For the Baltimore Orioles, getting to the postseason used to be–literally–an every year occurrence. Being in pennant contention was a given. You knew that going into spring training, the Birds were going to play meaningful baseball in September.

During the first 20 years of my life, the Orioles had 19 winning seasons and made the playoffs eight times.

Well, things haven’t been that easy for Baltimore as of late. As we all know, it’s been a long time since the local baseball team has been relevant.

Until 2012.

On Sunday, the Orioles clinched their first postseason berth since 1997 and it still seems somewhat unbelievable.

Including this season, the Baltimore franchise has made the playoffs 11 times.

This team is one the was the most unlikely to accomplish that feat.

Why has this happened?

When their run finally comes to an end, we will look back and analyze how this all came to be and begin to appreciate the massive achievement.

But there is still work to be done for Buck Showalter and crew. So this story doesn’t have an end to it yet.

For now, let’s celebrate the fact that the Baltimore Orioles are back in the playoffs.

Back where they belong.

BH