The World Series. For Real.
I’m at a World Series game. No, really. Game 4 at Busch Stadium.
Cardinal baseball isn’t just my obsession, it’s a family tradition. And to baseball-obsessed folk, the World Series is pretty much the ultimate dream.
When I found out I was going, thanks entirely to the generosity of my sister, Sara, and brother-in-law Robbie, there may have been a tear or two.
Getting on the road. That white piece of paper in the lower right corner is a World Series ticket. That’s Robbie on the left, hiding behind (sleepy) Sam. Sara’s over my left shoulder.
We arrived in St. Louis around 1:30 p.m., and the first stop was the Team Store at Busch Stadium.
There were surprisingly few World Series items; they sold out a lot the night before.
St. Louis is a baseball town. There were banners on many of the buildings and the water in a nearby fountain had been dyed red.
In our Cardinal gear. We handed our iPhones to a nice lady who was taking photos for tips.
These are my two of my three all-time favorite players (along with Musial), Lou Brock (left), and Bob Gibson, right. Former Cardinal manager Red Schoendienst and Cardinal broadcaster Mike Shannon are in the middle.
Bob Gibson throwing out the first pitch
Also, here’s Hank Aaron presenting an award. I have no idea what the award was for, I just know that’s Hank Aaron.
And then there was the game. Even though it was 37 degrees, and the game ended with that ugly pickoff at first base and resulting Cardinal loss, the thrill was the same. Win or lose, it’s still the World Series.
Starter Lance Lynn threw five good innings.
Battery love
Big Matt Holliday swing
Cold. And loving it.
I had fun people watching and marveling at just how much some fans are willing to do for their team. I stopped each, complimented them and asked if I could take their picture. Here are some awesome folks who are true fans, beginning with my sister’s foot:
Other than marriages and the births of my grandchildren, I’m not sure I’ll ever have a bigger thrill than the World Series. The electricity of the crowd, more than 40,000 people wearing Cardinal red and cheering, rally towels, seeing Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, and Hank Aaron in person (even from a distance), and a few Boston fans sporting their Red Sox jerseys — the experience of a lifetime.
If you want to see the rest of my photos from St. Louis, check out my Flickr Set.