The Land of the Little Bears and All-Star Game Pagentry

A lot has happened in St. Louis since I've last posted. Firstly, I apologize for the absence. The Cards have gone 6-4 in the last ten games, keeping them at the top of the NL Central. St. Louis hosted the All-Star Game for the first time in 40 years and, most importantly, I got a new banner. Look at that thing. It looks nice, doesn't it?

A couple weeks ago, the Cardinals were in Chicago for another fun Cards-Cubs series. I was fortunate enough to be there on Sunday for the first game of the doubleheader. I had never been to Wrigley, so the entire experience was new. My girlfriend and I took "The El" to the Addison stop. As we left the station, we and a wave of Cubbie blue poured past more ticket slappers than the Strip in Las Vegas. 

Before we entered the gates, we passed the Harry Caray statue that looks like Harry is being grown from the essence of young baseball fans. If it was just Caray, then it would be a touching tribute. But the eerie faces below Harry are a bit disturbing. Then I remembered of what it reminded me. Harry Caray is the Nome King.

In our seats, I was greeted and partially block with one of the charming pillars that are older than my grandfather. It wasn't enough to ruin the game for me because the pole just blocked the front of the pitching mound and the third base bag. Nothing really happens there, so we're good. The field was just as beautiful as any ballpark will be. Having seen A Sunday on La Grande Jatte earlier, I felt like Ferris Bueller. I lead a parade in the streets later. This may have been a result of one too many Old Styles (Yes, I had the local brew because when in Rome, drink the leftover bread wine or something).

I was a little worried about being "behind enemy lines," but everyone was friendly enough at first. A Carlos Zambrano home run made me a down right folk hero. The game was close for a bit, but the Zambrano blast and a close play at the plate (and a bullpen pitching appearance by Todd Well-I-Might-As-Well) put this game out of reach. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Friendly Confines, but I'll be glad to return to Busch Stadium.

Article Author: Brian_Kist

Brian Kist is a writer in Southwest Missouri. He listens to punk music and enjoys baseball. He mashes those together at Punk on Deck.

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