best-of-seven format, requiring a team to win four games to advance.

In the context of the provided tables, what does the 'Year' column represent?

The 'Year' column in the tables links to the corresponding 'year in baseball' article for the period of 1876–1900, or the 'Major League Baseball season' article for 1901–present, indicating the specific season being referenced.

What information is conveyed by the 'Team' column in the tables?

The 'Team' column links to the corresponding season in which each team played, providing a direct reference to the specific team's performance in that particular year.

What does the 'Series' column refer to in the League Championship Series era table?

In the League Championship Series era table, the 'Series' column links to the corresponding 'National League Championship Series' article, detailing the specific playoff series that determined the pennant winner for that year.

What does the 'Record' column indicate in the tables?

The 'Record' column in the tables displays the regular season win-loss record of the team, showing how many games they won versus how many they lost during the regular season.

What does 'GA' signify in the 'Single table era' data?

In the 'Single table era' data, 'GA' stands for 'Games Ahead,' indicating the number of games the pennant-winning team finished ahead of the second-place team in the standings.

What do the different background colors in the tables indicate regarding World Series and other championships?

The background colors in the tables serve as indicators for different championship outcomes: pink signifies winning the World Series (1884–1890, 1892), light green (#ccffcc) indicates winning the Temple Cup (1894–1897), light yellow (#ffffbb) denotes winning the Chronicle-Telegraph Cup (1900), and light blue (#ccddff) represents winning the World Series (1903–present).

What do the letters 'E', 'C', and 'W' denote next to team names in the League Championship Series era table?

In the League Championship Series era table, the letters 'E', 'C', and 'W' next to team names indicate their division membership: 'E' for National League East, 'C' for National League Central (since 1995), and 'W' for National League West (since 1969).

What does the symbol '†' next to a team name indicate in the League Championship Series era table?

The symbol '†' next to a team name in the League Championship Series era table signifies that the team was a wild card entry in the playoffs, a system that has been in place since 1995.

Which team won the first National League pennant in 1876, and who was their manager?

The Chicago White Stockings won the first National League pennant in 1876, and their manager was Albert Spalding. They finished the season with a record of 52 wins and 14 losses.

Which team had the best regular-season record to win the NL pennant, and in what year did they achieve this?

The 1906 Chicago Cubs had the best regular-season record to win the NL pennant, achieving an impressive 116 wins against only 36 losses in a 152-game season. They finished 20 games ahead of the New York Giants.

What was the largest margin of victory for a pennant winner before the league split into divisions in 1969?

The largest margin of victory for a pennant winner before the league split into two divisions in 1969 was 27.5 games. This was achieved by the Pittsburgh Pirates, who led the Brooklyn Superbas (now the Dodgers) by that margin on the final day of the 1902 season.

The source material references a 1903 image of the Pittsburgh Pirates. What significant event did they participate in that year?

The source material references a 1903 image of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who won the National League pennant that year and subsequently participated in the first modern World Series in baseball history.

The source material references a 1905 image of the New York Giants. What was notable about their World Series participation that year?

The source material references a 1905 image of the New York Giants, who won their first World Series appearance that year, notably after their owner had refused to take part in the 1904 World Series.

How many consecutive pennants did the Chicago White Stockings win from 1880 to 1882?

The Chicago White Stockings won three consecutive National League pennants from 1880 to 1882, with Cap Anson as their manager for all three seasons.

Which team won the Temple Cup in 1896, and what was their regular season record?

The Baltimore Orioles won the Temple Cup in 1896, and their regular season record for that year was 90 wins and 39 losses. The Temple Cup was a postseason series played between the first and second-place teams in the National League from 1894 to 1897.

Which team won the Chronicle-Telegraph Cup in 1900?

The Brooklyn Superbas won the Chronicle-Telegraph Cup in 1900. This was one of the pre-World Series league championships.

How many times did the Boston Beaneaters win the pennant in the 1890s?

The Boston Beaneaters won the National League pennant four times in the 1890s: in 1891, 1892, 1893, and 1897, and 1898.

When did the National League Championship Series (NLCS) officially begin?

The National League Championship Series (NLCS) officially began in 1969, marking a new era for determining the league's pennant winner through a playoff series rather than just regular-season standings.

Which team won the first NLCS in 1969, and against whom did they play?

