When was the last time that both the NLCS and the ALCS went 7 games in the same year?

Answer 1

The last time this happened was 2004, the Cardinals defeated the Astros in the NL and the Red Sox beat the Yankees to win the AL and eventually the World Series. The only other time it happened before that was in 2003 when the Red Sox-Yankees and Marlins-Cubs series went 7 games each. In fact, 2003 was only the third time the ALCS went 7 games. The A and NLCS have only been best-of-7 since 1985; before that they were best-of-5. The last time both series went the distance in 5 games was 1973, with A's-Orioles and Mets-Reds.

Answer 2

Yes. The first round of the playoffs, the Divisional Series (ALDS, NLDS), are best of 5. The Championship Series (ALCS, NLCS) and the World Series are best of 7.

Answer 3

The best-of-seven format has been used in all the World Series except in 1903, 1919, 1920 and 1921, when the best-of-nine format was used.