So that’s that. The Warm-Up is done, the players are all getting to bed early for their trip to the White House tomorrow, and the rest of us are going back to the lives we knew before this.

I have to say, this has single-handedly been one of the most unique and coolest experiences I have ever had as a Cardinals fan. I was able to meet some of my favorite players, the guys for whom I’m willing to throw remotes and yell loudly enough to lose my voice. As a whole, being able to be in the midst of everyone and everything was nearly magical.

The Warm-Up tends to be a kick-off of sorts for the next season, the hint that spring really is just around the corner, and before we know it, thousands of fans will be bundled up (or not, depending on the weather), crowding into Busch Stadium, hands going numb from clapping as all the players are driven around the field.

Today driving home, the Arch towering over me to the left and Busch Stadium, my favorite place in the world, sitting off to my right, it hit me.

We are SO LUCKY to be fans of this team. This team is full to the point of overflowing with guys who are beyond willing to do their part, to pull their weight and to make it to the post-season again. It was a boost to hear so many of them say, even in the face of losing arguably the best player in the game, that this is a team sport, that 25 guys make up the roster, and it takes all 25 of those guys to win a championship. I don’t think I can count the number of times I heard “wherever they need me to play, I’ll play.”

That kind of flexibility, that versatility will guaranteed turn into a remarkably positive thing for the team in general.

They’re ready, they’re fired up, and they want a repeat.

There’s a manager in place who knows this game so well that I’m sure he’s forgotten more about the sport of baseball than I’ve ever known. There’s a coaching staff who’s willing to build off of the great men before them, who are focused on making sure that every guy in a uniform makes it through this season at the top of his game.

We get to cheer for a team who has faith in themselves and faith in each other. We get to watch a team put their best effort forth every single day, no matter the opponent, no matter how big the hurdle.

This team, these players, this weekend gave me so much hope that our city will see a repeat in 2012. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this, to see my favorites in such a different light. I’ve been lucky enough to shake Allen Craig’s hand and wish Waino a successful upcoming season. I’ve gotten to hear their nicknames for each other (Freese calls Descalso “Deez”), and see just how much they genuinely care about each other and this team, hear just how proud they are to wear the Birds on the Bat every single day.

I am so proud to be a fan of this team and am so proud that we have been called the “Best Fans In Baseball.”

St. Louis was painted red again this weekend. It was absolutely beautiful.

Don’t forget to check out Cardinal Diamond Diaries, I-70 Baseball, Pitchers Hit Eighth, and C70 At The Bat for more Winter Warm-Up perspectives and posts.

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