They were known as "Harvey's Wallbangers," a Brewers club managed by Harvey Kuenn with hitters whose average slugging percentage was around .500. By the time this series was over, Milwaukee had even surpassed the marquee pop of stars like Reggie Jackson, Fred Lynn, Rod Carew and Don Baylor.

The Brew Crew dropped the first two games on the road, but roared back to win the last three back home at County Stadium, where they had been powerful all year. Cecil Cooper, who had been 2-for-19 so far in the series, delivered the clutch hit by slashing a two-run single to left in the seventh inning of Game 5 that erased a 3-2 deficit and ultimately clinched the Brewers' first pennant. Meanwhile, Lynn became the only player from a losing team to win ALCS MVP, after going 11-for-18.

Path to the ALCS: Milwaukee (95-67) won the AL East by one game; California (93-69) won the AL West by three games

Managers: Harvey Kuenn, MIL; Gene Mauch, CAL

MVP: Fred Lynn