Cardinals Win ‘Remarkable’ World Series!
- Posted on October 28, 2011 at 11:41pm by
Scott Baker
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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina celebrates after Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Texas Rangers Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in St. Louis. The Cardinals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Pushed to the brink, the St. Louis Cardinals saved themselves. A frantic rush to reach the postseason on the final day. A nifty pair of comebacks in the playoffs. Two desperate rallies in Game 6.
Turns out these Cardinals were merely gearing up for a gigantic celebration.
(h/t HuffPo)
The Cardinals won a remarkable World Series they weren’t even supposed to reach, beating the Texas Rangers 6-2 in Game 7 on Friday night with another key hit by hometown star David Freese and six gutty innings from Chris Carpenter.
A day after an epic Game 6 that saw them twice within one strike of elimination before winning 10-9 in the 11th inning, the Cardinals captured their 11th World Series crown.
And following a whole fall on the edge, including a surge from 10 1/2 games down in the wild-card race, Tony La Russa‘s team didn’t dare mess with Texas, or any more drama in baseball’s first World Series Game 7 since the Angels beat Giants in 2002.
Freese, the MVP of the NLCS, was the Series MVP as well.
“This whole ride, this team deserves this. This organization is top notch. … This is definitely a dream come true,” Freese said. “This is why you keep battling. … I’m so glad to be a part of this.”
The St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after Texas Rangers' David Murphy flies out to end Game 7 of baseball's World Series Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in St. Louis. The Cardinals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Freese’s two-run double tied it in the first and good-luck charm Allen Craig hit a go-ahead homer in the third. Picked by La Russa earlier in the day to start on short rest, Carpenter and the tireless St. Louis bullpen closed it out.
“I wish everybody in the country could get to know these guys,” Craig said. “It’s unbelievable. I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
No Rally Squirrel needed on this night, either. Fireworks and confetti rang out at Busch Stadium when Jason Motte retired David Murphy on a fly ball to end it.
The Cardinals were loose from the very beginning.
“We were all in the clubhouse and we were a loose bunch of guys,” Motte said. “We were in there hanging out, dancing around, had music playing. We were all like that‘s the way we win and that’s how we play the best and we came out we were able to do it today. It’s just amazing.”
This marked the ninth straight time the home team had won Game 7 in the World Series. The wild-card Cardinals held that advantage over the AL West champions because the NL won the All-Star game – Texas could blame that on their own pitcher, C.J. Wilson, who took the loss in July.
The Rangers, meanwhile, will spend the whole winter wondering how it all got away. Texas might dwell on it forever, in fact, at least until Nolan Ryan & Co. can reverse a World Series slide that started with last year’s five-game wipeout against San Francisco.
Texas had not lost consecutive games since last August. These two defeats at Busch Stadium cost manager Ron Washington and the Rangers a chance to win their first title in the franchise’s 51-year history.
A year full of inspiring rallies and epic collapses was encapsulated in Game 6. Freese was the star, with a tying triple in the ninth and a winning home run in the 11th. His two RBIs in the clincher gave him a postseason record 21.
The Cardinals won their first championship since 2006, and gave La Russa his third World Series title. They got there by beating Philadelphia in the first round of the NL playoffs, capped by Carpenter outdueling Roy Halladay 1-0 in the deciding Game 5, and then topping Milwaukee in the NL championship series.
By the time Yadier Molina drew a bases-loaded walk from starter Matt Harrison and Rafael Furcal was hit by a pitch from Wilson in relief, the crowd began to sense a championship was near.
The Cardinals improved to 8-3 in Game 7s of the Series, more wins than any other club. Yet fans here know their history well, and were aware this game could go either way – Dizzy Dean and the Gas House Gang won 11-0 in 1934, but Whitey Herzog and his Cardinals lost 11-0 in 1985.
On this evening, though, all the stars aligned.
Starting in place of injured Matt Holliday, Craig hit his third homer of the Series and made a leaping catch at the top of the left field wall. Molina made another strong throw to nail a stray runner. And Carpenter steeled himself to pitch into the seventh, every bit an ace.
Albert Pujols went 0 for 2, walked and was hit by a pitch in what could have been his last game with the Cardinals. Many think the soon-to-be free agent will remain in St. Louis.
Either way, he provided an image that will certainly last a long time in this town. As he scored on Freese’s double, Pujols thrust both arms high in the air as he reached the plate.
Besides, Pujols already had done enough damage. His three-homer job in Game 3 was the signature performance of his career and perhaps the greatest hitting show in postseason history.
