The 2005 National League Championship Series (NLCS), the second round of the 2005 National League playoffs, matched the Central Division champion and defending league champion St. Louis Cardinals against the wild card qualifier Houston Astros, a rematch of the 2004 NLCS. The Cardinals, by virtue of having the best record in the NL during the 2005 season, had the home field advantage. The Astros won the series 4 games to 2, and became the National League champions; they faced the American League champion Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series. Image File history File links NL_Championship_Series_2005_Logo. ... The following are the baseball events of the year 2005 throughout the world. ... In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series (NLCS) determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to baseballs championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. ... The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the National League, is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada (until 2005 when the Montreal Expos moved to Washington) and the worlds oldest extant professional team sports league. ... Major league affiliations National League (1892–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 2, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 42, 45, 85 Name St. ... Astros redirects here, for other uses see Astros (disambiguation) Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... The 2004 National League Championship Series was a Major League Baseball playoff series played from October 13 to 21, 2004 to determine the champion of the National League, between the Central Division champion St. ... The 2005 American League Championship Series (ALCS), the second round of the 2005 American League playoffs, matched the Central Division champion Chicago White Sox against the Western Division champion Los Angeles Angels. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 16, 19, 42, 72 Name Chicago White Sox (1904–present) White Stockings (1900-1903) St. ... The 2005 World Series, the 101st playing of Major League Baseballs championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros 4 games to 0 in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917. ...

The Cardinals and Astros were victorious in the NL Division Series (NLDS), with the Cardinals defeating the Western Division champion San Diego Padres 3 games to 0, and the Astros defeating the Eastern Division champion Atlanta Braves 3 games to 1. St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, who won AL pennants with the Oakland Athletics in 1988-89-90 and the NL flag in 2004, fell short in his bid to become the first manager in history to win multiple pennants in both major leagues. The NLCS also closed with the last game ever played at St. Louis' Busch Stadium II, which the Cardinals departed after 40 seasons. The 2005 National League Division Series (NLDS), the opening round of the 2005 National League playoffs, began on Tuesday, October 4, and ended on Sunday, October 9, with the champions of the three NL divisions – along with a wild card team – participating in two best-of-five series. ... Major league affiliations National League (1969–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 6, 19, 31, 35, 42 Name San Diego Padres (1969–present) Ballpark PETCO Park (2004–present) Qualcomm Stadium (1969-2003) a. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston... Tony La Russa after the 2006 World Series Anthony La Russa, Jr. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 9, 27, 34, 42, 43, (As) Name Oakland Athletics (1968–present) Kansas City Athletics (1955-1967) Philadelphia Athletics (1901-1954) (Referred to as As) Ballpark McAfee Coliseum (1968–present) a. ... This article is currently under construction // This year in baseball Events January 12 - Former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Willie Stargell is the only player elected this year to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America. ... 1989 in baseball - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... // This year in baseball Events January 9 - Jim Palmer, a three-time American League Cy Young Award winner, and Joe Morgan, a two-time National League MVP, are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America in their first years of eligibility. ... The 2004 National League Championship Series was a Major League Baseball playoff series played from October 13 to 21, 2004 to determine the champion of the National League, between the Central Division champion St. ... Busch Memorial Stadium, or Busch Stadium (also referred to as Busch Stadium II) was the home of the St. ...

Managers: Tony La Russa (St. Louis), Phil Garner (Houston) Tony La Russa after the 2006 World Series Anthony La Russa, Jr. ... Philip Mason Garner (born April 30, 1949, in Jefferson City, Tennessee) is a former infielder in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants from 1973 to 1988. ...

Umpires: Tim McClelland, Greg Gibson, Wally Bell, Phil Cuzzi, Larry Poncino, Gerry Davis Timothy Reid McClelland (born December 12, 1951 in Jackson, Michigan) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League from 1983 to 1999 and throughout both leagues since 2000. ... Gregory Allan Gibson (born on October 2, 1968 in Ironton, OH) is a Major League Baseball umpire who has worked in both major leagues since 2000. ... Wallace Robert Bell (born January 10, 1965 in Ravenna, Ohio) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the National League from 1992 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. ... Philip Cuzzi (born August 29, 1955 in Newark, New Jersey) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who initially worked in the National League from 1991-93 before returning to the NL in 1999; since 2000 he has worked throughout both major leagues. ... Gerald Sidney Davis (born February 22, 1953 in St. ...

Series MVP: Roy Oswalt, Houston Roy Edward Oswalt [OHS-walt] (born August 29, 1977 in Weir, Mississippi) is an American baseball player who is currently a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. ...

