Remember, You Heard It Here First.

I know that it seems like an eternity since my last blog entry. A lot has gone on. A LOT! The sixth game of the World Series may have been the most exciting game I have ever watched, and I have watched thousands of baseball games over my lifetime. The Cards being one strike from elimination…twice! Coming back with two runs in the ninth and two runs in the tenth then David Freese pounding one over the wall to win the game in the 11^th inning had to be the stuff of which legends are made.

Friend-Wife, some friends from Poplar Bluff, and I watched the Seventh Game on the east side of the Ganus Athletic Center at Harding University. Homecoming was scheduled for this past weekend and about a dozen of us rooted for the Redbirds while watching a big screen TV perched on a sidewalk. I believe that Teresa Page was the true reason for the Cardinal victory that evening. She taught us how to put the “whammy” on the Rangers’ pitchers. The group of 50-year olds and their kids would hold their arms parallel to the ground and shake our fingers at the Texas pitcher all the while making raspberry sounds. Yes, making these sounds and gestures like a bunch of idiots really did work.  The Cardinals won in the best of seven, four games to three and gained their 11^th World Championship. All is right with the world.

Freese put the Rangers on ice.

I felt vindication. Not directed at the Rangers. I had no animosity toward that team other than they were the ones that had earned the right to play the National League Champion. No one on that team showboated like Nyjer Morgan of the Brewers. They were not a team laden with players signed with a deep pocketbook nor had ugly acting fans like the Phillies. When the Rangers won Game Two and Brette and I filed out, no Ranger fan that I witnessed was “sticking it” to the Redbird faithful as Cub fans sometimes do. If any other team besides the Cardinals, played Texas in the WS, I probably would have pulled for the Rangers. No team (except maybe the Cubs) should ever have to endure history without a World Championship every once in a while. However, I did hold a little righteous indignation towards Big D. when the Redbirds pulled it off Friday evening for another reason… a long-held grudge that was not about baseball.

Throughout the 60’s, 70’s and even the 80’s the Dallas Cowboys habitually trounced my favorite football team, the St. Louis Football Cardinals. Nearly every year, the “Boys” pulled one out of the fire to grab victory over the Big Red. Whether it be Dandy Don, Roger the Dodger, or Danny White, they always seemed to beat St. Louis. The arrogance that oozed from Texas left a nasty taste in my mouth to this very day. And the term ”American’s Team” makes me want to puke. Now those two chances at winning the Series within a strike is sweet revenge.  No offense to the Rangers.

Today, I went to the “Cardinals’ Store” here in Troy which is nothing more than a temporary tent located on a service station parking lot near our home. I purchased World Championship T-Shirts for our kids in Searcy and two very “special” t-shirts that will be over-nighted to my brother-in-law and his daughter who live in a Dallas- Fort Worth burb. The guidelines that the Texas delegation drew up in the “friendly” wager were as follows:

1. Losing team is required to wear the jerseys, and any other appropriate merchandise, at least one day preferably at work or out of work but a full, complete day. Picture/s of location confirming compliance is required.

 2. Losing team is required to wear the winning jersey’s at the RRR in 2012 summer at least one day/night and be able to recite the starting lineup of the winning team.

 3. Losing team is required to serve the two winning team members their dinner and, clear their table at one dinner at the RRR (Rector Redneck Reunion).

4. Losing team is served a meal of squirrel meat; prepared as they wish; grilled, fried, sautéed, broil, roasted, sushi style.

Tim, we will furnish the squirrel. Remember that revenge is a dish best served cold.

Also just to show you that we Cardinals’ fans have a chivalrous nature, we have hereby excluded Tristan from Numbers 1 and 4. The poor girl has endured enough during the Series. Besides that, we treat our Missouri women with dignity here in the Show-Me State, just ask your sister.

We request that Game Six’s Cardinals’ starting lineup be recited at the reunion to be held in late July.

Any other concessions need to be submitted in triplicate to F. Lee Bailey, Attorney at Law, prior to December 31, 2011.

One last thing before the Hot Rod Bloggerhead heads to hibernation again.

I now accept and recognize the 1997 Florida Marlins, 2002 Anaheim Angels, and the 2003 Florida Marlins as World Champions of baseball, post mortem. These teams were wild card entries. I still fail to recognize the 2004 Boston Red Sox as World Champs… for obvious reasons.