The New York Mets, representing the National League East, won the first NLCS in 1969, defeating the Atlanta Braves, who were the champions of the National League West.

Which two teams achieved a 108-54 record as pennant winners in the Championship Series era, and what was the outcome of their respective World Series appearances?

The Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and the New York Mets in 1986 both achieved a 108-54 record as pennant winners in the Championship Series era. Both of these teams went on to win the World Series in their respective seasons.

What was the reason for the split season and subsequent Division Series in 1981?

The 1981 Major League Baseball season was split into two halves due to a mid-season labor stoppage. As a result, the winner of the first half played the winner of the second half in each division in the 1981 National League Division Series, with the winners then proceeding to the NLCS for the pennant.

The source material references an image of the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals. What was their ultimate achievement after winning the National League pennant that year?

The source material references an image of the 2006 St. Louis Cardinals, who, after capturing the National League pennant, went on to win the World Series.

The source material references an image of the 2008 National League Championship Series. Which teams competed, and what was the outcome?

The source material references an image of the 2008 National League Championship Series, where the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers competed for the pennant. The Phillies emerged victorious, winning the series four games to one.

Which team won the NLCS in 2024, and who was their opponent?

In 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers, representing the National League West, won the NLCS by defeating the New York Mets, who were a wild card team from the National League East.

How many games did the 1975 Cincinnati Reds win in their regular season when they won the pennant?

The 1975 Cincinnati Reds won 108 games in their regular season when they secured the National League pennant, achieving a record of 108 wins and 54 losses.

In 1993, the Philadelphia Phillies won the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves. What were the regular season records for both teams?

In 1993, when the Philadelphia Phillies won the NLCS, their regular season record was 97 wins and 65 losses. Their opponent, the Atlanta Braves, had a regular season record of 104 wins and 58 losses.

Which wild card team won the NL pennant in 1997?

The Florida Marlins, an Eastern Division wild card team, won the NL pennant in 1997. They had a regular season record of 92 wins and 70 losses.

What was the record of the 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers, who were a wild card team and lost the NLCS?

The 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers, who entered the playoffs as a wild card team and lost the NLCS, had an impressive regular season record of 106 wins and 56 losses.

Which franchise holds the record for the most National League pennants won in NL history?

The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise, including their time as the Brooklyn Dodgers, holds the record for the most National League pennants won, with a total of 25 pennants.

How many pennants have the San Francisco Giants won, and what were their previous names?

The San Francisco Giants franchise has won 23 National League pennants. They were previously known as the New York Giants and the New York Gothams.

How many pennants have the St. Louis Cardinals won, and what were their previous names?

The St. Louis Cardinals franchise has won 19 National League pennants. Their previous names include the St. Louis Perfectos, St. Louis Browns, and St. Louis Brown Stockings. This count does not include four American Association pennants won between 1885 and 1888.

What is notable about the Atlanta Braves' pennant wins regarding their home cities?

The Atlanta Braves franchise has won 18 pennants across their history, which includes their time in three different home cities: Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Boston. They were also previously known as the Boston Bees, Boston Rustlers, Boston Doves, Boston Beaneaters, and Boston Red Caps.

Which team is listed as having never won an NL pennant, but has won a pennant in another league?

The Milwaukee Brewers are the only currently existing National League franchise that has never won an NL pennant. However, they did win a pennant during their time in the American League in 1982, before switching to the National League after the 1997 season.

How many pennants did the 19th-century Baltimore Orioles win before becoming a defunct franchise?

The 19th-century Baltimore Orioles team, which is now defunct in Major League Baseball, won three National League pennants during its existence.

The source material references an image of the 1888 Detroit Wolverines. What was their achievement in 1887?

The source material references an image of the 1888 Detroit Wolverines, noting that the team won its only pennant in 1887, which was followed by a victory in the World's Championship Series.

What were the previous names of the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise?

The Los Angeles Dodgers franchise has had several previous names, including the Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn Robins, Brooklyn Superbas, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, Brooklyn Grooms, Brooklyn Grays, and Brooklyn Atlantics. Their pennant count does not include an American Association pennant won in 1889.

What were the previous names of the Chicago Cubs franchise?

The Chicago Cubs franchise was previously known as the Chicago Orphans, Chicago Colts, and Chicago White Stockings.

What were the previous names of the Cincinnati Reds franchise, and does their NL pennant count include American Association wins?