Television: FOX (Thom Brennaman, Steve Lyons, and Bob Brenly) For the animal, see Fox. ... Thom Brennaman is an American sportscaster, and the son of sportscaster Marty Brennaman. ... Steve Lyons is a British writer. ... Robert Earl Brenly (born February 25, 1954 in Coshocton, Ohio) is a former catcher and manager in Major League Baseball and a current broadcaster. ...

Matchups

Game 1

In the series opener, the Cardinals won 5-3 behind a strong pitching performance by Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter and a 2-run home run by Reggie Sanders in the first inning. Houston starter Andy Pettitte was struck by a batted ball during batting practice but made the start as scheduled. In baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. ... Christopher John (Chris) Carpenter (born April 27, 1975 in Exeter, New Hampshire) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. ... Reginald Laverne Reggie Sanders (born December 1, 1967) is currently the starting left fielder for the Kansas City Royals baseball team. ... Andrew Eugene Pettitte (pronounced PET-it), born June 15, 1972, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an American left-handed starting pitcher for the New York Yankees. ...

October 12: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... Busch Memorial Stadium, or Busch Stadium (also referred to as Busch Stadium II) was the home of the St. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Official language(s) English Capital Jefferson City Largest city Kansas City Largest metro area St. ...

Game 2

Roy Oswalt provided the lift the Astros needed, scattering five hits over seven innings. The Cardinal bullpen continued its playoff struggles, giving up two runs in the eighth. Brad Lidge continued his dominance over the Cardinals, pitching the final two innings for the save. Roy Edward Oswalt [OHS-walt] (born August 29, 1977 in Weir, Mississippi) is an American baseball player who is currently a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. ... Bradley Thomas Lidge (born December 23, 1976 in Sacramento, California) is an American Major League Baseball closer for the Houston Astros. ...

October 13: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Busch Memorial Stadium, or Busch Stadium (also referred to as Busch Stadium II) was the home of the St. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Official language(s) English Capital Jefferson City Largest city Kansas City Largest metro area St. ...

Game 3

Roger Clemens pitched a solid six innings, Chad Qualls pitched two hitless innings, and Brad Lidge gave up the first run he has allowed against the Cardinals since May 29, 2003, but held on for the save to give the Astros a 2-1 series lead. It was Clemens' 12th postseason career postseason win, and his 5th in League Championship Series games. William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio), nicknamed The Rocket, is one of the preeminent Major League baseball pitchers of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, and is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers of all time[1]. He has won seven Cy Young Awards... Chad Michael Qualls (born August 17, 1978 Lomita, California) is a right-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros. ... Bradley Thomas Lidge (born December 23, 1976 in Sacramento, California) is an American Major League Baseball closer for the Houston Astros. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

October 15: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years). ... Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field and Astros Field) is a baseball stadium in Houston, Texas that opened in 2000 to house the Houston Astros. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: Country United States State Texas Counties Harris County Fort Bend County Montgomery County Incorporated June 5, 1837 Government  - Mayor Bill White Area  - City  601. ...

Game 4

Brandon Backe provided a strong outing, and the Astro bullpen continued its strong performance. Tony La Russa and Jim Edmonds were both ejected for arguing balls and strikes on separate instances -- LaRussa in the bottom of the 7th, Edmonds in the top of the 8th, at a key moment. Edmonds's ejection came with a 3-2 count, two outs, and a runner on base. Edmonds was replaced by pinch hitter John Rodríguez, who flied out to end the scoring threat. The Cardinals once again had an opportunity to tie the game or take the lead in the ninth inning against closer Brad Lidge. Albert Pujols and Larry Walker led off the inning with back-to-back singles, putting runners at first and third base with no outs. Reggie Sanders grounded to third; Pujols went home on contact and was thrown out at the plate. Larry Walker advanced to third when the Astros failed to call timeout after the play at the plate. John Mabry ended the threat by grounding into a double play. La Russa's ejection marked the first time a manager was ejected from a postseason game since 1998, when Mike Hargrove was thrown out of a game between his Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees. Houston was one game away from the franchise's first visit to the World Series after a 2-1 Game 4 win. Brandon Allen Backe (born April 5, 1978 in Galveston, Texas) is a pitcher on the Houston Astros. ... Tony La Russa after the 2006 World Series Anthony La Russa, Jr. ... James Patrick Jim Edmonds (born June 27, 1970 in Fullerton, California) is a Major League Baseball center fielder and left-handed batter who plays for the St. ... John Rodriguez (born January 20, 1978 in New York, New York), is a Major League baseball player with the St. ... Bradley Thomas Lidge (born December 23, 1976 in Sacramento, California) is an American Major League Baseball closer for the Houston Astros. ... José Alberto Pujols (Pronounced by himself and the media as POO-holes, IPA: //, although the proper pronunciation would be IPA: //, as it is a Catalan name) (born January 16, 1980 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball player with the St. ... Larry Kenneth Robert Walker (born December 1, 1966 in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. ... Reginald Laverne Reggie Sanders (born December 1, 1967) is currently the starting left fielder for the Kansas City Royals baseball team. ... Larry Kenneth Robert Walker (born December 1, 1966 in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada) is a former right fielder in Major League Baseball. ... John Steven Mabry (born October 17, 1970 in Wilmington, Delaware) is a Major League Baseball player, currently playing for the Chicago Cubs as a utility player. ... After stepping on second base, the fielder throws to first to complete a double play In baseball, a double play (denoted on statistics sheets by DP) is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Dudley Michael Hargrove (born October 26, 1949 in Perryton, Texas) is a former Major League Baseball player and the current manager of the Seattle Mariners. ... This article is becoming very long. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as...

