October is finally here, a month major league baseball fans have been waiting for all-season-long. Playoff baseball brings some of the most electric and historic moments in sports.

The 2024 playoff picture has certainly been unpredictable. Although there are the stronger teams, such as the Dodgers and Yankees, none of them seem to be a true number one. With the Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees and Guardians skipping the wild card, they automatically go straight to the division series. There are some hungry wildcard teams looking to make an impact. Teams such as the Padres, Orioles, Royals and Astros are ready to compete in big time games. Fulfilling that underdog role, nobody should be counting out the wildcard teams.

The team that surprised everyone was the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have never been seen as a big contender for the entirety of the season. All of a sudden, they came out of nowhere. The Tigers made a huge push after the All Star break, ending the season at thirty-nine and twenty-six while also collecting a six-game win streak in the
midst of it, which clinched them a playoff birth.

Matt Limongelli ‘25, diehard Phillies fan and Trinity College baseball commit, stated, “It’s definitely red October. The Phillies are going to win the World Series because of their playoff experience and plethora of star power.”

Limongelli seems very confident with his team going into the playoffs. Although the Phillies are a very powerful team, they have had trouble in the playoffs in past years.

Bringing in a new look, Dodger fan and Loyola baseball player Owen McDonald ‘25 stated, “The Dodgers will get it this year. Shohei will make up for the subpar and injured Dodger pitching staff.”

Fan are excited to finally see Shohei Ohtani in the playoffs. He finally has his chance to show his talent and grit under the brightest of lights.

With the jam-packed stadiums and immense amount of talent scattered throughout the league, we are in for a long journey.