Here in Arizona, the Diamondbacks' dream of winning the World Series in 2023 faded more quickly than a fleeting November sunset. But life goes on in the Valley of the Sun. Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for winning the World Series for the first time in their fifty-two-year history.
In my previous blogpost, Dad and I failed to secure bleacher tickets to the 1968 World Series. However, we did discover a parking ticket flapping on our windshield when we returned to our car. Now, as promised, on to part two of my story, also an excerpt from Tales of a Rollercoaster Operator.
***
Fourteen years later, the 1982 Cardinals returned to the World Series to face the Milwaukee Brewers.
I was living in the Chicago area and working as a copywriter at Sears Tower. My boss Dave--Sears national retail advertising department head--called me into his office late one afternoon. That had never happened before.
He told me he knew I was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan working alongside dozens of Cubs and White Sox fans, who had long since lost interest in the pennant race.
Because of his position and advertising influence, the powers that be at Sports Illustrated had given Dave one complimentary ticket to game four in Milwaukee, which he couldn't use.
When Dave handed me the ticket, my jaw dropped to the floor and out poured a stammering stream of thank yous. He told me to enjoy myself, but to keep my mouth shut.
I'm sorry Dave. I managed to keep this secret for three-four years (note: I wrote this in 2016). Somehow, I feel the statute of limitations on this must have expired. I hope you don't mind that I'm breaking my vow of silence after all this time.
The following Saturday morning I headed north to Milwaukee and made my way into County Stadium. Of course, I wish Dad could have joined me. He was back at home in St. Louis and ready to watch the game on TV, while I--wearing my Cardinals cap--was seated among a sea of Brewers fans in another beer town four hundred miles north of St. Louis.
The Cardinals lost 7-5 that afternoon. They were the victims of a dramatic seventh-inning surge by Harvey's Wall Bangers. (Harvey Kuenn was the manager of the Brewers.)
During the rally, I was doused with suds by Brewers fans sitting in the grandstands above me. They were tired of hearing me chirp about the Cardinals. Even so, I finally saw my team play a World Series game in person and a few days later got my revenge.
Led by manager Whitey Herzog, the '82 Cardinals--Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith, Lonnie Smith, Keith Hernandez, Tom Herr, Bob Forsch, Joaquin Andujar, Bruce Sutter, and the like--won it all in the seventh and deciding game.
Win or lose, after a fourteen-year wait I could finally say I stood in the stands and watched me team play in the World Series on a crisp afternoon in Milwaukee.
Moments before the first pitch, I placed my hand on my heart and sang the national anthem with about fifty thousand Brewers fans I didn't know ... and one weary World War II veteran back at home in St. Louis.
I knew Dad would be standing in his living room, belting out the Star-Spangled Banner in front of his TV. Knowing that made it all the sweeter.
***
After sharing this story from my World Series vault with you, I can now say the 2023 baseball season is over officially. Sports allegiances are like the roots of family trees ... they run deep. So, you can be sure I'll be rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals to rebound in 2024 and add a new chapter to their rich history.
If that isn't in the cards, maybe the young, talented Arizona Diamondbacks can produce another magical run next year to capture the crown.
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