Dismissed by some as a dull Series even before it began because it lacked the big-market glamour teams, it got better inning by inning.
Craig hit a solo home run in the third, an opposite field fly to right that carried into the Cardinals bullpen and got their relievers dancing. The super-sub put St. Louis ahead 3-2 with his third homer of the Series. He was in the lineup only because Holliday sprained his right wrist on a pickoff play a night earlier and was replaced on the roster.
By then, the largest crowd at 6-year-old Busch Stadium was buzzing. The fans seemed a bit drained much earlier, maybe worn out from the previous night.
They grew hush in the first when Hamilton and Michael Young hit consecutive RBI doubles. Texas might have gotten more, but Ian Kinsler strayed too far off first base and was trapped by Molina’s rocket throw.
Freese changed the mood in a hurry as St. Louis tied it in the bottom half. Pujols and Lance Berkman drew two-out walks and pitching coach Mike Maddux trotted to the mound while Freese stepped in to a standing ovation.
Freese rewarded his family and a ballpark full of new friends by lining a full-count floater to the wall in left center for a two-run double. Pujols raised both arms as he crossed the plate – another frozen moment, courtesy of Freese. Harrison was in trouble, and Wilson began warming up after only 23 pitches.
Carpenter wasn’t sharp at the outset, either. All over the strike zone, he started seven of the first 10 batters with balls. Pitching coach Dave Duncan made a visit in the second to check on the tall righty, lingering for a few extra words.
NOTES: Texas set a Series record by walking 41 batters, one more than Florida in 1997. Of the 34 runs the Cardinals scored, 11 reached on walks and two more on hit batters. … The crowd was 47,399. … The Cardinals will play the first game of the 2012 season, opening the Miami Marlins’ new ballpark on April 4.
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Comments (48)
TheChurch
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 11:16amIt’s a baseball game…nothing more or less. Not one real hero’s life was saved while fighting for his of her country in the Armed Services; no cure was found for cancer; no lost child was brought home. Keep it real people.
Report Post »jedidiah
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 12:25pmWhat makes a person so self-possessed that they become incapable of sharing the joy found in the hard-fought triumphs — whether great or small — of others?
My nephew will never forget the lessons learned about team work and perseverance over the last three months watching his beloved Cards fight back time and again and again and again to achieve ultimate success. I‘ll ask him later today if it’s all just been a ball game.
I pity the man who cannot look back on a great moment in sports, or any other equally trivial pursuit, and recount an inspiration or lesson never forgotten. You have no idea how many leaders will stand before teams, employees, or troops after this series and remind their charges, when facing long odds, how many times ordinary men just like them refused to accept defeat.
Just keeping it real.
Report Post »michaelR
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 12:32pmAnd guess what Billy Graham no one was searching for a cure for cancer it was a baseball game you got that much right.
Report Post »And if a child was lost at the baseball game I am sure every step was taken to return that child to their parents…after police detained and questioned them in connection to child endangerment laws.
I am sure the Armed Forces Network provided game 7 (or a tape delay) of the World Series to every service member abroad and I am sure they found it comforting and enjoyable to watch.
And most service members I know in the military don’t consider themselves heroes its a label hung on them for doing what is natural to them and unatural to the weak and cowardly.
I now return you to saving the world … pick a ghetto !
Have Fun !
TheChurch
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 6:23pmJedidiah – “My nephew will never forget the lessons learned about team work and perseverance over the last three months watching his beloved Cards fight back time and again and again and again to achieve ultimate success. I‘ll ask him later today if it’s all just been a ball game.”
I pity the man who cannot see the difference in real hero’s and and drugged up dopes who play a game for a living. If ball players are the only people your nephew has been shown to look up to he has a pretty sad life in store for him.
Other than insulting me you did not disprove one thing I said, because you can’t! People will glue themselves to a TV for a sporting event while failing to attend the funeral of a local hero brought home from the war. If your nephew would have attended the game and attempted to get an autograph he would have been blown off like yesterdays news.
Did you know that Evelyn Myers died? She helped start the St. Louis Senior Olympics, one of first in country! She died of lung cancer which she fought for years. There will be no parade or headlines in the paper for her. No children will know who she is because people don’t care. Not one single player from either team dedicated the game to her or any other true hero in the country.
I hope you will at least instruct your nephew that while he may love the current team, as soon as one of the WS “hero’s” can make more money elsewhere they will drop him and fans like you in a New York minute.