The Cincinnati Reds franchise was previously known as the Cincinnati Redlegs and Cincinnati Red Stockings. Their National League pennant count does not include an American Association pennant won in 1882.

What were the previous names of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise?

The Philadelphia Phillies franchise was previously known as the Philadelphia Quakers and was unofficially referred to as the Philadelphia Blue Jays.

What is mentioned about the Montreal Expos in relation to the 1994 players' strike?

In 1994, the Montreal Expos, who later became the Washington Nationals, led the National League East division and held the best win-loss record in the entire league when the season was abruptly cut short due to a labor dispute.

How many playoff appearances do the Milwaukee Brewers have in the National League, and how many NL pennants have they won?

The Milwaukee Brewers have made 8 postseason appearances in the National League but have not won any NL pennants. They were members of the American League until the 1997 season.

Which team, previously known as Houston Colt .45s, has won one National League pennant?

The Houston Astros, previously known as the Houston Colt .45s, have won one National League pennant. This count does not include their four American League pennants.

What is the purpose of the National League Division Series (NLDS) in the current playoff structure?

The National League Division Series (NLDS) is a best-of-five playoff round that determines the opponents who will play for the pennant in the NLCS. It involves the winners of the Eastern, Central, and Western Divisions, as well as one wild card team.

Diamond Dynasty

A scholarly examination of National League pennant victors, delving into the historical trajectory and statistical dominance of Major League Baseball's National League champions.

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What is a Pennant?

The Pinnacle of League Play

In Major League Baseball (MLB), the National League (NL) pennant winner is the team that secures the championship of the National League. This esteemed title grants the victorious team the Warren C. Giles Trophy and the crucial right to compete in the World Series against the American League (AL) champion.^[1] As of October 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers hold the distinction of being the most recent NL pennant winners, having triumphed over the New York Mets.

The Warren C. Giles Trophy

The trophy awarded to the National League champion is named in honor of Warren Giles, who served as the league president from 1951 to 1969. The presentation of this significant award occurs immediately following the conclusion of each National League Championship Series (NLCS). It is traditionally presented by Warren Giles' son, Bill Giles, who holds the title of honorary league president and is a former owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.^[1]

Historical Evolution

Early Era: Regular Season Dominance (1876–1968)

From the National League's inception in 1876 until 1968, the pennant was bestowed upon the team that achieved the best regular-season record. This straightforward system rewarded consistent performance throughout the entire season.^[4] The only exception to this continuous tradition was in 1994, when a players' strike regrettably led to the cancellation of the postseason, and thus, no pennant was awarded.^[2]^[3]

The Playoff Era: Divisions and Series (1969–Present)

A significant structural shift occurred in 1969 when the National League was divided into East and West divisions. From this point forward, the champions of these divisions would compete in the League Championship Series (NLCS) to determine the pennant winner.^[5] The NLCS format itself evolved, transitioning from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven series for the 1985 postseason.^[6]

The playoff structure underwent further expansion in 1995. MLB realigned the two divisions in each league into three, introducing an additional playoff series: the NL Division Series (NLDS). This best-of-five playoff now precedes the NLCS, featuring the winners of the Eastern, Central, and Western Divisions, along with one wild card team, to determine who advances to the NLCS.^[7]^[8]

Pre-World Series Championships

Before the modern World Series commenced in 1903, recognizing the American League, there were earlier championship formats:

World's Championship Series (1884–1890): Played between the pennant winners of the National League and the American Association.
Temple Cup (1894–1897): A postseason series contested by the NL's first and second-place teams, considered the league championship. Notably, second-place teams won three of the four Temple Cup meetings.^[19]
Chronicle-Telegraph Cup (1900): Another pre-World Series league championship.

