It’s over! It’s finally over.
Twenty-one oft-interminable years removed from their record-setting regular season, 21 years after their last appearance in American League Championship Series, two decades and a year suffering through a drought that felt more like a curse, the Seattle Mariners have rejoined the playoffs. Granted, the ride has been bumpy at times — even at the start of July Seattle still sat below .500 — but all that matters is that the M’s will be one of 12 teams competing for the World Series when the postseason begins on October 7th.