Timeline of the few last weeks in Cardinal Nation: Cards go on a six game losing streak, Mo calls a press conference and says no one is safe, including himself, if they don't start playing better. They win the next three days to sweep the Phillies series and hopefully are on their way to a winning streak! This post isn't going to analyze or even comment much on what Mo said though, it's about my favorite place in the world and the boys that grab hold of my heart every summer. St. Louis has always been a favorite vacation destination of my family, usually highlighted by as many Cardinal games as we could fit in during our time in the city. Whether it was Busch II or the new Busch, it has always been a perfect place in my mind. As for the guys wearing the Birds on the Bat, well when you're 5, 6, 7 years old and one of them decides to give you a whole bag of bubble gum, one let's you in his car to sign an autograph, and they're winning the division or World Series on a regular basis, you get uncontrollably sucked in! It isn't always easy explaining to people why I am a St. Louis fan, but grew up an hour away from KC and Kauffman Stadium, but once I step inside Busch all those long conversations are so worth it. (Sorry Royals fans!) So what is it about Busch that sucks me in? It's the views. There's the Arch, Ballpark Village just across the street, and downtown St. Louis in general. You may be a fan of big parking lots with tailgates, but I'm a fan of downtown baseball! It's the fans. Whether it's 80 year olds from Georgia that have listened to the Cards on the radio for years, or 8 year old little girls at their first game, Cardinal fans are awesome. It's never rare to sit for a Cards game and make friends with the people seated around you, unless they're in Cubs gear.. It's the history. Yeah go ahead and hit me with the "but it's only been open since 2006".. first of all there has been plenty of history in those 11 years, second of all the history from before 2006 carries forward, from Big Mac Land to the names of the concession stands and plaques/statues throughout, they got it covered. Not to mention if you venture across the street the Cardinals museum in Ballpark Village is definitely worth the money! It's the atmosphere. The way the stadium is full of happy people having a good time, but also wrapped up in all that's happening on the field, it's perfect. - The hype videos used throughout just add to the atmosphere too. Anytime you show highlights from big games and fan favorites, it gets people pumped up. And lastly, for me, when I see Busch Stadium and walk in or around it I'm instantly happy. As y'all know, sports are my thing. Maybe I'm crazy since sports are one of the things that bring me the most joy, but it's true. I walk into that stadium and I'm just happy. Get me a beer and a funnel cake and it's even better! So for all of you who have never been to Busch Stadium, GO!
And for all of you who have been, this is your sign to buy some tickets and go to a game the next home stand ;)
0 Comments
As a life long Cardinals fan, I can honestly say you're the best player I've ever seen wear the Birds on the Bat! Heartbroken doesn't even begin to describe my feelings when you left the Cards. To say I was angry, also an understatement. I understand why you left, why the Cards let you go, and that you're where you need to be, the American League. Don't get me wrong, seeing you hit number 600 as a Cardinal would have been one of my greatest sports memories, and definitely one of my greatest Cardinal memories, but realistically I get the AL move. I'm not the bitter person who refused to watch you play because you weren't a Cardinal, I'm a person who can applaud your accomplishments and shamelessly share them because I know being able to witness your greatness, no matter what jersey you currently wear, is something that makes me very lucky. Your accomplishments are historic and the fact that you achieved many of them, or achieved parts of them, as a member of my favorite team makes them even sweeter. You deserve all of the pageantry and praise that St. Louis would have given you, but instead of seeing you at first base every day we'll watch from afar, continue to recognize you as the great that you are, and congratulate you on not only 600 homers, but all of your on the field accomplishments and even greater off the field accomplishments. So, Mr. Pujols, congrats on the 600 homers, thank you for being a key part of my love for baseball, and good luck on the rest of your historic career! Sincerely,
A girl that you helped fall in love with the game. It's one of the best times of the year.. the NCAA Softball Tournament! There have been some good games, some scares, and some upsets already but we're heading to OKC now and who knows what will happen! My early prediction is Florida and Oklahoma, but with the double elimination bracket it's so hard to know who may come back through that thing! Side note: if we could have double elimination brackets in the College Football Playoff or March Madness wouldn't that be incredibly interesting?! Logistically I know that is never going to happen, but it's a fun thought! Game one, Florida vs Texas A&M, I think Florida has in the bag. I wouldn't be unhappy if the Aggies knock them to the losers bracket though! Especially with the story following Texas A&M's pitcher, losing her dad shortly before Super Regionals and pitching the Aggies to the WCWS. Game two, UCLA vs LSU, well I am hopeful the SEC shows up strong and knocks off the Pac-12 powerhouse but UCLA has no quit. Their series against Ole Miss showed that, especially the extra inning game I stayed up WAY too late for! I think UCLA will win this game, but LSU is a strong team, that I wouldn't be surprised to see go deep in this tournament. It just may take them going to through the losers bracket instead of the winners side. Game three, Washington vs Oregon, ugh I just don't really care. I liked Danielle Lawrie when she played for Washington, but usually I just don't take much interest in the Pac-12. They are definitely a strong softball conference and I'm not taking that away from them, but I'd rather root for other teams. I think Oregon will probably win this game, but either way I'm indifferent. Game four, Oklahoma vs Baylor, Boomer! So if you've seen any of my college football posts on the Touchdowns page you know how much I love Baker Mayfield, but typically root against OU because my dad's an Oklahoma fan.. well softball is the other exception to this rule. Patty Gasso is an incredible coach and they just turn out talent there in Norman. - I also despise Baylor so if they could just lose their first two games I'd be happy!
Who do I want to win? A&M, Florida, or Oklahoma. So here I go putting on that damn crimson and cream and cheering on the Sooners again.. I have faith in the Paige's and their ability to dominate hitters. We'll see if it actually happens!
Also, super excited for the broadcasting line-up! Holly Rowe, Laura Rutledge, Jessica Mendoza, Michele Smith, Sheri Kempf, Amanda Scarborough.. bring on the softball!! |
|