This would be an October warmup for the Royals' first World Series title to come the following autumn, but their time in the 1984 ALCS was brief due to the Tigers. Detroit had won 104 games for the first time, and the club's winning percentage of .642 had been its best since the '68 club won the World Series.

Sparky Anderson's club swept Kansas City in three during a fairly easy run to a World Series championship. Jack Morris dominated the opener, Johnny Grubb's two-run double in the top of the 11th won Game 2 at Kansas City and a manufactured run scored by Chet Lemon in the second inning was all Milt Wilcox and closer Willie Hernandez needed in the clincher. Kirk Gibson was named ALCS MVP after tallying five hits, including a homer, but his October lore was just getting started.

Path to the ALCS: Detroit (104-58) won the AL East by 15 games; Kansas City (84-78) won the AL West by three games

Managers: Sparky Anderson, DET; Dick Howser, KC

MVP: Kirk Gibson