It’s an old expression, but its never been more poignant to me than these last few weeks. Don’t get me wrong with this post, I still don’t like the Cardinals. The excuse making, the self-appointed sense of rightfulness, and “holier than thou” approach, and whining. Oh, the insufferable whining. But right now, they are the best story in baseball. If they should win the World Series tonight, I can’t say anything to take away from them what they’ve accomplished this season.

At the beginning of the season, I thought St. Louis was a 3rd place team in this division. I grossly overestimated the Reds, but it looks like I underestimated the Red Birds as well. I thought Berkman was a shell of the man he used to be after watching him flounder at the plate with the Yankees, I thought the bullpen was horrid and couldn’t hold a lead, I thought without Wainwright the pitching staff was much less intimidating. I was wrong.

I didn’t look too awful wrong a couple of months ago. They were dead in the water. 10 1/2 games back, within reach of the Reds to jump out and take that 2nd place away from them. But they’ve started something magical there. Something I don’t think anyone can explain. They’re showing a will I can’t say I’ve ever seen in a baseball team, their season has been over countless times in the past few months and they’ve managed to battle with their back’s up against the wall and stay alive.

I took a wild game in Atlanta on the last day of the regular season to even get them into the playoffs and now, it’s the last day of baseball for 2011. Down to their last strike twice last night and pulled out a win in epic fashion. I’m still rooting for the Rangers, but things kind of look bleak for them. Napoli’s hurting, Cruz is hurting, the bullpen’s confidence seems to left them. St. Louis will miss Holliday, but the way Allen Craig’s been swinging the bat it may actually pay off for them in the end.

St. Louis seems destined to win this World Series, I hope I’m wrong but they seem to have something guiding their path. Win or lose though, I tip my cap to you St. Louis. What an incredible 2011. Well played, sirs.