Notable Records

Franchise Dominance

The Los Angeles Dodgers, including their tenure as the Brooklyn Dodgers, lead the National League with an impressive 25 pennants and 38 playoff appearances.^[9] They are closely followed by the San Francisco Giants (formerly the New York Giants) with 23 pennants and 27 playoff appearances.^[10] The St. Louis Cardinals rank third with 19 pennants and 28 playoff appearances,^[11] while the Atlanta Braves (across their Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta eras) boast 18 pennants and 30 postseason appearances.^[12] The Chicago Cubs (including their White Stockings period) round out the top five with 17 pennants and 21 playoff appearances.^[13]

Season Performance Milestones

Best Regular Season Record (Pre-1969): The 1906 Chicago Cubs hold this record, winning 116 out of 152 games and finishing a remarkable 20 games ahead of the New York Giants.^[15]^[16]
Best Record (Championship Series Era): Both the 1975 Cincinnati Reds and the 1986 New York Mets achieved a 108–54 record. Notably, both of these dominant teams went on to win the World Series in their respective years.^[17]^[18]
Largest Margin of Victory (Pre-1969): The 1902 Pittsburgh Pirates secured their pennant by an astounding 27.5 games over the Brooklyn Superbas (now the Dodgers) on the final day of the season.^[21]

Consecutive Pennants & World Series Success

The Philadelphia Phillies achieved back-to-back NL championships in 2008 and 2009, a feat not seen in the NL since the Atlanta Braves accomplished it in 1995 and 1996.^[14] The Los Angeles Dodgers also secured consecutive pennants in 2017 and 2018. Overall, National League pennant winners have proceeded to win the World Series 51 times, with the most recent victory occurring in 2021.^[2] As of 2021, the Dodgers lead in modern-era World Series appearances with 21, followed by the San Francisco Giants with 20.

Franchise Overview

The Lone Exception

Among all currently existing National League franchises, only the Milwaukee Brewers have never won an NL pennant. However, it is important to note that the Brewers did achieve a pennant victory during their tenure in the American League, demonstrating their capacity for championship success in a different league context.^[22]

Key to Table Interpretations

To facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the historical data presented in the following tables, please refer to the key below:

Year	Links to the corresponding "year in baseball" (1876–1900) or "Major League Baseball season" (1901–present) article
Team	Links to the corresponding season in which each team played
Series	Links to the corresponding "National League Championship Series" article
Record	Regular season win–loss record
GA	Games ahead of the second-place team (pre-NLCS era)
Ref	Reference
	Won World Series (1884–1890, 1892)
	Won Temple Cup (1894–1897)
	Won Chronicle-Telegraph Cup (1900)
	Won World Series (1903–present)
E	National League East division member (1969–present)
C	National League Central division member (1995–present)
W	National League West division member (1969–present)
†	Wild card team (1995–present)

Single Table Era (1876–1968)

During this foundational period, the National League pennant was awarded to the team with the superior regular-season record, reflecting sustained excellence over the course of the entire season.

