bornbleeding

Contest Winners!

Posted by Jeff White on April 16, 2012 in Baseball

Let me apologize for taking so long in posting the winners. It took me a while to get all the information from the winners. I also had an issue. I got sent extra copies of the BluRay, so I ended up giving away 4 of them. Here is a reminder of the prize:

BASEBALL’S GREATEST GAMES: 2011 WORLD SERIES GAME 6 Bluray/DVD Combo Pack.

The St. Louis Cardinals thrilled Cardinal Nation with a game full of heart-stopping comebacks, including a spectacular 11th inning walk-off home run. Hometown hero and budding star David Freese smashed the solo shot in the final inning that provided a fitting finale to a spectacular Fall Classic matchup.

In Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, on the edge of elimination, the Cardinals trailed five times and were twice down to their last strike. But Freese, Lance Berkman and a resilient lineup evened the score each time until Freese delivered the second of his incredible moments–the wondrous walk-off homer. All of the drama, thrills, exhilaration and jubilation of this Fall Classic masterpiece are here to enjoy for the first time in pristine HD with the roar of the crowd in 5.1 surround sound.

Direct from the archives of Major League Baseball, this extraordinary television broadcast includes the quintessential making of an iconic moment, and one unforgettable baseball game available for the first time on Blu-Ray!

WORLD SERIES GAME 6, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011, BUSCH STADIUM

A special audio feature allows fans to watch the television broadcast and listen to the radio play-by-play in English or Spanish!

The winners are: Eric Parmenter of San Diego, California and Aimme Whetstine of Wichita, Kansas. Eric is a friend from high school and Aimee is a fellow blogger and inspiration. The supplemental winners are Vic Migneco of St. Louis, Missouri and Nicole Pyrtle of Herrin, Illinois. Vic is a friend and our boys played soccer together. Nicole is a friend from Northern Pines.

Here is a reminder of the Grand Prize:

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2011 WORLD SERIES COLLECTOR’S EDITION DVD SET

History unfolded before our eyes and every clutch pitch, game-winning hit, and record-setting moment is digitally preserved in THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2011 WORLD SERIES COLLECTOR’S EDITION DVD. Featuring every game of this remarkable Fall Classic–including Game 6 which instantly became one of the greatest postseason games ever played–this eight-DVD set celebrates the Cardinals unforgettable, exhilarating, dramatic, and uplifting comebacks and victories. Each World Series game is now on DVD and wrapped with stats, player facts, and historic notes.

This eight-DVD collection displays the fortitude of the Red Birds under manager Tony LaRussa and the heroics of David Freise, Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Allen Craig, Yadier Molina, and Chris Carpenter along with every glorious Cardinals moment.

A special DVD audio feature allows fans to watch the World Series television broadcast and listen to Cardinals Radio Network announcers!

BONUS FEATURES

Walk-Off Winners; Milestones; Cardinals clinch NL Wild Card: Last Out and Celebration; NLDS Highlights, Last Out, and Celebration; NLCS Highlights, Last Out, and Celebration; NLCS Trophy Presentations; World Series Last Out, Celebration and Trophy Presentation; St. Louis Victory Parade; Multiple Audio Tracks Featuring World Series Announcers: Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Ken Rosenthal (Fox Sports), John Rooney, Mike Shannon (Cardinals Radio Network), Eric Nadel, Steve Busby, Bryan Dolgin (Rangers Radio Network), Ernesto Jerez, Guillermo Celis (ESPN Deportes Radio)

The grand prize winner is Cindy Moline of Gelndale, Arizona. I used to work with Cindy and her husband in St. Louis.

Thanks to all who have followed and congratulations again to the winners.

Tags: a&e network, baseball, david freese, st louis cardinals, world series game Permalink

5 Comments

Opening Day Memories Giveaway!

Posted by Jeff White on April 5, 2012 in Baseball

Apparently one of the perks of being a member of the United Cardinal Bloggers (1) is that as an organized group we get to spread some love to other members of Cardinals Nation. Well, we also get to spread some free gifts out now and then too. Stay tuned and I will tell you what you can win. This is my first opportunity to say this, so I am excited to announce Born Bleeding’s first contest. I am calling it ‘Opening Day Memories’.

All current blog subscribers and those who like Born Bleeding on Facebook (2) are eligible. Also eligible is anyone that comments on this Opening Day Memories blog, newly subscribes to the blog, those who like Born Bleeding on Facebook, or while following me on Twitter, (3) retweets my blog to their followers between now and noon Central time on Friday April 13^th.

