The Braves were coming off back-to-back World Series appearances, and they were searching for their first title since moving from Milwaukee. Their rotation was a dream for manager Bobby Cox and always-rocking pitching coach Leo Mazzone, known then as "The Four Aces" -- newly acquired (and 1993 NL Cy Young winner) Greg Maddux (20-10), John Smoltz (15-11), Tom Glavine (22-6) and Steve Avery (18-6). Despite 104 wins, the Braves had to wait until the final Sunday of the regular season to clinch the NL West, as San Francisco's loss at rival Los Angeles was coupled with a Glavine win at home.

The Phillies, meanwhile, were a new breed of free-spirited, heavy-swagger ragamuffins who played all-out and left gobs of used chewing tobacco in the outfield (Lenny Dykstra). From 1983-2007, nearly a quarter-century span, this would be the club's only postseason appearance. They made it count, and started it off by winning Game 1 in a 10-inning walk-off thanks to Kim Batiste's RBI double.

Maddux and Glavine then did what they did best all year: win. The Phillies answered by taking Games 4 and 5 in Atlanta, coming home with an advantage. Atlanta had Maddux back on the mound, but a Mickey Morandini liner hit him in the leg in the first inning, and the righty was never the same this game. Morandini chased him with a two-run triple in the sixth. Philadelphia clinched as closer Mitch Williams recorded his second save to go with two wins in the series. For "Wild Thing," greater adventure would await in the days to follow.

Curt Schilling was named NLCS MVP by virtue of his 1.69 ERA and 19 strikeouts, making him the first pitcher to win a postseason MVP award of any kind without recording a decision or a save. Next up for him and the Phillies were the reigning champs from Toronto.

As the Phillies celebrated in their clubhouse, it marked the last time that a team would only need to win a League Championship Series to reach the Fall Classic. There would be no postseason in 1994, and a Division Series would be added for 1995.

Path to the NLCS: The Phillies (97-65) won the NL East by three games; the Braves (104-58) won the NL West by one game

Managers: Jim Fregosi, PHI; Bobby Cox, ATL

MVP: Curt Schilling