Year	Team	Manager	Record	GA	Ahead of	Manager	Ref
1876	Chicago White Stockings	Albert Spalding	52–14	6	St. Louis Brown Stockings	George McManus	^[24]
1877	Boston Red Caps	Harry Wright	42–18	7	Louisville Grays	Jack Chapman	^[25]
1878	Boston Red Caps	Harry Wright	41–19	4	Cincinnati Reds	Jack Chapman	^[26]
1879	Providence Grays	George Wright	59–25	5	Boston Red Caps	Cal McVey	^[27]
1880	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	67–17	15	Providence Grays	Mike Dorgan	^[28]
1881	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	56–28	9	Providence Grays	Tom York	^[29]
1882	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	55–29	3	Providence Grays	Harry Wright	^[30]
1883	Boston Beaneaters	John Morrill	63–35	4	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	^[31]
1884	Providence Grays	Frank Bancroft	84–28	10+1⁄2	Boston Beaneaters	John Morrill	^[32]
1885	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	87–25	2	New York Giants	Jim Mutrie	^[33]
1886	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	90–34	2+1⁄2	Detroit Wolverines	Bill Watkins	^[34]
1887	Detroit Wolverines	Bill Watkins	79–45	3+1⁄2	Philadelphia Quakers	Harry Wright	^[35]
1888	New York Giants	Jim Mutrie	84–47	9	Chicago White Stockings	Cap Anson	^[36]
1889	New York Giants	Jim Mutrie	83–43	1	Boston Beaneaters	Jim Hart	^[37]
1890	Brooklyn Bridegrooms	Bill McGunnigle	86–43	6+1⁄2	Chicago Colts	Cap Anson	^[38]
1891	Boston Beaneaters	Frank Selee	87–51	3+1⁄2	Chicago Colts	Cap Anson	^[39]
1892	Boston Beaneaters	Frank Selee	102–48	8+1⁄2	Cleveland Spiders	Patsy Tebeau	^[40]
1893	Boston Beaneaters	Frank Selee	86–43	5	Pittsburgh Pirates	Al Buckenberger	^[41]
1894	Baltimore Orioles	Ned Hanlon	89–39	3	New York Giants	John Montgomery Ward	^[42]
1895	Baltimore Orioles	Ned Hanlon	87–43	3	Cleveland Spiders	Patsy Tebeau	^[43]
1896	Baltimore Orioles	Ned Hanlon	90–39	9+1⁄2	Cleveland Spiders	Patsy Tebeau	^[44]
1897	Boston Beaneaters	Frank Selee	93–39	2	Baltimore Orioles	Ned Hanlon	^[45]
1898	Boston Beaneaters	Frank Selee	102–47	6	Baltimore Orioles	Ned Hanlon	^[46]
1899	Brooklyn Superbas	Ned Hanlon	101–47	8	Boston Beaneaters	Frank Selee	^[47]
1900	Brooklyn Superbas	Ned Hanlon	82–54	4+1⁄2	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	^[48]
1901	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	90–49	7+1⁄2	Philadelphia Phillies	Bill Shettsline	^[49]
1902	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	103–36	27+1⁄2	Brooklyn Superbas	Ned Hanlon	^[50]
1903	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	91–49	6+1⁄2	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[51]
1904	New York Giants	John McGraw	106–47	13	Chicago Cubs	Frank Selee	^[52]
1905	New York Giants	John McGraw	106–47	9	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	^[53]
1906	Chicago Cubs	Frank Chance	116–36	20	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[54]
1907	Chicago Cubs	Frank Chance	107–45	17	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	^[55]
1908	Chicago Cubs	Frank Chance	99–55	1	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	^[56]
1909	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	110–42	6+1⁄2	Chicago Cubs	Frank Chance	^[57]
1910	Chicago Cubs	Frank Chance	104–50	13	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[58]
1911	New York Giants	John McGraw	99–54	7+1⁄2	Chicago Cubs	Frank Chance	^[59]
1912	New York Giants	John McGraw	103–48	10	Pittsburgh Pirates	Fred Clarke	^[60]
1913	New York Giants	John McGraw	101–51	12+1⁄2	Philadelphia Phillies	Red Dooin	^[61]
1914	Boston Braves	George Stallings	94–59	10+1⁄2	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[62]
1915	Philadelphia Phillies	Pat Moran	90–62	7	Boston Braves	George Stallings	^[63]
1916	Brooklyn Robins	Wilbert Robinson	94–60	2+1⁄2	Philadelphia Phillies	Pat Moran	^[64]
1917	New York Giants	John McGraw	98–56	10	Philadelphia Phillies	Pat Moran	^[65]
1918	Chicago Cubs	Fred Mitchell	84–45	10+1⁄2	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[66]
1919	Cincinnati Reds	Pat Moran	96–44	9	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[67]
