Warning: this post is going to be me basically just geeking out and reveling in the greatness that is being a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Just so you can stop reading now if you so desire.
6 NLCS appearances and 8 playoff appearances in the last 12 years.
I have been blessed. The Cardinals have never really had a team that has been embarrassing to root for, but in recent years, the magic of the cards had seen to ware off somewhat. No playoffs in '07 and '08, a forgettable NLDS in LA in '09, and once again no playoffs in '10. Many thought we were done in '11 too, and I admit that I all but threw in the towel this year. Never stopped following them, but it looked pretty dang grim. And now, the Cards are NLCS bound, having toppled the mighty Phillies, the team with four aces, about to face their hated divisional foes... I can't say for sure whether we'll advance to the World Series, but I can say that I'd rather have Albert, Carpenter, Yadi, and the rest of the gang over any other team in the world.
And just for kicks, a look back at the rest of the NLCS teams I've had the pleasure to follow in my lifetime.
'96 - I confess that this was the first year I really paid attention to baseball, and in a time before the internet, my knowledge about things were spotty. All I knew is that we choked a 3-1 lead against the Braves in grand fashion, and that Donovan Osbourne didn't cut it. But we had the Benes brothers, HOF closer Dennis Eckersley and soon forgotten Todd Stottlemyre who I really liked for some reason, Brian Jordan, Ron Gant and Ray Lankford, the immortal Gary Gaetti, and of course the last years (and only year for me unfortunately) of Ozzie Smith and Willie McGee. A fan was born.
(Home run chase interlude, Big Mac craze comes and goes)
'02 - I remember I was in 6th grade, and we watched parts of Game 1 of the NLDS during school when Rick Ankiel inexplicably lost his command. Still a great great team that featured a 20 win season from Darryl Kile and one of those one-year wonder years from Garrett Stephenson. Loved Vina, Renteria and Tatis from this team, as well as Jim Edmonds in his absolute prime (42/108/.295). Loved Placido Polanco and Will the Thrill, and also Woody Williams' phenomenal 2.28 era in 11 starts to end the season. To be honest I don't even remember how we lost to the Mets 4-1.
'03 - OK so we didn't make it to the NLCS, but only because we faced a brutal Diamondbacks team with Schilling and Randy Johnson in the NLDS. Should be noted for the beginning of the Albert Pujols era and the end of the Big Mac era.
'04 - The 105 win team. MVP3 plus Larry Walker. Just a phenomenal team that was a pleasure to watch. Coincidentally the first year So Taguchi really played a big part on the team. Unforgettable 4-3 NLCS win against the Astros. Of course, Jimmy Ballgame's walk-off jack in the 12th of Game 6, but people forget that Jeff freakin' Suppan outdueled Roger Clemens (on steroids) in Game 7. This should never be forgotten. This is an Astros squad that features Biggio, Berkman, Beltran, Jeff Kent and Jeff Bagwell, along with Roy Oswalt and Clemens. I don't even care that the Red Sox did something memorable this year.
'05 - Another fantasy team and 100 win squad. Memorable for having Carpenter's 21-5 season as well as Mark Mulder's one year of usefulness. Also, David Eckstein's grit and Albert's monster jack off of Brad Lidge in Game 5. Sadly, this was the Astros' year to go to the world series and get demolished.
'06 - Can't believe this is the last time the Cardinals were in the NLCS. Of course, this team was worse than all of the other ones above, and of course this was the team that won it all. People forget So Taguchi's home run in the 9th off of Billy Wagner in Game 2, and the unlikelihood of Yadi's bomb in Game 7. Taguchi hit 2 homers all year, and Yadi hit .216 on the season. Enter Wainwright, enter freezing Beltran on the called three strike, and enter a fitting cap to the end of the Edmonds/Rolen/Pujols glory years.
With all that being said, I get the same excitement of cheering for the underdog for this '11 team, except with more confidence. It was just bewildering seeing Jeff Weaver and Anthony Reyes win big games for us, but this team is more solid. I like the veteran presence, and I like the spunk from the young guys. Instead of Eckstein, we have Punto. The confidence and "nothing to lose" attitude is evident. Instead of the Astros, enter another NL Central rival, the Brewers. You couldn't ask for a better drama filled series. It's good to be a Cards fan.
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