Twelve hours or so after the Royals claimed their first division title since 1985, the feat was emblazoned on their Hall of Fame at Kauffman Stadium.
In the clubhouse Friday afternoon, a scented candle and deodorizers and an industrial-strength vacuum were engaged to eradicate the lingering whiffs of beer, champagne and cigars from the shindig the night before.
But nowhere was the immediate aftermath of the achievement more stark than in the eccentric lineup concocted by manager Ned Yost Friday night against Cleveland for what would become a 6-0 thrashing in which the Royals mustered one hit.