The 2011 World Series now belongs to the ages.

HR

P.S. Spring Training begins in 16 weeks! Yippee!

Final Frame- "Happy Flight"

Better listen to him, he's pre-med.

Over? Did you say “over”? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? H*ll no!— Bluto, Animal House 1978.

We got ‘em where we want them! For the few whiney-butt, so-called Cardinals’ fans out there. Professor Dollins wants to give you a history lesson today regarding Redbird history. After the Ranger took World Series Game 5 last night in their Little League venue 4 – 2, Texas should be the ones to be nervous and concerned about winning the next two games. Let me explain…

The Cardinals have lost Game Five three times during World Series play only to come back and win the Series in seven games ‘26, ’34, and ’82. These were all home games.

History repeats itself as we all know. If the Cards were up 3-1, then I might be worried.

They have problems with being that far ahead in the Series. Check out ‘68 and ’85.

Don Denkinger Lives!

Texans don’t like the cold weather. Being from the land of Armadillos and Javelins, their arms will be as stiff as Moammar Gadhafi’s body. Temps in the low forties  and wind gusting to 30+ MPH will rule the day. Josh Hamilton… how’s that groin pull? Those softball beer league hitters will have difficulty hitting anything even near the track. The Cards have thrived in this environment.  Until their momentary demise in the summer, they owned April and May. If not for a possibly blown call in Game Two, the Cards would be up 3-2 now. We rule at home. I didn’t even mention Jaime Garcia’s record at home.

The Cardinals seem to be destiny’s darlings. Out of playoff contention on August 24, the Cards were left for dead- 10 ½ games out of the Wild Card race and won the Wild Card on the last day of the season. The Phillies had to beat the Braves three games straight in their last regular season series just so the Cardinals could ease in. The Redbirds won the 5^th and deciding game of NLDS in the hostile environment of Philadelphia. St. Louis then conquered a bunch of muscle-bound gorillas in Milwaukee when few ever expected it.  Now down to the 6^th game the Cardinals seem ready to cough up the Series, some say. I have said all along that the World Series would go 7 games with the Cardinals winning their eleventh World Championship in the end. All the cosmic tumblers will fall into place. They already have. What prevents destiny? Surely not the Washington Senators!…er Texas Rangers. Look at that franchise’s storied karma. Friday, October 27 will be another “Dark Day in Dallas.”

You heard it here.

EXTRA- Today’s Bit of History from the Old Professor

In 1959, Alaska, being a United States territory that represents 1/3 of the total land mass of the lower 48 states, was vying for statehood. The biggest opposition for Alaska becoming a state was voiced by Texas. This delegation offered numerous excuses why Alaska should remain an American territory- lack of inhabitants, costs for adding protection from Russia as well as the cold climate. However, an insider discovered the true reason why Texas was denying Alaska’s admittance. SIZE! If Alaska became a state, then Texas would be the second largest state in land mass. Once the Alaska Statehood Convention Committee discovered Texas’ arrogant reason for opposition, they quickly drafted a new proposal. The territory of Alaska would be split down the middle, thus creating two states, both larger than Texas.

Texas then quickly made a motion from the floor of Congress that Alaska would be admitted as our 49^th state.

Hmmmm,

HR

WOW !!!

Last night! OH WHAT A NIGHT! Albert Pujols went Babe Ruth on the Rangers. Three, THREE…THREE… HOME RUNS going 5-6 against Texas to put the Cards two games to one up on the Rangers in the World Series. Even Ranger manager, Ron Washington, stated that Albert Pujols should be “outlawed” in the league. I know it wasn’t Albert’s batting prowess, it was something else.  

Friend-Wife and I got up yesterday morning and headed to the Wal-Mart in Wentzville. Troy has a Wally World, but it’s nothing for us to drive the fifteen miles. Wentzville’s Wal-Mart is newer, cleaner, easy to maneuver around, and I can cajole with my good buddy Terry Truden who works there. We had planned to purchase ingredients for some turkey chili for supper, but since St. Louis is known for the vast amount of pork steaks consumed during the summer, we bought a four pack for good luck as a pregame, barbequed meal.

As game time approached, I became on-edge. My palms got cold and that’s when my superstitions and rituals kick in. Now, I consider myself a pretty educated guy. I hold a BA, MA, and an Ed S. I do not normally avoid black cats, ladders, or the number 13. However, when it comes to the playoffs, I kick into the following absurd practices and goofy rituals.

