<P> The Dodgers won two more World Series in the 1980s (1981, 1988). The A's again went to three straight world series, from 1988--1990, winning once . 1988 and 1989 were all - California series as the A's lost to the Dodgers and beat the Giants, respectively . The Giants have been in four World Series' in the new millennium, losing in 2002 to the Anaheim Angels (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim since 2005), and winning in 2010 (Rangers), 2012 (Tigers), and 2014 (Royals). </P> <P> Prior to 1969, the National League and the American League each crowned its champion (the "pennant winner") based on the best win - loss record at the end of the regular season . </P> <P> A structured playoff series began in 1969, when both the National and American Leagues were reorganized into two divisions each, East and West . The two division winners within each league played each other in a best - of - five League Championship Series to determine who would advance to the World Series . In 1985, the format changed to best - of - seven . </P> <P> The National League Championship Series (NLCS) and American League Championship Series (ALCS), since the expansion to best - of - seven, are always played in a 2--3--2 format: Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 are played in the stadium of the team that has home - field advantage, and Games 3, 4 and 5 are played in the stadium of the team that does not . </P>

How long has world series been 7 games