October 16: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in leap years). ... Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field and Astros Field) is a baseball stadium in Houston, Texas that opened in 2000 to house the Houston Astros. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: Country United States State Texas Counties Harris County Fort Bend County Montgomery County Incorporated June 5, 1837 Government  - Mayor Bill White Area  - City  601. ...

Game 5

Lance Berkman erased a 1-2 Astros deficit and gave excited Astros fans a 4-2 lead with one swing on a pitch from Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Astros were one strike away from claiming their first NL Pennant and trip to the Fall Classic before David Eckstein singled with no one on base, Jim Edmonds walked, and Albert Pujols hit a dramatic, towering three-run home run off Astros closer Brad Lidge that bounced off the side of the closed Minute Maid Park roof before landing on the railroad tracks in left field. The home run gave the Cardinals a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth inning and, eventually, a 5-4 win. The Cardinals guaranteed that another game would be played at historic Busch Stadium. The win also broke the Cardinals' seven game losing streak in road NLCS games. The game was eerily reminiscent of Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS between the California Angels and the Boston Red Sox. The Angels were one strike away from going to the franchise's first trip to the World Series in front of their home crowd when Dave Henderson hit a 2-run home run off of Angel closer Donnie Moore in a game the Red Sox went on to win in extra innings. The Red Sox won the final two games of the series in Boston to complete the comeback from a 3 games to 1 deficit. The Astros' lead was trimmed to 3 games to 2 in the series. William Lance Berkman (born February 10, 1976 in Waco, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... Christopher John (Chris) Carpenter (born April 27, 1975 in Exeter, New Hampshire) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who has played for the St. ... The 2005 World Series, the 101st playing of Major League Baseballs championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros 4 games to 0 in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917. ... David Eckstein, (born January 20, 1975 in Sanford, Florida), is a Major League Baseball shortstop and current lead-off hitter for the St. ... James Patrick Jim Edmonds (born June 27, 1970 in Fullerton, California) is a Major League Baseball center fielder and left-handed batter who plays for the St. ... José Alberto Pujols (Pronounced by himself and the media as POO-holes, IPA: //, although the proper pronunciation would be IPA: //, as it is a Catalan name) (born January 16, 1980 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball player with the St. ... Bradley Thomas Lidge (born December 23, 1976 in Sacramento, California) is an American Major League Baseball closer for the Houston Astros. ... Busch Memorial Stadium, or Busch Stadium (also referred to as Busch Stadium II) was the home of the St. ... The 1986 American League Championship Series was a back-and-forth battle between the Boston Red Sox and the California Angels for the right to advance to the 1986 World Series. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Ballpark Angel Stadium of Anaheim (2004–present) a. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 27, 42 Name Boston Red Sox (1908–present) Boston Americans (1901-1907) Ballpark Fenway Park (1912–present) Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds (1901-1911) Major league titles World Series titles (6) 2004... David Lee Henderson (born July 21, 1958 in Merced, California, USA), best known as Dave Henderson, is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and right-handed batter who played for the Seattle Mariners (1981-86), Boston Red Sox (1986-87), San Francisco Giants (1987), Oakland Athletics (1988-93) and Kansas... Donnie Ray Moore (February 13, 1954 – July 18, 1989) was an American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs (1975, 1977-79), St. ...

October 17: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas October 17 is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Minute Maid Park (formerly Enron Field and Astros Field) is a baseball stadium in Houston, Texas that opened in 2000 to house the Houston Astros. ... Nickname: Location in the state of Texas Coordinates: Country United States State Texas Counties Harris County Fort Bend County Montgomery County Incorporated June 5, 1837 Government  - Mayor Bill White Area  - City  601. ...