1920	Brooklyn Robins	Wilbert Robinson	93–61	7	New York Giants	George Gibson	^[68]
1921	New York Giants	John McGraw	94–59	4	Pittsburgh Pirates	George Gibson	^[69]
1922	New York Giants	John McGraw	93–61	7	Cincinnati Reds	Pat Moran	^[70]
1923	New York Giants	John McGraw	95–58	4+1⁄2	Cincinnati Reds	Pat Moran	^[71]
1924	New York Giants	John McGraw	93–60	1+1⁄2	Brooklyn Robins	Wilbert Robinson	^[72]
1925	Pittsburgh Pirates	Bill McKechnie	95–58	8+1⁄2	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[73]
1926	St. Louis Cardinals	Rogers Hornsby	89–65	2	Cincinnati Reds	Jack Hendricks	^[74]
1927	Pittsburgh Pirates	Donie Bush	94–60	1+1⁄2	St. Louis Cardinals	Bob O'Farrell	^[75]
1928	St. Louis Cardinals	Bill McKechnie	95–59	2	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[76]
1929	Chicago Cubs	Joe McCarthy	98–54	2	Pittsburgh Pirates	Jewel Ens	^[77]
1930	St. Louis Cardinals	Gabby Street	92–62	2	Chicago Cubs	Rogers Hornsby	^[78]
1931	St. Louis Cardinals	Gabby Street	101–53	13	New York Giants	John McGraw	^[79]
1932	Chicago Cubs	Charlie Grimm	90–64	4	Pittsburgh Pirates	George Gibson	^[80]
1933	New York Giants	Bill Terry	91–61	5	Pittsburgh Pirates	George Gibson	^[81]
1934	St. Louis Cardinals	Frankie Frisch	95–58	2	New York Giants	Bill Terry	^[82]
1935	Chicago Cubs	Charlie Grimm	100–54	4	St. Louis Cardinals	Frankie Frisch	^[83]
1936	New York Giants	Bill Terry	92–62	5	St. Louis Cardinals	Frankie Frisch	^[84]
1937	New York Giants	Bill Terry	95–57	3	Chicago Cubs	Charlie Grimm	^[85]
1938	Chicago Cubs	Charlie Grimm	89–63	2	Pittsburgh Pirates	Pie Traynor	^[86]
1939	Cincinnati Reds	Bill McKechnie	97–57	4+1⁄2	St. Louis Cardinals	Ray Blades	^[87]
1940	Cincinnati Reds	Bill McKechnie	100–53	12	Brooklyn Dodgers	Leo Durocher	^[88]
1941	Brooklyn Dodgers	Leo Durocher	100–54	2+1⁄2	St. Louis Cardinals	Billy Southworth	^[89]
1942	St. Louis Cardinals	Billy Southworth	106–48	2	Brooklyn Dodgers	Leo Durocher	^[90]
1943	St. Louis Cardinals	Billy Southworth	105–49	18	Cincinnati Reds	Bill McKechnie	^[91]
1944	St. Louis Cardinals	Billy Southworth	105–49	14+1⁄2	Pittsburgh Pirates	Frankie Frisch	^[92]
1945	Chicago Cubs	Charlie Grimm	98–56	3	St. Louis Cardinals	Billy Southworth	^[93]
1946	St. Louis Cardinals	Eddie Dyer	98–58	2	Brooklyn Dodgers	Leo Durocher	^[94]
1947	Brooklyn Dodgers	Burt Shotton	94–60	5	St. Louis Cardinals	Eddie Dyer	^[95]
1948	Boston Braves	Billy Southworth	91–62	6+1⁄2	St. Louis Cardinals	Eddie Dyer	^[96]
1949	Brooklyn Dodgers	Burt Shotton	97–57	1	St. Louis Cardinals	Eddie Dyer	^[97]
1950	Philadelphia Phillies	Eddie Sawyer	91–63	2	Brooklyn Dodgers	Burt Shotton	^[98]
1951	New York Giants	Leo Durocher	98–59	1	Brooklyn Dodgers	Chuck Dressen	^[99]
1952	Brooklyn Dodgers	Chuck Dressen	96–57	4+1⁄2	New York Giants	Leo Durocher	^[100]
1953	Brooklyn Dodgers	Chuck Dressen	105–49	13	Milwaukee Braves	Charlie Grimm	^[101]
1954	New York Giants	Leo Durocher	97–57	5	Brooklyn Dodgers	Walter Alston	^[102]
1955	Brooklyn Dodgers	Walter Alston	98–55	13+1⁄2	Milwaukee Braves	Charlie Grimm	^[103]
1956	Brooklyn Dodgers	Walter Alston	93–61	1	Milwaukee Braves	Fred Haney	^[104]
1957	Milwaukee Braves	Fred Haney	95–59	8	St. Louis Cardinals	Fred Hutchinson	^[105]
1958	Milwaukee Braves	Fred Haney	92–62	8	Pittsburgh Pirates	Danny Murtaugh	^[106]
1959	Los Angeles Dodgers	Walter Alston	88–68	2	Milwaukee Braves	Fred Haney	^[107]
1960	Pittsburgh Pirates	Danny Murtaugh	95–59	7	Milwaukee Braves	Chuck Dressen	^[108]
1961	Cincinnati Reds	Fred Hutchinson	93–61	4	Los Angeles Dodgers	Walter Alston	^[109]
1962	San Francisco Giants	Alvin Dark	103–62	1	Los Angeles Dodgers	Walter Alston	^[110]
1963	Los Angeles Dodgers	Walter Alston	99–63	6	St. Louis Cardinals	Johnny Keane	^[111]
1964	St. Louis Cardinals	Johnny Keane	93–69	1	Philadelphia Phillies	Gene Mauch	^[112]
1965	Los Angeles Dodgers	Walter Alston	97–65	2	San Francisco Giants	Herman Franks	^[113]
1966	Los Angeles Dodgers	Walter Alston	95–67	1+1⁄2	San Francisco Giants	Herman Franks	^[114]
1967	St. Louis Cardinals	Red Schoendienst	101–60	10+1⁄2	San Francisco Giants	Herman Franks	^[115]
1968	St. Louis Cardinals	Red Schoendienst	97–65	9	San Francisco Giants	Herman Franks	^[116]

