‘Baby’s first Clinchmas’: MLB teams celebrate playoff berths in style

  • Brianna Williams, ESPNSep 27, 2024, 11:29 AM ET

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

But for now, it’s still September, and wild-card spots are still up for grabs.

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As it stands — with one American League wild card secured by the Baltimore Orioles — the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers are in the best position to secure the final AL wild-card spot. Meanwhile, in the National League, the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves are contending for two remaining wild-card berths during the final weekend of the regular season.

Most of the postseason picture is clear, and MLB’s top contenders have reveled in their achievement of reaching the playoffs.

Here’s a glimpse into how each locker room partied knowing they’ll be playing in October.

The Brew Crew punched the season’s first playoff ticket, snagging the NL Central crown for the third time in four years.

They made sure rookie sensation Jackson Chourio, just 20 years old, could enjoy the festivities by serving non-alcoholic beer and champagne for Chourio. The only catch? It was presented to him in a baby carriage.

After missing the postseason last year, the Yankees secured their playoff pass Wednesday night, cruising 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 right in the middle of all the locker room celebrations.

The Guardians took care of business against the Minnesota Twins last week, securing their playoff spot. They continued the celebration this week by clinching 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 shirts with “Cincinnati is in Kentucky” edited onto them.

The Dodgers stormed into the playoffs with a 20-4 blowout of the Marlins — but that wasn’t the only accomplishment the team had to celebrate.

On the same night, 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 the historic night.

The Phillies secured their third straight playoff appearance by beating the Mets last week — but they weren’t done yet. After topping the Cubs on Monday, they grabbed their first NL East title since 2011 and marked the occasion accordingly.

Houston stamped their ticket for another October run by clinching their fourth straight division title after a solid victory over the Mariners. Afterwards, Champagne showers and cigars were aplenty in the Space City.

Baltimore Orioles

Similar to 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” served on the rocks just for him, along with a youth-sized jersey and a couple of baby bottles.

After punching their postseason ticket in epic style with a game-ending triple play against the Dodgers, the Padres transformed the visitors’ locker room into a party.

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