What an incredible run.
While it didn't turn out the way many of us would have hoped, you have to tip your cap to the Kansas City Royals for what they accomplished this season.
Their loss to the Giants in Game 7 of the World Series was the most painful defeat I've witnessed, and it hurt as much as any losses I've personally been a part of. That may sound a bit extreme, but it's true.
One thing has given me comfort these last few days: baseball is back in Kansas City and it won't go away any time soon.
It was hard not to get choked up when I attended Game 1 and then Game 7 of the World Series. Yes, it was an awesome experience, but what made it even more special was getting to watch Game 7 with my dad.
As I looked around Kauffman Stadium during the Royals' miraculous playoff run, I couldn't help but think of the days when he first started taking me to games in the late 1990s. A ticket for a general admission seat in the outfield went for $10, and on certain days, a Royals' win meant you got to come back for free.
Yes, it was that bleak back then. But look at where the organization is now.
The Royals ended up with a payroll around $94 million this year and turned a profit by watching attendance grow roughly 12 percent. It's reasonable to expect a similar jump in 2015, pushing attendance past 2 million for the first time since 1991.
Also encouraging is the fact Kansas City will likely play next season with a payroll of more than $100 million for the first time in franchise history.
With that said, ticket prices will likely rise, and that's OK. People will still come watch a quality product that should be a front-runner in the AL Central in 2015.
Stepping aside from finances for a second, it's hard to dispute there was something magical about the product the Royals put on the field this season - especially in the playoffs.
It's a team Royals fans around my generation and younger will never forget - much like my dad remembers every member of the 1985 team that beat the Cardinals in the World Series.
But such is baseball: this team won't be the same in 2015. And while that is sad to an extent, it's not necessarily a bad thing.
The Royals announced Saturday they would not pick up Billy Butler's $12.5-million option for next season. So, after a decade in the organization, Butler will enter free agency for the first time in his career.
No surprise there. Butler is coming off the weakest season in his career and spent a good amount of time on the bench in September.
You want to believe Butler when he says he wants to stay in Kansas City, because that's been his desire all along - even in the roughest times. I always respected him for that.
If the price is right, Royals fans should be happy to have Butler back. But only time will tell if another organization swoops in with an offer he can't pass up.
General manager Dayton Moore, who deserves a lot of credit for the success Kansas City had in 2014, said the Royals will make starting pitcher James Shields a qualifying offer worth more than $15-millon, but the price could rise fast.
It would seem fitting for the Cubs to go after Shields. That would mean the Royals ace this season would be reunited with Joe Maddon, whom Shields played for in Tampa Bay.
Whether they stay or go, Royals' fans should be greatful for what Butler and Shields did for the organization during its rebuilding process.
Nori Aoki is another key piece from this season that will become a free agent. Honestly, the Royals could go either way on him. Personally, I thought he was a fun player to watch, but the organization might go after another big bat.
Barring any trades in the offseason, the Royals do have their most significant position players locked in. Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas should be the key pieces that leads Kansas City again in 2015.
In the bullpen, the Big 3 of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland are expected back. I would really hate to see the Royals lose Holland, but it's not unreasonable for the organization to listen to trade offers.
Of course, the player I'm most excited about is flame-thrower Yordano Ventura. He has the potential to be one of the great ones.
Brandon Finnegan, who had one of the better stories on this year's team, could make the starting rotation in 2015, but the Royals will definitely need to look for more pitching in the offseason.
As I sit here writing this column, I can't help but get excited about the upcoming season. And if you're a Royals fan, you should be excited, too.
And for the 2014 season - it will be one I'll never forget.