First… my apparel, I traditionally wear a Cardinals’ t-shirt, long sleeve tee, or sweatshirt that has a “win” in it. By that I mean that I’ll be more prone to wear something that was worn during the last win by the Cardinals. If the Redbirds lose, I throw it into the clothes hamper, or maybe on the floor near the hamper (to F-W’s chagrin). At least I am getting better, when we were first married, I threw my soiled clothes everywhere –  closet, utility room, bathroom, hallway, dining room, and sometimes the backyard. I figured in the next 20 years I should evolve to draping my dirty closes at least on the sides of the hamper. Look out if the Cardinals happen to have a winning streak during a muggy July.

Another interesting rite I follow involves getting snacks, drinks, and going to the bathroom during a game. I will NOT pursue any of these items while watching the game in my basement, except if the Cardinals are coming to bat. If the Cards are home, I only leave in the mid innings. If they are the visitors, I use the end of the ending.

Thirdly, I find a spot on the sofa where I am comfortable and try to relax. If St. Louis is rallying or ahead, I will not move from that position until the appropriate inning or half inning. Even if the blood flow is interrupted to an arm or leg, I try to stay stationary almost to the point of having a limb turn blue. Sometimes it ACTUALLY WORKS! One day you may see me limbless in a wheelchair due to sacrificing for my birds.

OK, before you send a team of psychologists to 433 Bluff Drive, I have to admit there may be a bit of embellishment in the words you just perused. I know there is nothing to following these medieval-like practices. I teach college students for crying out loud! So just watch the Cardinals take Game Four tonight. I’ll be watching from my usual place.

Albert’s three home runs last night?  It was really me.

HR

Yesterday was indeed a day of anticipation. To calm my nerves rather than just gnaw on my increasingly- receding fingernails, I graded the mid-semester exams for my history class. Apparently they, too, had been spending too much time watching the playoffs. Results hovered around the C range or what some have coined the “Dollins Line.”

Keeping a watchful eye on the clock, I was in full spectator gear by 1:00. Then Brette called. The flight from Little Rock to St. Louis was delayed by 15 minutes. I had not planned on that. How could this happen? WHY ME? WHY THIS NIGHT? DOESN’T SOUTHWEST KNOW THAT I AM TAKING MY BABY GIRL TO THE SERIES? I WOULD RATHER HER BE LATE FOR MY FUNERAL THAN THE WORLD SERIES!!!

At 4 P.M. I couldn’t wait any longer. I hopped into the car and shot off to the airport, hoping that Southwest might magically know someone was waiting at Lambert extremely upset and therefore hasten their departure. I zipped and zapped through traffic making quick ins and outs— living the life of a crazed tailgater in the fast lane. You know…kind of like I usually drive but this time without the critques of Friend-Wife. That’s when I really fly. I may have gotten an offensive gesture or two during my scamper. Must have been from Rangers’ fans.

The Flight was originally schedule to land at 5:55 P.M but had been moved back to 6:10. Game time was scheduled for 7:05. Brette finally called at 6:11.

On her flight to St. Louis, a friendly businessman sitting next to Brette questioned her concerning her Cardinal attire. When he and the other passengers discovered that Brette was arriving late for the game, they all let her off the plane first with a round of a applause akin to a scene in the movie, The Wedding Singer.

It's the World Series!

With Brette in the convertible, Marlo Andretti was back on the track. Juking and sprinting as if to win the  Indy 500.  Then terror struck. My usual exit, 10^th Street, was closed due to construction which meant that I would have to maneuver through St. Louis downtown traffic with the World Series going on. I took the next exit, Broadway.

Then a miracle happened. Either God or luck shined down on me. EVERY light (except one) was …GREEN. We made it to the City Hall lot and parked at 6:50. Surely, we could make it for the first pitch now. Without taking chances, Brette and I took off like two rally squirrels to get into Busch. We even might have a chance to grab a soda and a dog before the National Anthem. I swore I heard the Rocky theme being played in the background.

Then terror again threw me another curve ball. The crowd to get inside the stadium was piled up so deep at the gates it extended out onto Clark Street blocking traffic. Even Stan the Man’s statue was being pressed, elbowed, and jostled for placement in line.

