Basking in Baseball Heaven

David Freese’s historic post season carries the St. Louis Cardinals to their 11th, and probably most satisfying, World Series Title.  By Andrew Muckell

(AP Photo/Bill Boyce)

Speaking on behalf of all baseball lovers, I have to say that I have never seen anything like this before: The St. Louis Cardinals, baseball’s ultimate underdog, bypassed the Atlanta Braves on the last game of the regular season and toppled the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers and grabbed the World Series Championship.

The story of the Red Bird’s miraculous surge highlights a variety of Herculean efforts and timely circumstances. 3B David Freese surprised everyone with a record-setting 21 RBI this post season, including a game-tying two-run double in the ninth inning of game six and the walk-off home run later in the 11th. RF Lance Berkman revived his career this year with an All-Star caliber season and a monster World Series performance, hitting .423 with five RBIs and nine runs. With 1B Albert Pujols’ historic three- HR in game three and LF Allen Craig’s opportune offense, the Cards rose dramatically above the Texas Rangers.

In addition, P Chris Carpenter pitched solidly in games one, four and seven, going 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA. P Jaime Garcia had an outstanding performance in game two, but the Cardinals still took a loss. However, Garcia had a poor showing in game six, which the Cardinals won in extra innings. Rangers’ pitching was equally ironic. The Cards slugged against reliever Alexi Ogando, who dominated the ALCS, and ace C.J. Wilson as if it were batting practice, but strong performances by P Derek Holland and P Colby Lewis kept the Rangers in the series.

Mother Nature favored St. Louis, however. Game six, originally on the 26th, was postponed due to rain to the following day. This would be a minute detail if it did not move game seven also and make way for Chris Carpenter’s stellar start.

People may remember this post season for RF Nelson Cruz’s record-tying eight home runs, Freese’s run production, Pujols’ three-HR game, Wilson’s historically bad pitching, or for any of the numerous errors committed. For Cardinals fans, nothing will be forgotten. The 2011 Cardinals will forever be remembered by this generation as destiny’s team.