Orioles, Brewers lead celebrations for playoff spot

For baseball fans, October isn’t just about Halloween, pumpkin spice, and other spooky seasonal markers – it’s all about the postseason.

But right now it’s still September and wildcard spots are still up for grabs.

Currently, the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers – with an American League wild card secured by the Baltimore Orioles – are in prime position to secure the final wild card spot in the AL. Meanwhile, in the National League, the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves are fighting for two remaining wild card spots on the final weekend of the regular season.

The majority of the postseason is clear, and MLB’s top contenders are rejoicing in their success at making the playoffs.

Here’s a look at how each locker room celebrated despite knowing they’ll be playing in October.

The Brew Crew secured their first playoff ticket of the season, securing the NL Central crown for the third time in four years.

They made sure that 20-year-old rookie sensation Jackson Chourio could enjoy the festivities by serving Chourio non-alcoholic beer and champagne. The only catch? It was handed to him in a stroller.

He’s too young to drink so we had to get creative 😭@Bryanchourio11 https://t.co/9TkvcuBVne pic.twitter.com/38Sw4Y6yMC

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 19, 2024

After missing the postseason last year, the Yankees secured their playoff pass on Wednesday night, moving past the Mariners and keeping a firm grip on the AL East.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., who joined the team in July after being traded from the Miami Marlins, was in the middle of the celebration in the locker room.

October ready. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/O3pA3rrELX

– New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 19, 2024

All the jazz. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/XtJFkjzhE5

– New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 19, 2024

The Guardians defeated the Minnesota Twins last week to secure their spot in the playoffs. They continued the celebration this week by claiming the AL Central title and securing a first-round bye with a win over the Cincinnati Reds. To keep the good times rolling, they playfully trolled the Reds by donning T-shirts that read “Cincinnati is in Kentucky.”

It just means more here.#ForTheCountry pic.twitter.com/bwa6Zk3yAh

– Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 25, 2024

The Dodgers stormed into the playoffs with a 20-4 win over the Marlins – but that wasn’t the only success the team celebrated.

That same evening, Shohei Ohtani became the first player with 50 home runs and 50 steals in a season in baseball history.

The team shared Dave Roberts’ locker room toast on this historic night.

Ready for the postseason. pic.twitter.com/18TBmxCqdU

– Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 20, 2024

The Phillies secured their third straight playoff appearance with a win over the Mets last week — but they weren’t done yet. After defeating the Cubs on Monday, they claimed their first NL East title since 2011 and marked the occasion accordingly.

We have the content you want, don’t worry pic.twitter.com/EjUVB5jQhk

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 24, 2024

Houston punched its ticket to another run in October by securing its fourth straight division title after a solid win over the Mariners. Afterwards there were lots of champagne showers and cigars in Space City.

Winners win. pic.twitter.com/s4P3yXJDmZ

— Houston Astros (@astros) September 25, 2024

This is for Space City. pic.twitter.com/ew9m9Ab2Zo

— Houston Astros (@astros) September 25, 2024

Baltimore Orioles

Much like the Brewers, the Orioles had to customize their “Clinchmas” celebrations for their rookie star, 20-year-old Jackson Holliday. The team prepared bottles labeled “Baby Bird Bath Water” that were served over ice, along with a youth-sized jersey and a few baby bottles.

Baby’s first Clinchmas 🥹 pic.twitter.com/IrcZim3iM6

– Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 25, 2024

After the Padres punched their postseason ticket in epic fashion with a game-winning triple play against the Dodgers, they turned the visiting locker room into a party.

“Thank you, San Diego. It’s for you.” 💛#FFTF pic.twitter.com/TL8VLQHCnd

– San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 25, 2024