Championship Series Era (1969–Present)

Beginning in 1969, the National League pennant has been decided through a structured playoff system, culminating in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

Year	Series	Winning team	Record	Games	Losing team	Record	Ref
1969	1969	New York Mets^E	100–62	3–0	Atlanta Braves^W	93–69	^[117]
1970	1970	Cincinnati Reds^W	102–60	3–0	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	87–63	^[118]
1971	1971	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	97–65	3–1	San Francisco Giants^W	90–72	^[119]
1972	1972	Cincinnati Reds^W	95–59	3–2	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	96–59	^[120]
1973	1973	New York Mets^E	82–79	3–2	Cincinnati Reds^W	99–63	^[121]
1974	1974	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	102–60	3–1	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	88–74	^[122]
1975	1975	Cincinnati Reds^W	108–54	3–0	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	92–69	^[123]
1976	1976	Cincinnati Reds^W	102–60	3–0	Philadelphia Phillies^E	101–61	^[124]
1977	1977	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	98–64	3–1	Philadelphia Phillies^E	101–61	^[125]
1978	1978	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	95–67	3–1	Philadelphia Phillies^E	90–72	^[126]
1979	1979	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	98–64	3–0	Cincinnati Reds^W	90–71	^[127]
1980	1980	Philadelphia Phillies^E	91–71	3–2	Houston Astros^W	93–70	^[128]
1981^[a]	1981	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	63–47	3–2	Montréal Expos^E	60–48	^[129]
1982	1982	St. Louis Cardinals^E	92–70	3–0	Atlanta Braves^W	89–73	^[130]
1983	1983	Philadelphia Phillies^E	90–72	3–1	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	91–71	^[131]
1984	1984	San Diego Padres^W	92–70	3–2	Chicago Cubs^E	96–65	^[132]
1985	1985	St. Louis Cardinals^E	101–61	4–2	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	95–67	^[133]
1986	1986	New York Mets^E	108–54	4–2	Houston Astros^W	96–66	^[134]
1987	1987	St. Louis Cardinals^E	95–67	4–3	San Francisco Giants	90–72	^[135]
1988	1988	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	94–67	4–3	New York Mets^E	100–60	^[136]
1989	1989	San Francisco Giants^W	92–70	4–1	Chicago Cubs^E	93–69	^[137]
1990	1990	Cincinnati Reds^W	91–71	4–2	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	95–67	^[138]
1991	1991	Atlanta Braves^W	94–68	4–3	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	98–64	^[139]
1992	1992	Atlanta Braves^W	98–64	4–3	Pittsburgh Pirates^E	96–66	^[140]
1993	1993	Philadelphia Phillies^E	97–65	4–2	Atlanta Braves^W	104–58	^[141]
1994	Not held due to players' strike.						^[142]
1995^[b]	1995	Atlanta Braves^E	90–54	4–0	Cincinnati Reds^C	85–59	^[143]
1996	1996	Atlanta Braves^E	96–66	4–3	St. Louis Cardinals^C	88–74	^[144]
1997	1997	Florida Marlins^E†	92–70	4–2	Atlanta Braves^E	101–61	^[145]
1998	1998	San Diego Padres^W	98–64	4–2	Atlanta Braves^E	106–56	^[146]
1999	1999	Atlanta Braves^E	103–59	4–2	New York Mets^E†	97–66	^[147]
2000	2000	New York Mets^E†	94–68	4–1	St. Louis Cardinals^C	95–67	^[148]
2001	2001	Arizona Diamondbacks^W	92–70	4–1	Atlanta Braves^E	88–74	^[149]
2002	2002	San Francisco Giants^W†	95–66	4–1	St. Louis Cardinals^C	97–65	^[150]
2003	2003	Florida Marlins^E†	91–71	4–3	Chicago Cubs^C	88–74	^[151]
2004	2004	St. Louis Cardinals^C	105–57	4–3	Houston Astros^C†	92–70	^[152]
2005	2005	Houston Astros^C†	89–73	4–2	St. Louis Cardinals^C	100–62	^[153]
2006	2006	St. Louis Cardinals^C	83–78	4–3	New York Mets^E	97–65	^[154]
2007	2007	Colorado Rockies^W†	90–73	4–0	Arizona Diamondbacks^W	90–72	^[155]
2008	2008	Philadelphia Phillies^E	92–70	4–1	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	84–78	^[156]
2009	2009	Philadelphia Phillies^E	93–69	4–1	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	95–67	^[157]
2010	2010	San Francisco Giants^W	92–70	4–2	Philadelphia Phillies^E	97–65	^[158]
2011	2011	St. Louis Cardinals^C†	90–72	4–2	Milwaukee Brewers^C	96–66	^[159]
2012	2012	San Francisco Giants^W	94–68	4–3	St. Louis Cardinals^C†	88–74	^[160]
2013	2013	St. Louis Cardinals^C	97–65	4–2	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	92–70	^[161]
2014	2014	San Francisco Giants^W†	88–74	4–1	St. Louis Cardinals^C	90–72	^[162]
2015	2015	New York Mets^E	90–72	4–0	Chicago Cubs^C†	97–65	^[163]
2016	2016	Chicago Cubs^C	103–58	4–2	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	91–71	^[164]
2017	2017	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	104–58	4–1	Chicago Cubs^C	92–70	^[165]
2018	2018	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	92–71	4–3	Milwaukee Brewers^C	96–67	^[166]
2019	2019	Washington Nationals^E†	93–69	4–0	St. Louis Cardinals^C	91–71	^[167]
2020	2020	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	43–17	4–3	Atlanta Braves^E	35–25	^[168]
2021	2021	Atlanta Braves^E	88–73	4–2	Los Angeles Dodgers^W†	106–56	^[169]
2022	2022	Philadelphia Phillies^E†	87–75	4–1	San Diego Padres^W†	89–73	^[170]
2023	2023	Arizona Diamondbacks^W†	84–78	4–3	Philadelphia Phillies^E†	90–72	^[171]
2024	2024	Los Angeles Dodgers^W	98–64	4–2	New York Mets^E†	89–73	^[172]