Game 6

The Astros shook off the effects of their Game 5 loss (it was even said that Lidge was joking with teammates about the home run on the flight to St. Louis), and rolled to win their first National League pennant in forty-four seasons of existence with a decisive 5-1 win over the Cardinals. Roy Oswalt pitched seven strong innings and Jason Lane contributed with a home run as the visiting Houston Astros closed out Busch Stadium II with a champagne bath. Busch Memorial Stadium, or Busch Stadium (also referred to as Busch Stadium II) was the home of the St. ...

October 19: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri October 19 is the 292nd day of the year (293rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Busch Memorial Stadium, or Busch Stadium (also referred to as Busch Stadium II) was the home of the St. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Official language(s) English Capital Jefferson City Largest city Kansas City Largest metro area St. ...

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt was named the series MVP. In two starts, he went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings. Astros redirects here, for other uses see Astros (disambiguation) Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... Roy Edward Oswalt [OHS-walt] (born August 29, 1977 in Weir, Mississippi) is an American baseball player who is currently a starting pitcher for the Houston Astros. ... In sports, a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests. ... In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. ...

Quotes of the Series

"In the air left field it might be.....it is gone!" Thom Brennaman of FOX Sports calls Berkman's Game 5 3-run home run Thom Brennaman is an American sportscaster, and the son of sportscaster Marty Brennaman. ...

"0-1 to Pujols...IN THE AIR LEFT FIELD AND PUJOLS HAS GIVEN ST. LOUIS THE LEAD! A dramatic, towering, three-run home run! Stunned in disbelief here in Houston! A single by Eckstein, a walk to Edmonds, and how ABOUT Albert Pujols!" Thom Brennaman of FOX Sports calls Albert Pujols' Game 5 game-winning home run in the Top of the 9th inning with two outs Thom Brennaman is an American sportscaster, and the son of sportscaster Marty Brennaman. ...

"Swing and a long one! THERE IT IS, BABY! The Cardinals take the lead as Albert Pujols comes through in the pinch! And the Redbirds lead this baby 5 to 4! What did I tell you folks? David Eckstein--the man. This may be a crushing blow, a CRUSHING blow to the Houston club." Mike Shannon calling Pujols' home run Mike Shannon (born July 15, 1939) is a former American Major League Baseball player and current radio sportscaster. ...

"Fly ball, its a long home run, it's clear up on the railroad tracks...and the air just went out of the balloon here."- Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton calls Pujols' home run Milo Hamilton (born September 2, 1927 in Fairfield, Iowa) has been a Major League Baseball announcer for a number of decades, with a variety of teams. ...

"Double Play depth at short and second the pitch, HIT IN THE AIR DEEP TO LEFT.....WE'LL WATCH IT AT THE WALL....IT IS GONE!!!! LANCE BERKMAN...3-RUN JACK!! OPPOSITE FIELD! AND THE ASTROS PUT 3 ON THE BOARD WITH ONE VERY BIG SWING! THE ASTROS LEAD 4-2" Alan Ashby of 740 AM KTRH calls Berkman's Game 5 3-run home run William Lance Berkman (born February 10, 1976 in Waco, Texas) is a Major League Baseball player for the Houston Astros. ... Alan Dean Ashby (born July 8, 1951 in Long Beach, California) is a former catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros. ... KTRH 740 AM is a news-talk radio station in the Houston, Texas metropolitan area. ...

"Fly ball in to right field...and for the first time in Houston Astros franchise history, they will play in the World Series."-Brennaman calling the last out of Game 6 when Yadier Molina flied out to Astros right fielder, Jason Lane. Astros redirects here, for other uses see Astros (disambiguation) Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 5, 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... The 2005 World Series, the 101st playing of Major League Baseballs championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros 4 games to 0 in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917. ...

"And the 0-2, Bouncceerr get one, can you get twoooooo? YES!!" "THEY DID IT!!" "YEA!!!" "4-6-3" "UNBELIEVABLE AND HOW CLOSE WAS IT AT FIRST BASE?!?!?!" "BANG BANG AT FIRST BUT IT WAS CLEARLY AN OUT AND THE ASTROS GO UP 3 TO 1. SLOWLY HIT GROUNDER, A BORDER LINE SHOT AND THEY TURN IT PERFECTLY!!!!"- Milo Hamilton and Alan Ashby calling the Game 4 ending double play Milo Hamilton (born September 2, 1927 in Fairfield, Iowa) has been a Major League Baseball announcer for a number of decades, with a variety of teams. ...