Report Post »jedidiah
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 10:08pmTHECHURCH
I wrote a lengthy response to your latest, thought about it for a time, and deleted it. Instead, I apologize. I don’t know the source of your anger, it’s not my business. I wish you well in everything.
Something you might consider for a moment. Mrs. Meyers, God rest her soul, would surely prefer joy in recounting the memory of her life and enduring contributions. From all I read, she was special even among God’s chosen people. As she was eulogized, “She did it for the pure love and passion of giving back . . .” May joy mark every encounter with her memory.
Report Post »TheChurch
Posted on October 30, 2011 at 10:34amThank you Jedidiah for your response. Michaelr I am sorry if I sound Billy Grahamish to you. As for picking a ghetto…mine is the Children’s Hospital. I lost my first child and my little girl has a rare disease that could take her life as well but God has blessed us with wonderful doctors. Each time I visit the Children’s Hospital I see truly “remarkable” children fighting cancer and every horrible disease known to man. A baseball game is nothing more than that…a game. Unlike the children I see on a regular basis not one single player was fighting for his life. I am sorry I offended people. I will now return to my ghetto.
Report Post »michaelR
Posted on October 30, 2011 at 1:07pm@the church…
Report Post »C‘mon it is an article about a baseball team winning about a town that is excited about it and the players who were involved in the game that’s all.
The tone of your original post was reeking of self pity because others are blessed with health and success they are not worthy of being acknowledged for their accomplishments unless they acknowledge your heroes first and foremost ? That’s what I gathered since no one considered your heroes, heroes are not real. Did you approach the Cardinals front office about your heroes if not you let your heroes down by posting your opinion here.
And don’t tell me about cancer a sad fact my wife lives with daily so by default I do to. I have seen the poor souls of all ages who are afflicted with this disease and it is only God who gives them their next day not ‘witch doctors’ at Childrens or any other hospital on this planet, trust that. By your handle ‘thechurch’ I would figured you already knew that.
If doctors worked benevolently as their mission should dictate money would never be the issue when it comes to healthcare.
I have seen the heroes you refer to many many times and they are heroes but just not the ones that play baseball.
I will pray that your road traveled is one easier traveled than that of any hero.
michaelR
Posted on October 31, 2011 at 11:59amI am very sorry about your losses, really. Its God’s plan and its very hard to accept as His children we are left to do just that.
Report Post »Stay Strong !
bigbro
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 10:59amGame 6&7 were the worst managed games for the Rangers I have ever seen. Bet Nolan will be looking for pitcures next year??
Report Post »staggerlee32
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 10:23amGlad they won after they beat my Phil’s I wanted them to win the WS. @ games ago I was bummed thought Texas was going to win……lol. Nice job Card’s!
Report Post »joe1234
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 9:33amGO CARDS!!! it was a great victory, probably the greatest comeback from being 10 down starting september, in baseball history.
Add to that the greatest game in world series history, game six, and the 11th championship, second only behind the yankees, to a storied baseball franchise.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 9:32am,
Nothing Remarkable about it, Texas Sucks……………
I told ya’ll hehehehe………….
Report Post »JackSprat
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 9:22amNow it is off season, as a life long Redbird fan I go into a withdrawal until spring. I was at game #6 and I will never be the same again. What a great lesson for life that baseball is, never give up, never give in and always believe in yourself. I am so proud of this uniquely American sport and the values it teaches!
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 12:43pmI wouldn’t go as far as the values thing, but I was pulling for the Cards (nevermind that LaRussa is oddly conspiratorial) since they beat my Crew.
Ironic that Prince Fielder may have won the series for the Cards because his blast in the All Star game assured home field advantage for the National League, but Carpenter in game 7 anywhere is probably a win.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:25pm@ Hauschild
Report Post »There are two big aspects of baseball that I see as teaching American values.
First: you play in a team, but your individual effort and skills are very noticable.
Second: Every event (each ball, each strike, each base obtained, etc.) is noted and ruled upon. The umpire might (and certainly DOES) make a wrong call — but there is no ignoring the events. Compare this with football — how often is holding NOT called?
lodgerat
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 5:56pmI saw my first Cardinal game in1954. Game six of this World Series was the best game I’ve ever seen. I wish I was there with you.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 9:14amLooks like the Rangers blew their chance at fame. I doubt seriously if they will be there 3 years in a row! You have to want it more than the other team.