If you comment on this blog, I would like for you to share your greatest baseball Opening Day memory. While I expect most would be Cardinals memories, it is ok to share others.

I wrote about my Opening Day memories in ‘My 5 Iconic Cardinals Moments’ blog. (4) It kind of covers my Opening Day memories, but I can say I remember going to Busch Stadium when it’s been 90 degrees on Opening Day and 40 degrees. I enjoyed both times but in St. Louis the weather can change daily. It will be fun to see what Friday the 13^th brings to Opening Day in St. Louis this year.

Now, on to the prizes. I will be giving away two copies of the 4/17 release of:

BASEBALL’S GREATEST GAMES: 2011 WORLD SERIES GAME 6 Bluray/DVD Combo Pack.

http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12643416&cp=1452371.2366

WORLD SERIES GAME 6, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011, BUSCH STADIUM

A special audio feature allows fans to watch the television broadcast and listen to the radio play-by-play in English or Spanish!

Pretty cool, huh? Well, as a Grand Prize, I will also giveaway one copy of:

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2011 WORLD SERIES COLLECTOR’S EDITION DVD SET

http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12179276&cp=2366583.2498

A special DVD audio feature allows fans to watch the World Series television broadcast and listen to Cardinals Radio Network announcers!

BONUS FEATURES

I would like to thank A&E Networks Home Entertainement/MLB Productions and especially Suzanne Dobson for the DVD’s.

Now, go ahead, like me on Facebook, retweet me on Twitter, and comment below to tell me what your favorite Opening Day Memory. Remember, this contest closes at noon Central time on Friday, April 13, 2012. Winners will be notified by First Pitch of the Cardinals Home Opener!

Tags: a&e network, baseball opening day, baseball's greatest games, busch stadium, david freese, facebook, lance berkman, st louis cardinals, twitter, united cardinal bloggers, World Series Permalink

1 Comment

MLB Awards and Playoff Predictions

Posted by Jeff White on March 30, 2012 in Baseball

Two blogs in one week! Continuing my United Cardinals Bloggers Predictions assignment I am taking my predictions thread to another level. Here are my 2012 MLB award and playoff predictions.

AL Cy Young and MVP: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers. Does anybody really know how good this guy is? With the steroid era officially gone, pitching dominates this year. I hope he gets his perfect game this year, but count on 22 wins from the Tigers ace. He is that important to his team to win them both.

AL Rookie of the Year: Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays. It’s a year of the pitcher and Moore becomes the Rays number 2 starter.

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Ubaldo Jimenez, Cleveland Indians. Colorado gave up on him a bit too quick and he will flourish and be loved in the City of Cleveland.

NL MVP: Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals. This happens because Holliday shows he is the best player on the best team in the National League. His .336 avg., 109 runs, 38 HRs and 123 RBIs should cover it.

NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers. I think he is amazing. Tim Lincecum wins the regular season and one game wild card, but Kershaw gets the Cy. 23 wins help him carry the Dodgers.

NL Rookie of the Year: Yonder Alonso, San Diego Padres. He will be the one bright light in a dim year for San Diego. Don’t think there is a big NL crop to choose from.

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Josh Johnson, Miami Marlins/Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals. This being a big year for pitchers, and I think both will have great years. Wainwright’s is more essential to his team’s success but Johnson may have better numbers.

AL Playoffs: Tampa Bay beats Cleveland handily in a one game playoff for the wild card. Boston edges Texas and Detroit handles Tampa Bay in the Divisional Series. Detroit beats Boston in six games to reach the World Series.

NL Playoffs: San Francisco over Los Angeles in a pitchers duel. Atlanta edges Arizona and St. Louis beats a worn out Giants team in the Divisional Series. St. Louis beats Atlanta in 5 with a somewhat easy road to the World Series.

World Series: Prince Fielder goes off, Justin Verlander reminds everyone how good he is and besides a couple more Cardinals post season heroics, Detroit takes the World Series in 6. Prince wins the World Series MVP.

Tags: adam wainwright, AL, clayton kershaw, cleveland indians, cy young, josh johnson, justin verlander, los angeles dodgers, matt holliday, miami marlins, mvp, NL, playoffs, san diego padres, st louis cardinals, tampa bay rays, ubaldo jiminez, World Series, yonder alonso Permalink

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Predictions Time

Posted by Jeff White on March 28, 2012 in Baseball

The March assignment for the United Cardinals Bloggers is to put out there in blog form our MLB predictions for the upcoming season. I normally do this on my own each year, but this is the first one I’ll be publishing, so here it goes.

