You thought I was going to say the Arch. Nope, the Cardinals.
The Arch is my totem, my colossus, my interplanetary monolith. I get to see it almost every day but most people in the region, away from downtown, do not. They may be more likely to find it as a logo on a delivery truck.
But the Cardinals, that's different. I've often referred to the team in these posts as the state religion. It's more than that, though. They are absolutely the unifying element of metro St. Louis. Everybody loves the Cardinals. There are 30 major baseball teams. We are the 18th largest market and we consistently rank in the top two or three in annual attendance. The team wins more than its share of championships - only the Yankees have won the World Series more often. In the 21st Century, the Cardinals are the Spirit of St. Louis.
These shots were taken over the last several years, mostly in and around the stadium, including one month old Madeleine attending a game. The cult is carried world-wide as in the last picture, with me and Mrs. C wearing our Cards shirts at Mt. Everest base camp in Tibet.
And it doesn't hurt that they have the best looking uniforms in baseball.
The Arch is my totem, my colossus, my interplanetary monolith. I get to see it almost every day but most people in the region, away from downtown, do not. They may be more likely to find it as a logo on a delivery truck.
But the Cardinals, that's different. I've often referred to the team in these posts as the state religion. It's more than that, though. They are absolutely the unifying element of metro St. Louis. Everybody loves the Cardinals. There are 30 major baseball teams. We are the 18th largest market and we consistently rank in the top two or three in annual attendance. The team wins more than its share of championships - only the Yankees have won the World Series more often. In the 21st Century, the Cardinals are the Spirit of St. Louis.
These shots were taken over the last several years, mostly in and around the stadium, including one month old Madeleine attending a game. The cult is carried world-wide as in the last picture, with me and Mrs. C wearing our Cards shirts at Mt. Everest base camp in Tibet.
And it doesn't hurt that they have the best looking uniforms in baseball.
Excellent choice, Bob. And fun photos.
ReplyDeleteSometimes that's the way Bob, a sports team can elicit so much community spirit. Excellent choice for today.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, sports bring us together. Great choice for St. Louis. Fabulous photos to support your choice.
ReplyDeleteMay you never have to leave your Cardinals! Happy Theme Day!
Janis
GDP
I do like your entree very much, as you might imagine. Good entree, greetings from Tilburg (with Willem II footballclub sinds 1896)
ReplyDeleteExcellent Bob!
ReplyDeleteLove your choice for the theme day. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI moved to Florida last year and still managed to attend 8 ballgames in St. Louis.
ReplyDeletePerfect choice. And I love the last shot because it's so different (but I do have a soft spot for Madeleine...)
ReplyDeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you've been to Everest base camp!
ReplyDeleteAn excellent choice and an excellent explanation. AND, fine photos to illustrate your selection. Even a Red Sox fan like me can grudgingly admire St. Louis' love for its Cardinals.
ReplyDeleteNice choice for the theme. I like the Cardinals simply for their mascot and their colors! :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic for a city to have a team like this. And I really like your photos of the fans.
ReplyDeleteYour set of photos definitely supports your point and your picture of the crowd in the stadium is what I find most impressive. It's packed!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt that ittle Madeleine being introduced to the spirit of the game at such a young age will be a keen supporter soon. I love the portrait of you too wearing your t-shirts too!
you two I mean!!!
ReplyDelete