Cardinals are point of pride for Missouri

Today we are all members of Cardinal Nation! Missouri's beloved St. Louis Cardinals are shining the national spotlight on the Show-Me State and even fair-weather fans are alive with Cardinal red.

Ignore the Rams (please), and rejoice in the Kansas City Chiefs and the Missouri Tigers along with the Cardinals who are showing the country that the sports world is alive and well in Missouri.

And in some ways, we can all share in that pride and accomplishment.

Even if the World Series does not have a happy ending for Cardinal fans (perish the thought), the fall classic gives us one final chance to follow the Birds and share in the excitement.

Were it possible to "buy" a World Series, the Yankees would be in the end-of-season match-up every year.

But the Cardinals have proven that home-grown talent and an amazing fan base can top the big-dollar teams most of the time.

I'll admit, I have been a somewhat passive follower of the Cardinals this year. I still suffer from post-Pujols syndrome as do many others.

But it's becoming much easier to forget the once fan favorite and now embrace a new crew who are performing at an exceptional level.

For a few more days, the normal television fare of sitcoms, reality shows and everything Obama, gives way to the Sox and Cards.

What a welcome relief!

Fans of the Cardinals are hoping that bragging rights will come our way this week. That should help last through the cold winter days right up until spring training.

But for now, bring on the burgers and hot dogs and enjoy the final week of America's pastime.

Go Cardinals!

PS: I'm sorry. I can't resist.

Wacha, Wacha, Wacha!