AL East:

Boston Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays (WC)

New York Yankees

Toronto Blue Jays

Baltimore Orioles

I see Boston as the cream of the crop in this tough division. Tampa Bay has enough pitching to win the wild card over the aging Yankees. Toronto will be better but not near enough and although I like some Orioles players, the team will not perform well.

AL Central:

Detroit Tigers

Cleveland Indians (WC)

Kansas City Royals

Chicago White Sox

Minnesota Twins

Detroit is the best team in the American League. Cleveland is my surprise team this year. Gotta go out on a limb there. Kansas City is on the rise while Chicago is barely holding on. Twins are my disappointment team this year being hit with injuries again.

AL West:

Texas Rangers

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Seattle Mariners

Oakland Athletics

Texas edges the Angels in the weakest division in the AL. Seattle and Oakland battle to get to .500. This division is getting old fast.

NL East:

Atlanta Braves

Miami Marlins

Washington Nationals

Philadelphia Phillies

New York Mets

This is the tightest division in baseball, which is why I don’t think they will get a 2^nd team into the Wild Card. The Marlins and Nationals are way better than the Phillies expected and the Mets may be one of the worst teams in baseball.

NL West:

Arizona Diamondbacks

San Francisco Giants (WC)

Los Angeles Dodgers (WC)

Colorado Rockies

San Diego Padres

Really good division battle most of us won’t stay up late to watch. Arizona is the best team. They may be the best managed group of players out there. Giants and Dodgers pitch their way into a wild card battle. Rockies need to regroup and the Padres are still a year away.

NL Central:

St. Louis Cardinals

Milwaukee Brewers

Pittsburgh Pirates

Cincinnati Reds

Chicago Cubs

Houston Astros

The Cardinals ease their way into the playoffs. Reds and Cubs both just fall apart. It will be comical to see. The Pirates are on a serious rise and the Astros are rebuilding while moving to the American League in 2013.

I will do a separate blog on my post season predictions later this week.

Tags: arizona diamondbacks, atlanta braves, baltimore orioles, boston red sox, chicago white sox, cleveland indians, colorado rockies, detroit tigers, kansas city royals, los angeles angels of anaheim, los angeles dodgers, miami marlins, minnesota twins, new york mets, new york yankees, oakland athletics, philadelphia phillies, san diego padres, san francicsco giants, seattle mariners, tampa bay rays, texas rangers, toronto blue jays, washington nationals, wild card Permalink

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Fandom is Contagious

Posted by Jeff White on March 20, 2012 in Whatever

On a recent trip to Denver I would sport my St. Louis sports gear proudly every day after work as I walked around Downtown Denver’s 16^th street mall and Lodo areas. I noticed that there was only one sports store and it closed early. There were also only maybe 2-5 people out of the thousands I saw wearing sports gear. I remember seeing a couple Tim Tebow jerseys, but those are probably hidden now with the Manning to Denver news. I am disappointed inDenver. You had a great run with your Broncos and you have a decent basketball team in the Nuggets. The Avalanche and Rockies are rebuilding but with Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, and longtime Rockie Todd Helton, there should at least some fans that are willing to show their Rockie pride.

Does St. Louis just make me expect too much from other cities? Maybe. I lived in Southern California for a few years and I remember the non-fashion folks would sport their Dodgers, Padres, and even Raiders gear among the other teams. I know I have some friends from other cities that wear their stuff proudly but I think they are the minority in their areas.

I know folks down south, where there is nothing but college football, are fanatics for their teams all year round. They show their passion in everything they do. I didn’t go to college, so I jumped on the Mizzou thing. Not the connection there, but I am still a bigger fan than a lot of Missouri Alums I know.

Maybe being in St. Louis breeds a different culture. St.Louis Cardinals baseball has been around and successful for many many years. The St.Louis Blues are our team. I will even admit to Bleeding a bit Blue myself. The Rams have brought winning here and if they get past the stadium issue, I believe many more fans will come out of the woodworks. There are still St. Louis Steamers Fans around here. I really miss the Steamers.

I challenge other cities fans to wear your stuff year round. I usually have two St. Louis Cardinals items on at all times. Show your team pride. You may not be a fan of my team, but I and many others will truly respect you for being a fan.

Tags: Avalanche, Carlos Gonzalez, denver, Missouri, Rockies, Southern California, st louis cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Steamers, tim tebow, Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki Permalink

Yadi Yadi Yadi O!

