Over the years, St. Louis Cardinals fans have received the rep of being the best fans in baseball. Seriously, just Google "best fans in baseball" and the Cardinals will come up. For any non-Cardinal fans reading this, please keep in mind that this title was given to us. In fact, now it is commonly used as a mocking phrase rather than what it was initially intended for. While many criticize the saying, we received the title for a reason. There is some truth and evidence behind the "best fans in baseball" notion.

1. We are dedicated.

Rain or shine, beginning or end of the season and everything in between, there will always be a good crowd at Busch Stadium. The atmosphere of a Cardinals baseball game is like no other. A good majority of the crowd is knowledgeable of the sport and strictly pays attention to the game. Rather than attend the games for social purposes, many of the fans truly care about watching the plays and rooting for their team.

2. The Cardinal way.

Every incoming player, whether drafted or traded to the organization, is required to read and follow the manifest that is titled, "The Cardinal Way." This manifest explains to players how they are expected to play the game, behave while playing the game, and how they are expected to behave when not playing the game, as they are always representing the St. Louis Cardinals.

3. Once a Cardinals fan, always a Cardinals fan.

No matter how the team may be performing, they will always be our #1. A fair weather fan is no such thing for the Cardinals organization. This is greatly due to the fact that being a Cardinals fan is a deeply valued family tradition for many of us. Personally, my great grandparents were both Cardinals fans and it is something that has been passed down in the family. I am proud to say that I have relatives who were able to witness Stan "The Man" Musial, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Roger Maris, Curt Flood and many other incredible Cardinals making history by playing the game they love.

4. We respect our former players (as long as they respect us).

Skip Schumaker, Joe Kelly, Allen Craig, Jim Edmonds, Jason Motte, Ted Simmons... The list is endless. These are just a few players that have returned to Busch Stadium with another team and received a huge standing ovation. The Cardinals fans love our players and even though it is part of the game of baseball, we hate to see them go. Upon their return to the ballpark, as long as they respected the organization, the former players will no doubt receive a round of applause.

5. The Cardinals have fans all over the country.

By being one of the first teams to establish such a large radio network, the Cardinals organization has been reaching fans from Louisiana to Iowa and Oklahoma to Ohio. These fans have continued to root for the team, despite the distance barrier. When the Cardinals travel to other cities, they will always have fans come out to watch them play, even with how far the team might be from home.

6. The players are family.

The players on the St. Louis Cardinals are such a huge part of the community. Unlike other organizations and cities, St. Louis does an excellent job with players interacting with fans. The community truly feels that they know the players and treats them as if they were family. This ultimately leads to an outstanding family-oriented environment at the ballpark. Cardinals baseball is a great pastime for all ages. One can attend a game with family, friends or anyone else and not feel out of place.

7. It's easy to root for a team that has success.

Of course, this article wouldn't be complete without mentioning the enormous success of the organization. This makes cheering them on that much more exciting. The Cardinals have not finished last in their league or division since 1918. They have won a total of 11 World Series, more than any other team in the National League. The St. Louis Cardinals have been a powerful team in baseball for many years, and us fans hope this only continues.

Don't get me wrong — there are definitely Cardinals fans that do not fulfill any of the previously mentioned criteria. To say that the Cardinals do not have obnoxious and rude fans would be ignorant. Inevitably, that comes with any sports team. But it is how the fans are viewed as a whole that matters. Cardinals fans are known for being knowledgeable of the game and loving their players. Sure, a little arrogance comes with the territory. But what fans don't like to brag about the pride for their team?