So, the Cards clinched the National League Central. What’s new, am I right? This is the third consecutive division title for the fourth time in franchise history, the 100th win of the season, and Mike Matheny has made it to post-season in each of his four seasons as manager; not to brag or anything. Cardinals fans everywhere are rejoicing this next step closer to Red October and looking forward to the playoff games ahead. Although fans have become accustomed to winning, a Cardinal win does not go unappreciated. In honor of the division championship, here are what I believe to be some of the greatest parts of the greatest team of the greatest sport in America.
1. The History.
We all get chills at the sound of Jack Buck’s voice, jump up and cheer at Ozzie Smith’s backflip, and honor St. Louis’ finest by sporting Stan Musial’s number 6 for nearly 50 years now. Cardinals baseball has been, and forever will be, the heart of St. Louis because of the history embraced and celebrated throughout decades. My great-grandfather brought my grandpa to games in Sportsman’s Park, my grandpa brought my dad to games in the old Busch Stadium, and my dad brings me to games in the new Busch Stadium. Stadiums may be rebuilt, players may be traded and winning streaks may end, but Cardinal traditions will never change.
2. Budweiser.
There is something about beer and baseball, but Budweiser and the Cards is a match made in heaven. St. Louis is called “a drinking city with a baseball problem,” and that couldn’t be more accurate. St. Louisans love their beer, and celebrating a winning team gives them another excuse to open a Budweiser. Not only is Budweiser known for their beer, but also for the clydesdales. Each opening day at Busch stadium the clydesdales lead the parade by marching around the stadium before the game. Clydesdales and Cardinals, that’s so STL.
3. The team friendships.
Cardinals players are, for lack of better words, freaking adorable. The players have handshakes, play pranks on eachother, and support their fellow teammates to no end. Whether they throw sunflower seeds on one another mid-interview or start up a dance party, there’s always something going on in the dugout. Even when things are not so funny, their friendship is unwavering. For example, outfielder Oscar Taveras passed away in a car accident in 2014. The teammates banded together during this hard time and came back in the 2015 season even stronger than before.
#besties
4. Sunday games.
Busch Stadium on a Sunday afternoon is nothing short of magical. Even when you’re sweating your butt off in the July sun, as many people do during Sunday games, it’s hard not to have a smile on your face watching the Redbirds on High Sock Sunday. Shoutout to Daniel Descalso.
5. The Dedicated Fanbase.
Cardinals fans are bred from a young age and proudly sport the red and white for life. Fans sit through the blistering cold in October and melt in the sweltering sun in the middle of summer. When a team is as important to a city and to it’s fans as the Cardinals are to St. Louis, support is the least you can do.
Here’s to another great playoff season, more champagne showers, and another month of ballpark hot dogs. Go Cards.