Posted by Jeff White on March 5, 2012 in Baseball

I was in a waiting process in writing a new blog because news of Yadier Molina’s new contract was breaking so I decided to wait until it actually happened and then I decided to wait some more because I am a blogger, not a writer. I give my opinion, I don’t report. I will tell you what happened sometimes, but that is used to express my thoughts and opinions.

Let’s start with the facts. Molina’s career totals include a .274 batting average, 55 HR’s and 390 RBI in 944 games. Molina has been clutch in postseason batting .341 in World Series play and .329 in League Championship play. Yadi is a four time Gold Glove award winner and for the 2011 season he was awarded the Platinum Glove for the league’s best defensive player overall.

Chris Carpenter has compared Yadier Molina to the left tackle in football and referred to by ‘The Blind Side’ where Carpenter is the quarterback. Yadi studies the game. He gets the Cardinals game plan. He knows hitters and the significance of each at bat. This knowledge is irreplaceable in the game of baseball.

My only issue with his new contract is that it is for 5 years and 75 million dollars. I am one of those people that has an issue with how high professional athletes are being paid. I get the reasoning that the owners are earning a lot and they should be sharing with players, but shouldn’t it be incentive based? I believe no player should make over let’s say 10 million dollars a year. Then there should be incentives and bonuses added on. I am sure that there could be someone on the management team that could come up with a reason and calculation of what those could be. The issue with my theory is that it is a team game and the team needs to come first. Individuals should not be first. I will probably never see 75 million dollars in my lifetime and I am ok with that. What I am not ok with is the prices you have to pay to go see a baseball game. I hope to listen or watch most of the Cardinals games this year but I have bought no tickets yet.

Now I know the ladies love Yadi. His Spanish charm and smile are a hit with them. I just wish he could get a better handle on the English language. Yadi was drafted by the Cardinals in 2000 and at least should be ok with dealing with the public and not ignoring special autograph requests. I hope there is a clause in the new contract where what was pulled at last year’s Winter Warm Up will not happen again. I really really want to cheer for Yadi with all my heart, but this is something I cannot get past. If I had a job in theDominican Republic, I would be required to learn Spanish. Yadi, please be a St. Louis Cardinals the right way and embrace and get involved in this wonderful community.

Tags: baseball, blind side, chris carpenter, Dominican Republic, platinum glove, st louis cardinals, yadier molina Permalink

3 Comments

My 2012 Cardinals Spring Training Preview

Posted by Jeff White on February 16, 2012 in Baseball

OK, I am not normally a blogger who reports. I tell you my opinions. If they happen to sound like a reporter, so be it. So knowing that, here is my 2012 St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training Preview.

Starting Pitching – I think they are good. If and when Adam Wainwright pitches lights out again and Chris Carpenter doesn’t overdo himself, this staff should be fine. Jaime Garcia just needs to be Jaime. Please pay no attention to the elephant in the Jupiter complex that is Roy Oswalt.

Adam Wainwright

Relief Pitching – Woohoo! I think Jason Motte is the closer! But don’t tell anyone. If it doesn’t matter to him, why should it matter to you? J.C. Romero joins Scrabble in the bullpen from the left side. So there seems good. Hmm, what role will Kyle McClellan fill this year or will he be traded in Spring Training? As much as it pains me to see a local guy go, I think he may have the opportunity to start with a lower team so I hope the Cardinals find a match. This area is always intriguing in spring.

Jason Motte

Infield – Lance Berkman fills the hole at first left by that guy who left for his own reasons, so there is good. Allen Craig is a good backup there. Rafael Furcal reigns at SS and I sure hope his On Base Percentage is high enough. He worries me. I believe David Freese at 3B will complete the year around 24 homeruns and 88 RBIs. The big question on the infield is at second base. Tyler Greene seems to have the edge going in, but I have the strangest feeling that there will be an outside player brought in who will win the job.

Lance Berkman

Outfield – Matt Holliday is the glue that will keep the Cardinals together on offense. He will be great in LF as long as no bugs are flying into his ear. Carlos Beltran seems to be the steal of the offseason as the Cardinals continue to amass former Houston Astros. He will bounce from RF to CF with Jon Jay and Allen Craig filling the rest. Jim Edmonds was brought into spring training as an instructor to help the OF with defense. Hope his mentoring helps these guys and all of those in the minors. I am excited to see what ‘Hollywood’ will bring to instructing.

Matt Holliday

Catching – Yadier Molina is the man here. I hope the contract thing works out in Jupiter or he is traded before the deadline. He is actually starting to rub me the wrong way. You work and live in the US Yadi, please learn better English. Tony Cruz could be the heir apparent though.

Yadi Molina

Bench – I think you will see Daniel Descalso or Tyler Greene joining the extra OF on the bench. One or both of those two will not be the starter at 2B. Skip Schumaker will be on the bench too as the 5^th OF and extra 2B option. Tony Cruz looks to be the backup to Yadi unless Koyie Hill really impresses in Jupiter. I am curious why he was brought in. Brian Anderson lovers should just move on. Will Adron Chambers or Alex Cora round it out? Don’t know yet.

Coaching – Mike Matheny takes over for the retiring Tony LaRussa but Tony will be back for the All Star game. Hope Tony brings Dave Duncan with him to Kansas City. Derek Lilliquist earned lots of fans with his filling in for Duncan last year so I am not worried there. John Mabry joins Mark McGwire in the hitting coach area as Mike Aldrete moves to bench coach. I hope he has absorbed a lot of knowledge from LaRussa so that he can advise Matheny. He seems young for my type of bench coach but Matheny says he is all for young guys with recent experience so he has more faith than me and that’s what is important. Everybody from Whitey Herzog to the stranger Ozzie Smith will be down in Jupiter. There will be a lot of help for the young guys in Florida.

Mike Matheny

Prospects – Shelby Miller will be in St. Louis this year. I just hope it’s not because we have no choice to bring him up. I hope we will see him in September. I am excited about Matt Adams maybe being our 1B answer for 2013.

Prediction – The Cardinals will break camp with 5 pitchers who can pitch 5-6 innings starting the season and 8 guys in the bullpen. Some trade or surprising move will happen during Spring Training because Matheny will need to show who is in charge. I am looking forward to seeing what happens as the road to Miami and Opening Day has already started.

Tags: adam wainwright, adron chambers, alex cora, allen craig, baseball, carlos beltran, daniel descalso, dave duncan, david freese, derek lilliquist, j.c. romero, jaime garcia, jason motte, jim edmonds, jon jay, koylie hill, kyle mclellan, lance berkman, matt adams, matt holliday, mike matheny, rafael furcal, roy oswalt, shelby miller, skip schumaker, st louis cardinals, tony cruz, tony larussa, tyler greene, yadier molina Permalink

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Let’s Bring it Home

Posted by Jeff White on February 7, 2012 in Baseball

Decided to do something different in this blog since I am so excited that we are really close to pitchers and catchers reporting and I am excited. Let me know what you think.

Let’s Bring it Home

Freese is back

And so is Lance

So the Cardinals fans

Think there’s a chance

12 in 12

Is what they all say

With Yadi and Carp

Leading the way

Rafael and Matt

Will come to the plate

Adam’s coming back

We can hardly wait

With Skip, Jay, and Allen

Setting the table

We’ll win all we can

As long as Motte is stable

Beltran and Romero

Come join the group

WhileDuncanis gone

Helping his wife recoup

Matheny heads the team

He leads the way

After that other guy

Went to L.A.

So 12 in 12

Here we come

Cardinals Nation

Let’s Bring it Home!

Tags: adam wainwright, baseball, carlos beltran, chris carpenter, dave duncan, j.c. romero, jason motte, matt holliday, mike matheny, rafael furcal, st louis cardinals, yadier molina Permalink

5 Comments

Trying to be a Courageous Father

Posted by Jeff White on January 31, 2012 in Life

My parents were divorced when I was in kindergarten. I haven’t spoken to my dad since I was in high school. I know he knew I went in the Marines but other than that I am not sure. He still owes my Mother and my late Grandparents lots of money in back child support, medical bills, etc. So it’s kind of obvious I have father issues. I had some replacements growing up with my Grandpa leading the way by far. I survived and although I am not perfect those around me know the places where I am lacking and help as needed. I think I am doing a pretty good job raising my son Josh with my wife and God’s help. A whole lot of other people have come along this journey because it is really true in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child.

This past Saturday night my son and I saw the movie ‘Courageous’ at First Evangelical Free Church with a friend, his kids, and hundreds of other men with their children. The movie is about how a father got a slap upside the face and realized he needed to be better than he was. It also focuses on how friends are important and that they step up when needed the most. I highly recommend this movie. I know many have cried while watching the movie and left ‘Courageous’ moved by it and have continued on with a follow up bible study. Hopefully after men’s fraternity finishes our current study at my church, this could be something we pick up for a while.

