I grew up in the bootheel of Missouri, just a couple of hours from Saint Louis. I love taking a trip to see the Arch, having some Ted Drewes and visiting Grant’s Farm, but there’s one part of Saint Louis that I love more than anything: Cardinal baseball. The first time I went to a Cardinals game I was about three years old and donned a fabulous Elmo hat. My style has definitely evolved since then and my love for the Cardinals has only grown stronger. I am undoubtedly a diehard Cardinals fan for life, and if you do any of the things on this list, you probably are too.
1. If there's a game on, you're watching it.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a double header or it’s on the west coast and starts at 9pm central time, you’ll always be around to watch. Have to cancel plans with your friends? No problem. I mean, if they don’t love the Cards, are they really your friends anyway? One of my favorite things about coming home for the summer is being able to turn on Fox Sports Midwest again.
2. You have a favorite player...or seven.
Yadi, Waino, Wacha, Carpenter, Adams…how does a person even choose? My personal favorite is the rookie right fielder Stephen Piscotty. Let’s be honest, though, I love them all. The commitment of having a favorite player can be painful, however, because there’s always a chance that they get traded. I’m still mourning the loss of Rasmus and Freese. Don’t even get me started on Pujols.
3. The 2011 World Series is one of your favorite things to talk about.
It has been five years and I am still seriously in awe of the 2011 Cardinals team. I don’t think I have ever screamed so loudly at my TV before. The words “game six” are some of the sweetest I’ve ever heard.
4. You have a section in your closet just for Cardinals apparel.
From hats to jerseys to t-shirts, I think I own half of the Cardinals’ merchandise. I basically can’t control myself in any sporting goods store that carries anything with a Cardinal on it. The 10 year old still inside of me really wants a Fredbird build-a-bear. I also really want a Piscotty jersey for Christmas, if anyone wants to make that happen (hi, mom!).
5. You despise the Cubs.
There’s nothing sweeter than sweeping the Cubs, am I right? They are undoubtedly loaded with talent but that doesn’t mean we have to like them. Their recent success has made the Route 66 rivalry more relevant than ever, but unfortunately we are several games behind them. If you’re feeling sad about it, just remember our 11 World Series pennants.
6. Yadi and Waino are your favorite pair.
It’s been ten years since the 2006 World Series victory where Yadi and Wainwright firmly cemented a place in our hearts. The 8-time Gold Glove winner and the 3-time All-Star go together like Oreo's and milk. Also, their bear hugs are serious #goals.
7. Busch Stadium is sacred ground.
There’s nothing like a trip to Busch (also known as Busch III) on a hot July afternoon to watch the boys of summer. The architecture is beautiful, and Ballpark Village has been an incredible addition. The stadium has playoff games in 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It also hosted the 2011 MLB All-Star game.
8. You love the Budweiser Clydesdales
Opening Day would not be Opening Day without pretty horses. Sure, other teams use them now, but it all started with us. It’s hard to forget the lone Clydesdale standing over Stan “The Man” Musial’s memorial outside of Busch Stadium in 2013.
9. Your mood usually has something to do with whether the Cardinals won or not.
A Cardinals win can make you smile no matter how bad your day was, just like a loss can ruin a perfectly good day. I'm still not over our loss to the Cubs in the NLDS.
