The last time the Baltimore Orioles made the playoffs, Cal Ripken Jr. was still playing for the team. It was 1997.

On Friday at the Perry Hall Giant, after accepting a donation toward his charity, Ripken reflected on the team's new found confidence and the influence of manager Buck Showalter.

"This new form of Orioles magic—it's built on strong solid pitching and miraculous late-inning comebacks ... the bullpen is excellent and they believe in themselves," Ripken said.

"We all bear the burden of feeling like it's been a long time since we've had a winning season, but this particular group of players is looking at it from this point in time. It's not like any of the other seasons," he added.

What do you think has made the biggest difference this season? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments.