The Baseball Cardinals from St. Louis

"THERE IT GOES! It might be..., it could be..., IT IS a home run! Ho-ly cow!" Those were the words of the legendary announcer Harry Caray as he called the shot when a player on the St. Louis Cardinals hit the ball out of the park. As a kid I heard the excitement often as I listened to games on the radio with my Grandpa. And thus, that was the beginning of my love of baseball - and especially the Redbirds!

Through the years I also appreciated Jack Buck, another legendary Cardinal broadcaster describing the action on the field. Often, at the end of a game, he would call out, "And that's a winner!" More recently I have loved the voices of Jack's son Joe Buck, Mike Shannon, John Rooney, Tim McCarver, Al Hrabosky, and Dan McLaughlin.

Listening to these guys, watching games on TV, and going to the ball park, helped me to learn the names of the players, coaches, and managers. Becoming familiar with these individuals led me to become a huge fan - and a part of the "Cardinal Nation!"

It would be impossible for me to list all the people who were a part of the Cardinals organization throughout their history.  However, below are a few of my favorites - those who played and were fun to watch; and those who strategized in their roles as coaches and managers.

Players:  Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst, Enos Slaughter, Bob Gibson, Ken Boyer, Lou Brock, Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith, Albert Pujols, Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds, Lee Smith, Yadier Molina, Chris Carpenter, Vince Coleman, Curt Flood, Matt Holiday, Jon Jay, Tom Pagnozzi, Bruce Sutter,
Adam Wainwright, and Matt Holiday.

Coaches:  Dave Duncan, Jose Oquendo, and Dave McKay.

Managers:  Whitey Herzog, Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa, and Mike Matheny.

It has been reported that St. Louis is the best "baseball city" in America, and that the Cardinals are the best "baseball organization" in the major leagues. The report is backed-up by fan loyalty which includes official attendance records and the number of games sold out every season. St. Louis citizens have every right to be proud!

Growing up I played baseball, sand-lot and organized, but I've also always enjoyed listening to Cardinal games and watching them play on television. Of course, actually seeing them live and on the field at Sportsman's Park or Busch Stadium (I,II,or III) was - and continues to be - the ultimate joy.

It's so much fun to think back on all the memories of baseball and the Cardinals. However, I'm like an older gentleman, and devout Cardinal fan, who said, "The winter is so long."  Yes, it has been a long time between the end of last season and the beginning of this season. But, here it is! It finally arrived, and I'm rooting for the 2017 St. Louis Cardinals to go all the way to a championship season - and many more after that.

While I have always been a strong advocate of actual participation in recreation and leisure activities, there is also great joy in being a spectator and watching others in action. For me, this is especially true in watching the Baseball Cardinals from St. Louis.