Notes

^a A mid-season labor stoppage split the season into two halves. The winner of the first half played the winner of the second half in each division in the 1981 National League Division Series. The winners played in the 1981 NLCS for the National League pennant.^[129]
^b The leagues were re-aligned in 1994 to three divisions and a wild card was added to the playoffs, but the labor stoppage cancelled the postseason. Wild cards were first used in the 1995 playoffs.^[7]

NL Pennants by Franchise

A summary of National League pennants won by each franchise, including their total postseason appearances.

Italics represent a franchise that is defunct in Major League Baseball as of the 2023 season.

Team	Pennants won	Postseason appearances	Ref
Los Angeles Dodgers^[a]	25	38	^[9]
San Francisco Giants^[b]	23	27	^[10]
St. Louis Cardinals^[c]	19	32	^[11]
Atlanta Braves^[d]	18	30	^[12]
Chicago Cubs^[e]	17	21	^[13]

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What is a Pennant? ℹ️

🏆 The Pinnacle of League Play

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Historical Evolution 📜

🕰️ Early Era: Regular Season Dominance (1876–1968)

🔄 The Playoff Era: Divisions and Series (1969–Present)

🌐 Pre-World Series Championships

Notable Records 📊

👑 Franchise Dominance

🥇 Season Performance Milestones

🔁 Consecutive Pennants & World Series Success

Franchise Overview 🏟️

🚫 The Lone Exception

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Single Table Era (1876–1968) 🗓️

Championship Series Era (1969–Present) ⚾

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NL Pennants by Franchise 📈

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Pennant?

The Pinnacle of League Play

The Warren C. Giles Trophy

Historical Evolution

Early Era: Regular Season Dominance (1876–1968)

The Playoff Era: Divisions and Series (1969–Present)

Pre-World Series Championships

Notable Records

Franchise Dominance

Season Performance Milestones

Consecutive Pennants & World Series Success

Franchise Overview

The Lone Exception

Key to Table Interpretations

Single Table Era (1876–1968)

Championship Series Era (1969–Present)

NL Pennants by Franchise

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

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