The World Series. For Real.
October 30, 2013

I’m at a World Series game. No, really. Game 4 at Busch Stadium.

Cardinal baseball isn’t just my obsession, it’s a family tradition. And to baseball-obsessed folk, the World Series is pretty much the ultimate dream.

When I found out I was going, thanks entirely to the generosity of my sister, Sara, and brother-in-law Robbie, there may have been a tear or two.

Getting on the road. That white piece of paper i the lower right corner is a World Series ticket.

Getting on the road. That white piece of paper in the lower right corner is a World Series ticket. That’s Robbie on the left, hiding behind (sleepy) Sam. Sara’s over my left shoulder.

We arrived in St. Louis around 1:30 p.m., and the first stop was the Team Store at Busch Stadium.

There were surprisingly few World Series items; they sold out a lot the night before.

There were surprisingly few World Series items; they sold out a lot the night before.

St. Louis is a baseball town. There were banners on many of the buildings and the water in a nearby fountain had been dyed red.

fountain-kiener-plaza

 In our Cardinal gear. We handed our iPhones to a nice lady who was taking photos for tips.

In our Cardinal gear. We handed our iPhones to a nice lady who was taking photos for tips.

busch-leaves

These are my two of my three all-time favorite players (along with Musial), Lou Brock (left), and Bob Gibson, right. Former Cardinal manager Red Schoendienst and Cardinal broadcaster Mike Shannon are in the middle.

These are my two of my three all-time favorite players (along with Musial), Lou Brock (left), and Bob Gibson, right. Former Cardinal manager Red Schoendienst and Cardinal broadcaster Mike Shannon are in the middle.

Bob Gibson throwing out the first pitch

Bob Gibson throwing out the first pitch

Also, here's Hank Aaron presenting an award. I have no idea what the award was for, I just know that's Hank Aaron.

Also, here’s Hank Aaron presenting an award. I have no idea what the award was for, I just know that’s Hank Aaron.

And then there was the game. Even though it was 37 degrees, and the game ended with that ugly pickoff at first base and resulting Cardinal loss, the thrill was the same. Win or lose, it’s still the World Series.

Starter Lance Lynn threw five good innings.

Starter Lance Lynn threw five good innings.

Battery love

Battery love

Big Matt Holliday swing

Big Matt Holliday swing

Cold. And loving it.

Cold. And loving it.

I had fun people watching and marveling at just how much some fans are willing to do for their team. I stopped each, complimented them and asked if I could take their picture. Here are some awesome folks who are true fans, beginning with my sister’s foot:

Other than marriages and the births of my grandchildren, I’m not sure I’ll ever have a bigger thrill than the World Series. The electricity of the crowd, more than 40,000 people wearing Cardinal red and cheering, rally towels, seeing Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, and Hank Aaron in person (even from a distance), and a few Boston fans sporting their Red Sox jerseys — the experience of a lifetime.

If you want to see the rest of my photos from St. Louis, check out my Flickr Set.

7 Comments

  1. Dutch VanDuzee

    loved looking at all of your pictures, glad you were able to experience a World Series game, I hope to do the same someday!

    Reply
  2. Cammy@TippyToeDiet

    Thank you for sharing your pictures! I can’t even imagine how exciting it must have been.

    Reply
    • beth g sanders

      Thanks, Cammy! It was ridiculously exciting. I’m so glad I took the “big” camera. I’ll never forget that night!

      Reply
  3. Julie Sanderlin

    I’m still so happy you got to go. I told SaraAnn you guys are the first “in real life” people I’ve known who’ve been to a World Series. I still hope they can pull it out for all my Cardinal fan friends and family.

    Reply
    • beth g sanders

      Me too! It was kind of surreal. Sara and I kept looking at each other saying, “We’re at a World Series game!” Amazing experience.

      Reply
  4. jim gramling

    “grandchildren?” did something happen i wasn’t aware of?

    Reply
    • beth g sanders

      Future grandchildren. Someday. No time soon.

      Reply

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