I am proud to say that I have been involved with my son’s activities since he was quite young. I wish I knew way back then what I know now so I could have been much more educated. I have learned to be supportive of not only Josh but other boys, and now try to only speak positive things so that they can work on them. There are still times that you need to be stern and tough but I’m learning to save those for when they really matter.

As a teenager, kids change. They want to be grown up at times and little kids at others. Last night, after playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Josh sat in my lap. These things would boggle the mind of an outsider but they make perfect sense to me. He appreciates me spending time with him and yet loves the reassurance only a father can bring a son.

Men, I challenge all of you to be involved with your kids. Get involved with the things they like. If you have a daughter who likes dancing, dance with her in the living room. If your son wants you to hear what you think is a stupid song, listen to it with him. Your kids probably make you happier than you know. I never thought I would have a kid who makes me listen to Hot Chelle Rae on Hits 1 on XM, nor did I think I would help coach a basketball team. Now I enjoy these things. Know your boundaries though. I can honestly say that my only role in my son’s science fair project was to check for errors and design issues.

Josh says we are good. He is a teenage boy, what more do you expect him to say. But I questioned him a little deeper and found out that we really are good, but there are always ways to be better. Please don’t be good enough, be courageous.

Tags: courageous, first evangelical free church, josh, United States Marine Corps Permalink

1 Comment

My 5 St. Louis Cardinals Iconic Moments

Posted by Jeff White on January 19, 2012 in Baseball, Life

As part of my membership in the United Cardinals Bloggers, I have the opportunity to write a blog each month based on a topic they provide. I figured I would take a stab at the first month’s topic of 5 Iconic Cardinals Moments. I am not ranking these because for me, they may change from day to day.

The first iconic moment has to be Opening Day. I remember back in the 80’s watching Ozzie Smith running onto the field of Busch Stadium and doing his back hand spring flip. Wow! I was amazed how that beautiful white uniform looked flipping on the Astroturf of the old Busch Stadium. Another iconic thing about opening day in St. Louis is the Clydesdales taking the field. This year will be a good year as they will be carrying a World Series trophy. I have not worked on an Opening Day since I have moved back to St. Louis and I am proud to say I have been to many of these Opening Days as well.

The second iconic moment I can think of is when Mark McGwire hit his 62^nd Homerun on September 8, 1998. I knew something magical was going to happen on that date early in the year. My son was due on 8-28-98, so I thought he would be late and 9-8-98 would be a cool birthday. Well, he was born on 8-30-98, so something exciting in baseball made the most sense then. Mark and Sammy Sosa grabbed the nation’s hearts for the homerun battle and they were on national television every game in the week leading up to the magical moment. This was key for me as we were living in Southern California at the time. It was a magical night with a line drive, a high five to Dave McKay, and a ‘Touch First Mark. You are the new Homerun king’ from Joe Buck. Good to hear the hometown guy with the call.

I will never forget the 1982 World Series. I still can see Willie McGee jumping over the fence. But the iconic moment for me was when Bruce Sutter jumped into Darrell Porter’s arms and the St. Louis Cardinals were World Series Champions. I was a young 6^th grader and my mom let me stay up late and watch every playoff game. Even the long rain delayed game. That was a late night. I can remember the message board at old Busch saying ‘We Win’.

The highlight and iconic moment of the 2009 All Star Game that was hosted inSt. Louiswas Stan Musial being introduced to the crowd. This moment showcased to the rest of the world that only watch baseball at the all star game and postseason, the best of what St. Louis has ever had to offer. I think the departure of that #5 guy for Anaheim confirms that St. Louis baseball is Stan Musial. He is the icon.

I am unsure what the future will bring, but Game 6 of the 2011 World Series could be one of the greatest baseball games ever. David Freese’s 11^th inning homerun will forever be remembered by Cardinals fans. This is considered the best moment of the year in all of baseball according to MLB Network and will make its way to iconic status if it hasn’t already.

I hope you all find this journey back into memory lane an enjoyable one. I had 10 iconic moments on my list I had to narrow it down to 5. Let me know your thoughts.

Tags: all star game, bruce sutter, busch stadium, clydesdales, darrell porter, dave mckay, david freese, joe buck, mark mcgwire, mlb network, ozzie smith, sammy sosa, Southern California, st louis cardinals, stan musial, tarp, united cardinal bloggers, willie mcgee, world series champions Permalink

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