PressBox takes a look back at the top Orioles stories of the year.

1. The Orioles Make The Playoffs 

Led by Sporting News AL Manager of the Year Buck Showalter, the Baltimore Orioles finished the season at 93-69, clinching the team's first playoff berth since 1997.

The 2012 Orioles bucked the odds all year long, up until the bitter end, a 3-1 complete-game loss to Yankees ace CC Sabathia during the deciding Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Pitching and revived defense inspired the Orioles' amazing turnaround -- not to mention the mastermind workings of general manager Dan Duquette.

Looking back on the season, Jim Henneman said the Orioles won more big games, series, road trips and homestands this season than they have during the last 14 years combined.

And it was no easy feat. Showalter and Duquette joined forces in piecing together a makeshift roster, a collaboration Stan "The Fan" Charles dubbed the "Orioles roster tango."

>> Next Top Orioles Story Of 2012