KANSAS CITY, Mo.
The seven flags flap above the left-field stands of Kauffman Stadium, each one marking a playoff appearance by the Kansas City Royals. The first four signify the seasons when the team merely won the American League West; the last three denote when the team reached the World Series. The tallest flag resides at the end of the row, representing 1985, the lone championship won by this club and its last division title.
On Thursday night, after clinching its first American League Central Division title in franchise history with a 10-4 victory over the Mariners, the 2015 edition of the Royals ensured that another banner will rise next spring.