The California Angels in 1979 made the playoffs for the first time in 19 seasons as a franchise, winning the American League West. They faced a powerhouse in the ALCS in a 102-win Orioles, who handled the Halos during the regular season.
The Orioles won nine of 12 games against the Angels during the regular season, and outscored them 56-33.
Home field advantage alternated every other year by division, so even though the Angels won only 88 games, they had home field advantage. But under the rules at the time, that meant the first two games on the road, followed by up to three straight at home.