Graphic by Ryan Leopando – Arch City Sports
The offseason of baseball. A time where big names are either on the move or rumored to be on the move. When teams of last season were on the brink of getting into the playoffs and the World Series only to fall just short because of one or two missing pieces. Then comes what might be the most important part of a club’s season: the winter. Who’s going to fill that missing piece of the puzzle on their team to get them further next year?
The Cubs have already tried to become contenders by signing Jon Lester. Matt Kemp and Justin Upton packed their bags to head to San Diego. Jimmy Rollins is on his way to the Dodgers and Torii Hunter is going back to where he started his career in Minnesota. Only time will tell who’s going to be next.
Three years ago, the St. Louis Cardinals saw their franchise player of eleven seasons head to Southern California after winning the World Series. Many were disappointed in the departure and worried about who would fill the void of such a key player. Still, the Cardinals continued their playoff ways. And with it being the “Holliday Season,” I leave you with this that I wrote after that memorable 2011 Cardinal run. Happy Holliday’s everyone.
“’Twas the Winter Before Baseball”
‘Twas the winter before Baseball, when all through The Lou
Not a creature was stirring, not even at the Zoo;
The contracts were offered by the Cardinals with care,
In hopes that Albert would think they were fair.
Cardinal Nation was waiting all snug in their beds,
With visions of another Championship dancing in their heads;
Fans that were wearing their Cardinals jerseys and caps,
Had just settled down for their offseason naps.
When out of nowhere the Angels arose such a clatter,
And Cardinal Nation sprang to see what was the matter.
Away to the TV they flew like a flash,
To witness the Angels throw him more years and more cash.
With the season just ending in a World Series win,
That looked like the Cardinals chances were dim,
When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But a man named Freese that brought on applause and cheers.
Game 6 was in the 11th when everyone was stunned,
To see Mr. Freese to the rescue with a solo homerun.
But now, with Pujols gone the doubters have came,
So now we must remind you with our remaining players by name;
“Now, Berkman! Now, Freese! Now, Yadi and Jay!
On, Wainwright! On, Carpenter! On, Motte and Holliday!
To the top of the standings until the last strike is called!
Now win away! Win away! Win away all!”
As the Cubs will always lose and never succeed,
The Brewers lose Fielder and also Braun to PED’s.
So up to the top the Cardinals they flew,
Even without Prince Albert, and Deidre too.
And with him out west acting aloof
Our Clydesdales will be circling the warning track with each hoof.
As Cardinal Nation comes together for another Opening Day,
A new season under Matheny will soon be underway.
With Fredbird all dressed from his head to his foot,
Cardinal fans will be burning those Pujols jerseys into soot;
A bundle of pressure flung onto Mozeliak’s back,
Yet he’s shown no worries that his players will show any slack.
Cardinal fans will continue to cheer for so many reasons!
Because the Cardinals will be on their way to another championship season!
With the NL Central in the palm of our hands,
Busch Stadium will continue to be filled with loyal fans;
Although we may have experienced some moments of grief,
We will continue to go on and turn a new leaf;
Pujols will continue to make his millions out west,
But the Cardinals will continue being the BEST.
Yes, he was great for us the past 10 years,
And we all were upset when he left, some even in tears;
There’s a new manager and a new season ahead,
Which will remind us that as fans we will always bleed Cardinal red;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
For many millions more with the Angels; Mang, what a jerk,
So much for loyalty, and retiring a Redbird,
Go make your money that you still could have made here batting third;
Good-bye Mr. Pujols, we were here when your career began,
Just remember one thing, St. Louis only has one “Mang,” and that’s Stan the Man.
Next year, without you, we will be putting another trophy on our shelves,
Here’s to more Happy Flights, and 12in12!
@RLeopando