7:00 o’clock-still pacing and rocking back and forth getting nearer to the front at a pace that even Torty Craig could beat out.

View from our seats.

7:03 INSIDE FREEDOM! As we entered the gate Brette and I overheard “ And NOW… Your National League Champion… ST.LOUIS CARDINALS! (loud cheering) Brette asked me if I wanted to duck inside to see the first pitch. I thought we could still scamper to Section 352 and watch Jaime fire a fastball strike.

We could still make it,  but like the mythological Icarus, I flew too close to the sun. You see, St. Louisians arrive to a ballgame like they arrive at church… right on time… more or less. But trying to seat 47,000 into a 10 acre spot in 2 minutes, ain’t gonna happen. The escalators were jammed, the stairways were crammed, the elevators…well you get the point. Not only did we miss the first pitch, we missed the whole first half inning. According to my figures, missing that first half inning cost me $42.62 in missed World Series experience. Southwest Airlines and MODOT will be hearing from my lawyers!

Our seats were in the third of four decks at Busch; however, they were on the first row overhanging the second deck directly behind homeplate. Everyone else seemed to be settled in and maybe a bit annoyed that we had arrived late. We saw the usual fans ordained with Michael’s Craft Store Cardinals pinned to the top of their caps. Shirtless college boys with red C-A-R-D-S painted on their cold bellies. Tons of stuffed squirrels, Redbird team shirts, coats, caps, rally towels, etc… Several people were dressed like squirrels. It’s funny, with Halloween around the corner, there is not a squirrel suit to be found anywhere from Baton Rouge to Sheboygan. I know. I have looked.

Another thing about a playoff crowd is their enthusiasm…something missing from the regular season, even in the Lou. Frequenting the ballpark during the regular season exposes my ears to all sorts of conversations. Rarely do these conversations involve the national pastime. Discussions about kids, school, work, beer, affairs (of others), restaurants, golf, boyfriends, girlfriends, even female body parts all float into my ear canal. These people could care less about the game; they come late, leave early, and unwittingly annoy me because their employer or friend gave them some free tickets. I have to usually buy mine. The only thing worse is when some clown poses as a baseball expert when they really don’t know the difference between the bullpen and bull.

Last night the crowd was different..ELECTRIC! People where engaged in the action. No “best manicurist” discussions here. The two ladies behind me were in deep debate regarding taking Garcia out for a pinch hitter in the 7^th inning. A fan in another section yelled at the top of his lungs, “ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE CARDINALS’ FANs? ARE YOU AT THE OPERA? COME ON! MAKE NOISE!” We responded. I think he must have loudly whistled throughout the game. The whole crowd seen enamored with the WS spectacle. I LOVED IT, and did my part.

Around the 5^th inning we needed some Divine intervention in order to score a run or two. “THE UNOFFICIAL St. Louis Cardinal” visited our section in order to bless the team. Brette, usually shy or annoyed by costumed characters, readily wanted a photo taken with him. Wonder if Brette will attend Mass Sunday?

Another interesting and surprising event happened around the 7^th inning. At the beginning of the 7^th, a lady tapped me on the shoulder as if to get my attention in order to pass in front of me to get to her seat. I thought it quite odd. Is she just getting to the game? I don’t remember anyone leaving. Then this lady said my name. I looked at her and my brain matter went into action looking into the files of the many people I know. But sometimes when you see someone you certainly know in an unexpected place, the brain doesn’t match names and faces that quickly. It was Susan (Murphy) Dejarnette. She had brought Brette and me a Rally Squirrel cookie.  I laughed SO hard I almost cried. She and her husband Gene had come to root for the Cards! (Right, Gene?!) She had asked me via email a couple of days ago where we were sitting but I forgotten about it. After a short conversation she was lost in the crowd. Brette gobbled down her cookie, but I still have mine to keep for the ages. (I wonder if one can have dough bronzed?) 

The unthinkable happened in the ninth which turned Busch Stadium’s bedlam into a morgue. I am not sure and I didn’t ask, but Brette was very still and quiet during the last two at bats. Shedding tears? I don’t know. If I had seen her crying I would have certainly cried, too. I wanted so badly a WS victory for my little girl. It just didn’t happen this time.

After Rafael Furcal grounded out to first base, the Series became tied and the St. Louis faithful marched out like sedated lemmings rarely saying a word. Then I wondered how Brette would spend the rest of the evening. Sad? Depressed? Detached?  To my surprise she was very grateful for the evening. Her mood greatly crescendoed as we travel to the hotel.  She had experienced an historic event, enjoyed the crowd, and I believe moreover, treasured the company of her dad.

My vow fulfilled. An evening which will be positively imprinted forever… even in defeat.  

Get ‘em tomorrow night. Cards in 5!

HR

Tonight’s the night that Mr. Anxiety visits the Dollins household. Tonight, we have the supper of suspense. Tonight, we won’t need a manicurist around here. Our teeth will do the job. The guy teaching Bible class tonight better not go overtime. After the last amen, I’ll be bobbing and weaving like Steven Jackson powering to the goal line to get home. The truck will be positioned in the parking lot for a quick getaway. I have been anticipating this evening since pitchers and catchers showed up in Florida on February 13^th.  Sanity in this household has taken a holiday. It does every year the Redbirds make the World Series.

Last evening Friend-Wife and I went to Lake Saint Louis to shop for our World Series wardrobe. We ventured into Sports Authority, traveled through Wal-Mart, zipped through Target, and finally wound up in J.C. Penney’s in search of Cardinal treasure. I’m kind of particular regarding the Cardinal garb I wear. I dislike gaudy apparel that looks like someone should be wearing a 5 pound chain with it. I relish the old school approach of simple symbols with the World Series logo (which this year is laced in a puke-colored green and yellow border). I didn’t see anything I liked. Anyway, I am looking for a shirt that says, St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Champs. I understand they are soon to be printed. F-W liked a $50 hoody which I had to coax her into buying and we bought Brette a shirt that says, “Got Squirrels?” I feel we are about set. Oh, I still need to paint the yard red.

Tomorrow’s anxiety will be kicked up four-fold. That is the night I fulfill my vow to my baby girl. I am teaching tomorrow morning. A test is scheduled and any student that wears a Cardinals’ shirt, pants, cap, underwear (I’ll have to take their word on that) will receive one bonus point. I brought my students red icing doughnuts when we won the Wild Card, a box of crackerjacks when we won the Divisional Series, and Cardinal cupcakes when we won the NLCS. The World Series? I am running out of ideas. The unofficial motto of our class is, “We may not learn anything, but we’ll be well-fed.”

Tomorrow afternoon will be tight. Brette is flying into Lambert from Little Rock and arrives at 5:55. (I trust she will not be wearing a tank top, shorts, and a pair of flipflops.) At which point, I pick her up and barrel down the Innerbelt like Steve McQueen on steroids. I hope to get downtown around 6:30 and park in the City Hall parking lot. It is a cheap and safe parking lot and who knows, I might run into a policeman selling confiscated WS tickets for Games 6 or 7. (St. Louis inside joke.)

I hope once we get to the gate, security will not be like it will be tonight. Michelle Obama and DOCTOR Jill Biden will be in attendance. Those two probably don’t know the difference between a bunt and a bundt cake. Actually they probably know nothing about either one. As for you Republicans snickering out there, did you know that George W. Bush was once a part owner of the… Texas Rangers and still has close ties to that team?!!!   

After the game I have procured a hotel room at the Crowne Plaza in Bridgeton near the airport. It’s really only about 35 minutes from Lambert to Troy, but Brette has an early flight back to Little Rock. Jordan and I stayed at a flea bag hotel back in 2006 awaiting his WS trip back. We searched numerous hotels in the area in 2006 that night after the game, but no rooms were to be found due to the WS. I recall people on the hotel’s parking lot yelling and screaming; either due to the Cardinals 5-0 victory or someone had struck a good drug deal.

There will be no blog entry for tomorrow. I am devoting all my attention to the Series, but wait until Friday. You will hopefully get a taste of the glory from the night before.  I do have a message for the Texas Rangers- 43 degrees and a stiff northwest wind with gusts topping 30 MPH. This ain’t Texas! Ah… October baseball as it ought to be!

Most Area-St. Louisians decorate their homes for the WS but as you can see, we don't go all out.

Stay tuned.

HR

Due to the fact that I believe in the basic human right of the freedom of speech, which all true Missourians hold so dear, I have elected to forward a offer sent by my talented, yet brainwashed brother-in-law from Dallas. Keep in mind that the opinions represented in this writing CERTAINLY don’t represent the views of the management of this blog. Cardinals’ fans please take your blood pressure meds before reading further… YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! HR

———————————– 

Wow, it’s true!! Talented writers, like painters, border on insanity and are certainly delusional! 

  I think as far as someone from Missouri talking smack about the Great State of Texas, that’s like West Virginia railing about the substandard curriculum at Harvard! So we’ll let that one go as another retiree who has too much time to think! But then again, St Louis, as proven by Harry Carey – Mike Shannon and Tony LaRussa, is the home of a lot of beer so maybe an explanation there.

 And how ironic that those Super Bowl contending St Louis Rams will be in town this Sunday performing their little schtick shortly before the Game 4 beating of the Cardinals commences. How delicious that there will be a double beating of the Show Me State within 2 miles and 7 hours.Texas may force Missouri to flee the Country like the Big 12 is forcing them to flee to the SEC! Too bad the Stars aren’t playing the Blues to complete the domination and the World Champion Mavericks could play the —–, oh, sorry, forgot the ranking basketball team in Missouri is Three Rivers. The state name will be changed effective week of Oct. 24 to the; “We’ve been Shown” state. 

  I would like to clean up this little friendly border war wager since I realize even with an accountant in the family, math’s probably not a skill set of a history major from Troy. So here’s the offer: 

 Winning team provides appropriate jersey’s of winning team to the big sore losers. (RD = XL, SD= L, TR=L, Tris = L) Correct? 

 Losing team is required to wear the jersey’s, and any other appropriate merchandise, at least one day preferably at work or out of work but a full, complete day. Picture/s of location confirming compliance is required.

 Losing team is required to wear the winning jersey’s at the RRR in 2012 summer at least one day/night and be able to recite the starting lineup of the winning team.

 Losing team is required to serve the two winning team members their dinner and, clear their table at one dinner at the RRR.

 Losing team is served a meal of squirrel meat; prepared as they wish; grilled, fryed, sautéed, broil, roasted, sushi style.

———

GAME ON!!! 

HR

Until recent years the Rangers would be an also-ran in the four-team American League West, where a team sponsored by Chico’s Bail Bonds might sneak into the post season. I am happy that the Dallas populous has finally realized that there is a sport called baseball that can be more exciting than a Texas rattlesnake roundup… and tastier, too.

Texans stereotypically are viewed as arrogant and condescending. I am sure that doesn’t represent the entire state but the perception is certainly there. It’s not Texas’ fault. Take for instance early Texas history and the Alamo. Being an American History professor grants me license to speak with authority on this subject even if it is fabricated. Davy, Jim, and John Wayne gave their lives for freedom from Mexican oppression and for a land of tumbleweeds, scrawny mesquite trees, tumble bugs and HEAT! Many brave Tennesseans (I put in the word “brave” to impress Friend-Wife) and several people from the Show-Me state may have thought twice about independence if they knew Texas’ future included LBJ, Ann Richards, and H. Ross Perot. Did you know that if it wasn’t for the proud citizens of both Missouri and Tennessee, Texas would still be a part of Mexico?  Look it up!

This leads me to some relatives of mine, F-W’s brother Tim and his crew. Now, I like Tim. He is intelligent, successful, witty and hand… well, we’ll leave it at that. After all, he is not a Texan. He is a Tennessean who just made a bad decision and settled in Dallas. He holds Ranger season tickets and has become a proselyte Texan. He can’t help that. Like many Texans, he is a victim of chronic heat stroke.

Once the Cards and Rangers had secured a World Series berth, I tried to make a friendly wager. I was going to provide all the toasted ravs, Ted Drews, Fitz’s Root Beer, and Ooey-Gooey butter cake he and his family  could woof down at the 2012 Rector Redneck Reunion in the unlikely event the Redbirds would lose.  We received an offer this morning which rejected this healthy and nutritious feast.  His idea of a wager was for the Missouri crew to wear Texas Ranger T-shirts holding a picture of Fredbird in a circle with a slash through it while at work.  This doesn’t conform to F-W’s work dress code, but it’s a moot point.

In response, I think a similar act by he and one of his family members (Tristan?) would be a fair offer. We ask that they have a picture taken while sporting 2011 World Champion Cardinal T-shirts holding… a stuffed squirrel. All items will be provided by the winning team’s family.   Game On?