Report Post »itsmyfirstday
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:53amCongratulations to St. Louis from a Texas Rangers fan.
Report Post »lodgerat
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 5:59pmThank you
Report Post »Joyzee
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:42amWho Cares?..
Report Post »renedel
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:04amThat’s what you get when you dedicate your games to Obama.
Report Post »TxMadMac
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 7:39amNever went to one game this year. Couldn’t afford the tickets. Never watched any on tv or listened to any on the radio. I used to take my grandkids to the high school games but now they even charge for them. About the only thing left is little league. Football and basketball, same thing. The unions have priced it out of range for me and many others i’m sure. If it weren’t for advertizing sponsers these games would not be available at all. It won’t be long until people lose intrest altogether !
Report Post »garyM
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 7:25amI just wonder why Holland didn’t get to pitch for the Rangers!
Report Post »jas0707
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 7:18amThe Cards need to thank the Braves for the opportunity they gave them.
Report Post »Ironbalut
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 6:12amI could care less…especially when I try to see the highlights and MLB blocks it in the USA. You suck, MLB. I used to be a baseball fan many years ago. It is now just a business to make money from you.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 5:55amAhhhh, I‘m a Rangers fan for lots of reasons so I’m not quite as up as you Cardinal fans are this a.m. It IS AMERICAN’S pastime, and I am so thrilled by it.
Like so much else in our world, it is way out of whack with salaries, costs, etc.
We have made sports and celebrities our “idols” and we have kicked GOD out of our lives. Might explain why we are in the mess we are in.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:56am“This video contains content from MLB Advanced Media, who has blocked it in *YOUR COUNTRY* on copyright grounds.”
WTF!? Baseball IS American. So I can’t watch the video??
Report Post »dogpatch65
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 3:26amThat’s okay. You might as well sit back, enjoy the video, and take a poll:
Report Post »http://markamerica.com/2011/10/29/poll-which-fake-obama-video-do-you-like/
mlcblog
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:42amI am glad for them.
Giants fan
Report Post »MR_ANDERSON
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 3:04amI‘m a Cubs fan so I can’t say I like the Cards winning, but I do appreciate great baseball, and this series was great baseball.
Sidenote: I bet the Rangers are kicking themselves in the butt for having the champagne on ice in the locker room. Reports said they ran out of ice keeping it cool. Don‘t they know that’s bad luck?
Report Post »carl_in_ohio
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:37amSports is the new opium of the masses.
Report Post »Million-dollar-salaried players from cities (and countries) other than the team’s home.
They play in multi-million dollar stadiums supported by taxpayers
Where the tickets are cheaper, and the food is so over-priced it costs more than the ticket.
proliance
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:16amI‘m so sorry you’re forced to go to these games. Maybe you should move to a country where you have freedom of choice. Oh, wait…
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 8:32amYou are almost right. You have a choice no to watch it.
Report Post »TEE-PAR-TEE
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:53amWe’re partying now in the STL!
Report Post »I hope Newt can take a cue from these birds. You are never out of it no matter what the media thinks or says.
dennybug
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:49amYou have to give it to the Cardnials, according to all the analyst they were suppose to be home watching this series. This team fought throught all the post series and came back each and every time,
Report Post »I would’ve like to see Texas win just because they had never got a ring (maybe next year). When it came down to it St Louis had a remarkable last two games and a well deserved championship, Congrads!!!!!
dennybug
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:45pmoops type o, thinking faster than typing (throughout)
Report Post »Cosmos102
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:35amLove it.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:51amWay to go! That’s just goes to show what a union can do!
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:59am@JZS
“Way to go! That’s just goes to show what a union can do!”
No, that just goes to show that a pointless comment can still be posted!
Report Post »Constructionist
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:30amWait… they won? But I thought they were under the “Beck Curse”? Someone better email Media Matters about this.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 2:28pmI only first heard about the “Beck Curse” on Glenn’s show on Friday morning. Up to then, I had wanted Texas to win, but after hearing about “the curse”, I was ambivalent.
Report Post »staxmarshall
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:25amyawn
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:32amBoring… should have flipped a Coin to decide the Winner. But, game 6 was funny. Texas needs a Good Pitcher… one who does not throw dirt balls or hit the batters!
Report Post »MrMagoo
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:24amTigers tried,Rangers tried harder,Cardinals WON! Great playoffs this year!
Report Post »phillipwgirard
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 1:18amCONGRADS St. Louis, i’m a red sox fan we had ours, it’s your turn.
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