In the final season for manager Bobby Cox, and for the first time since 2005, the Atlanta Braves have returned to the playoffs.

The team earned the wild card berth in the National League by virtue of their 8-7 win over the Philidelphia Philles Sunday afternoon at Turner Field in Atlanta, and the San Diego Padres' 3-0 loss at San Francisco later in the afternoon.

Following their win on Sunday afternoon, the Braves huddled in their clubhouse to watch the Padres-Giants game. After that game went final, a wild celebration ensued for Braves players, coaches and team officials.

Sunday's result means there will be more basebal to be played in the career of Bobby Cox. The veteran of 29 seasons on the bench, 25 with Atlanta, retires at the conclusion of Braves action in 2010.

Saturday afternoon, the organization, joined by dozens of current and former players, honored Cox with a pregame ceremony in front of a sold-out Turner Field.

The Braves will face the Giants in one of two National League Divisional Series. Game-1 of the best-of-5 matchup is Thursday in San Francisco. Atlanta would host Game-3 on Sunday.

Tags: Atlanta Braves, baseball, Bobby Cox, playoffs, postseason, wild card