Technology, a Vacuum, and the MVP..

Cardinals hitting coach, Mark McGwire, at the World Series Parade.  We remember him for his homeruns, but in reality, he became one of the most patient hitters at the plate later in his career.  He preaches a philosophy of "working the count" and making a pitcher come to you with pitches you can hit within the strike zone.  It's not a new philosophy, just one that may surprise you coming from someone that used to look like his only purpose in life was to hit the ball out of the stadium and miles down the highway.  Below, Mark uses modern technology to remember the parade for himself.  He was always fairly shy with media when a player, and this may seem cool, but in my opinion it shows he still remains a bit disconnected from fans.  He never really waved, only smiled, as he hid behind his sunglasses (on a cloudy day)....and behind his iPad, pretending to be more interested in other things.  Oh well, I still like the guy.  We can't all be outgoing spokespeople.

This angle provided a pretty cool shot, though, of McGwire recording the crowd as he passed by.

The chant "MV-Freese" could be heard as World Series MVP David Freese rode by.  This guy has been on a whirlwind like I've never seen before since winning both the National League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors.  He is one of the few to ever be this hot as a hitter down the stretch and claim both honors in the same season.

The "vacuum" referenced Rafael Furcal's glove at shortstop during the playoffs.  Again, "one of the few" to ever make it through the entire post season without making a single error at his position, Furcal was a huge part, defensively, of the Cardinals' run to glory.  I love Ozzie Smith, being that I'm from St. Louis, but I don't think even The Wizard made it through a World Series run without committing a single error, but in fairness to him, I haven't looked, either.

Farwell to a Legend and Hello to Eleven..

You'll have to forgive my tilted horizon in the first one.  I meant to straighten it out in a software program, but realized I never will.  I know it's tilting right, but I don't care that much about it.  However, these photos are of our World Series Parade again.  

Tony LaRussa, who retired yesterday, waves to the fans as he gets the golden chair.....in the wagon pulled by the world famous clydesdales.  I wonder how the dalmation felt about Tony taking his usual seat?  Tony is the 3rd most winning manager in baseball history, and the winningest of the historic Cardinal franchise.  That alone says a lot.  He is a very polarizing personality in St. Louis, either you love him or hate him.  No matter which side of the fence you sit on, you have to respect the number of wins he put up over a career.  He certainly does a better job than I could do.

Kind of a strange shot here, but it was in focus.  I thought the World Series ring was a standout feature.  This is either the '06 ring or the one from Oakland.  Yes, LaRussa has 3 of them now, another major achievement no matter how you feel about him.  Farewell, Tony, I don't know who will replace you, but I don't think we will see another era like this for a long time.....16 years, I don't remember how many playoff appearances, 4 World Series appearances, 3 Championships.  That's crazy good!

The cloudy, windy day and the moving targets made shooting on slower shutter speeds more difficult than I'm used to.  I didn't have much time to get creative with the shots.  I just snapped off as many as I could and took what was in focus.

Now, to focus on the future/present.  Here's the owner, Bill DeWitt, with the World Series Trophy.

If you look closely, you will see DeWitt holding up both index fingers.  He is signaling to the crowd that this trophy is number eleven in franchise history.  The saying going around town during the playoff run was that we were a team of destiny this year......their 11th Championship in 2011.

Now, this shot was cool.  He lifted the trophy above his head for the cheering fans.  However, I really like the backdrop of fall trees.  To me, that is what makes the shot special.  The Fall Classic truly realized here.

Don't Cry, Yadi

Especially, don't cry when it was announced today that you won the Gold Glove.  #4, which makes you the most decorated Cardinal catcher ever. 

The top photo is straight from the camera.  The bottom has been processed a little.

Quite the difference!  Oh, as for the facts...Mike Matheny also has 4 Gold Gloves, but only 3 were as a Cardinal.  I'm pretty sure Tom Pagnozzi has 2.  And, to my recollection, that was also the most recent lineage of catchers.  Pags tutored Matheny a little, who tutored Yadi.  Nice bloodline, eh?

Kids of the Parade..

The World Series Parade was a spectacular event!  Lots of fun.  I took my kids down to see it along with another good friend's kids, too.  My plan is to run series of photos since individual shots would likely get us past Thanksgiving or even Christmas, and we would all tire of the event by the time spring training rolled back around in a short 107 days or so.

First, I introduce the Kids of the Parade...

These guys are ours.  My oldest daughter and my youngest son (somewhere under the blanket) suffered through the initial wait in gale force winds.  The wind gusts had to hit 40mph between the buildings in some spots.  We found a calmer spot where it wasn't quite as cold.  Temps were in the upper 50's...hardly blanket weather without the wind or a little sunshine.

I wish I could spell that annoying instrument the World Cup made so popular last year in South Africa...the voo-voo-zayla...to spell phonetically.  People were blowing them all over the city...even this little guy.

Of course, vendors were selling all sorts of things.  Perhaps you would like a red and white mohawk?

The Rally Squirrel went "viral" in the city during the epic run our Cardinals made.  It had little to do with Halloween that this kid wore a squirrel outfit.  That I can promise you.  I am afraid the Cardinals will have a second mascot next year until the fad officially gets shot by Hunter Time.

My kids again, and their friends, holding signage for the players to hopefully see as they passed.  (Actually, it kept them occupied while we waited 2+ hours for the parade to begin.)  I think they did a good job, though.

Don't wave to me.  Wave at the players. 

This kid made my heart flutter as he held dad's camera while riding on his shoulders.  A budding photog.  Who knows, maybe a Sports Illustrated man someday.

People watching during an event like this is absolutely priceless.  There's your hint for some coming posts.

World Series baseball..

Yup, here we are.  Against all odds.  No one predicted this, not even the hometown crazies that act like Chicago Cubs' fans.  But, here we sit on the morning of Game 1.  Good luck, Cardinals.  Let's get loosened up...

Seriously, I couldn't put my knee on my nose if this guy helped me.  And, if he tried, I'd likely lift my other leg rather sharply to teach him a lesson.

Sunday is GameDay!!

Well, not football.......baseball.  Win one tonight and the Cardinals send themselves to the World Series.  Fingers crossed!

Albert Pujols will need to be a big factor tonight if the Cardinals plan to win their game.  Sure, he's great defensively, but we need a large game from his bat......he's due for another by the way.  Let's hope some guys get on base ahead of him tonight.

Playoff Baseball!

Saved a couple photos for Cardinal Baseball since our boys are back in town entertaining the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS (winner going to World Series).  Here is a view from the greatest seats I've sat in.  10 rows back and just off home plate down the 1st base side....very near the Cardinals' dugout.  Go Cardinals!!