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December 31, 2011  

Top 5 Stories of 2011: UCB December Project

Posted by JE Powell

2011 certainly has been an interesting  year in Cardinals Nation. There have been many different, interesting, and sometimes frustrating stories throughout the year. Well, for the UCB December Project I get to pick my top five stories of the year.

#5

Wainwright Has Tommy John Surgery, Misses Entire Season

Losing Adam Wainwright for the entire season was a huge loss. Wainwright was a 20 game winner and the ace of the staff. Before he had to go on the disabled list, he was set to be the Opening Day starter. This story dominated Spring Training and overshadowed the fact that Albert Pujols showed up to Jupiter, Florida without a new contract. I would have much rather had Wainwright, however.

#4

David Freese Wins NLCS MVP and World Series MVP

The 2011 post season turned David Freese into “Absolute Zero” and a superstar. Yes, a superstar. Whether that will carry over to 2012 remains to be seen, but his performances during the post season gained the St. Louis area born 3rd baseman national fame. More importantly, to Cardinals fans at least, his performance did two things:  1) helped deliver an 11th World Series Championship to St. Louis and 2) help carve is immortality in Cardinals history and lore.

#3

Cardinals Win NL Wild Card on Last Day of Season, Game 162

Much has been written about this, but here’s a quick recap:

  • The Cardinals were 10 1/2 games out of the Wild Card on August 25th.
  • The Cards were 3 games out with 5 to play
  • The Cards won 23 of their last 31, a record of 23-8
  • This was, historically speaking, one the greatest late season surges to make the playoffs of all-time

#2

World Series Game 6

This is one of the best games I have ever seen. This game ranks at near the very top as one the greatest games in the Cardinals’ storied history.  It could be the greatest.

#1

St. Louis Cardinals Win the World Series

There is no other moment, in my opinion, that can top this. This was one of the most improbable World Series wins in the history of Major League Baseball, a World Series that will be talked about for years and decades from now. For me, there is no other story capable of being Number One.

Honorable Mentions

Pujols Starts Spring Training with No New Contract

Colby Rasmus Traded

Albert Pujols Signs with Angels

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