Tim, what are your shirt sizes? Don’t worry, we have your address.

HR    

Tomorrow?   The Border State Family- Choose Your Allegiance!!!   

P.S.  Go Cards!

Number 18

Things on my sleepy mind…
On August 27th, Friend-Wife and yours truly were traveling back to T-Roy after suffering through a 7-0 Cardinals whoopin’ administered by the perennially doormat, Pittsburgh Pirates. The mood was somber. Friend-wife recognized her husband’s familiar silence and gave me space. She had witnessed this mood several times during the year, but this time it seemed terminal. His beloved Redbirds were 9 ½ behind the Atlanta Braves for the last play-off spot.
The realization of not winning the Central Division this year or even the sideshow Wildcard spot, draped over me like a water-soaked towel. The fifth consecutive year without a winner, I wondered if the last two games I had planned to see would be meaningless “spring training” type games filled with players wearing numbers in the 70s on their backs. My hopes almost seemed dashed. Would the Cards be eliminated before Labor Day?

What a Night !!!

Anxious thoughts flooded my mind. In 2006, I was fortunate to take my son, Jordan, to see the 4th game of the 2006 World Series in the Lou. The Cards caged the Detroit Tigers that night 5-0 and the next evening won their 10th World Championship. It was an evening to be savored. One of those nights that will be replayed in the recesses of my mind until the day I die. However, my daughter was disappointed that she couldn’t go. I then made a vow to my baby girl. When the Cardinals made it to their next World Series, I would take her…even if I were 90 with a walker. Alas, 2011 seemed to be awash, another year lost even though, as always, I held a small glimmer of hope.

Sunday, September 11th – After church, FW and I went to Busch to see the Cardinals try to sweep the Atlanta Braves who were 6 ½ games ahead of us. A Braves fan from Atlanta sat behind us disgusted with the antics of his team and how they were suffering as if dropped from the Enola Gaye. Cards fans were firing playful jabs at the visitor. A cynical St. Louis fan sitting next to me comforted the out-of-towner by saying “Relax! Only an A**hole would believe the Cardinals can catch you guys.” The word certainly offended me, but his message left a more bitter taste.

I wish I could meet that guy again today.

Thursday, September 22nd , after suffering an afternoon rain delay of 2+ hours the Cards were ahead of the New York Mets 6-2 going into the top of the ninth. Friends from Poplar Bluff and I watched a devastating defeat at the hands of the New York Mutts. They scored 6 runs in the top of the ninth and won 8-6. Still 3 ½ out of the Wild Card lead with 6 to play. Hope, again, seemed to have bought a ticket on the Titanic.

For those of us who still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals, please permit me to flash back to March of this year. After enduring a come-from-behind Spring Training loss at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, FW and I met a loudmouthed Phillies’ fan (Is there any other kind?) as we rode a bus back to the airport. Noticing my signature STL red cap. He tried to get a rise from me.
“ Cards’ fan, huh? You know that with Philadelphia’s multi-million dollar pitching rotation of Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels, there is no need to even play the season. Major League Baseball should save itself a lot of trouble and just hand the World Series Trophy to the Phils right now. Don’t you think?”
I calmly responded, “Maybe so, but that’s why they play 162.”
I wish I could meet that guy again today.

Tony Plush

…And what about the Milwaukee Brewers number one beast, Nyjer Morgan? “I hope those crybaby, St. Louis Cardinals enjoy watching US play in the post season.” (Paraphrased, early September) Now Tony “Hush” can relax in HIS plush chair along with the “Beasts with the Least” and watch the Redbirds. Hm…was fate tempted?

The Cards enter the World Series as underdogs. I know the Rangers have a formidable lineup and a highly respected team. We may not win a game, but don’t count on it. We revel in this role. Remember, David vs. Goliath, the Colonial Army vs. the British, Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed, Truman vs. Dewey, and the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals vs. the Texas Rangers.
Thursday night if God allows it, I will be fulfilling a vow by taking my daughter to Game Two of the Cardinals’ 18th World Series and imprinting new lifelong memories with my baby girl.
Before then, I truly hope that some Ranger player makes a profound, public statement. PLEASE!!!
Hope springs eternal!
Go Cards!

Come to Papa!