In San Diego, history felt alive again. A walk-off win in extra innings against Milwaukee Brewers had just carried the Padres into October, and manager Mike Shildt stood at the center of it all, guiding a celebration that carried an unmistakable sense of permanence.

For a franchise long starved of consistent success, moments like this have been fleeting. Yet, in the middle of the chaos, the message was clear: this was no fluke. The Padres had secured their fourth playoff appearance in six years, cementing their place among the National League’s modern powers.

“It’s pretty special,” admitted Manny Machado, according to MLB.com, who has seen the franchise rise from an afterthought to a contender. “Hell yeah, it’s special.” His words, carried over the champagne-soaked cheers, echoed what ma

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