The 2016 season has been a rough one, to say the least, for the St. Louis Cardinals at home. For the first time in the 21st century, the Cardinals have managed to promise the St. Louis fans a losing home record. With a current record of 33-41 this season at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals’ seven remaining home games can only produce a maximum of 0.494, and that is only if the Cardinals win every game.
So, what’s the issue? Are the birds just ready to fly south for the winter or is there an underlying problem? One theory, that seems to hold a lot of weight, suggests that for a team that has been heavily reliant on gaining runs by blasting the baseball out of the park, Busch Stadium is a tough field to play. Out of all 16 ballparks in the National League, which houses the teams the Cardinals most often play, Busch Stadium ranks at only #9 for average home runs hit per game. It could be worse, but it could also be better. Currently, the Cardinals have a combined total of 207 home runs on the season; most of which occur for them on the road, rather than at Busch. Compared to the average of their opponents being only 142 home runs, the Cardinals are relying on their brute force to smack in the runs.
Despite their home record, the Cardinals have actually done quite well on the road this year with a current record of 43-29; which is why there is still a small glimmer of hope for October baseball in St. Louis. With a little tweaking on the mound, and a little extra life in the bats, the boys of summer still may stand a chance at a Wildcard playoff spot. One thing we all know about our beloved St. Louis Cardinals is that they can never be counted out. After all, it ain’t over til’ the rally squirrel sings!
