Springtime in southwest Missouri, as in most other areas of the U.S., means baseball. In 2005 we got the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. It was a chance, once again, for the area population to root for a team where the players have the opportunity to advance to "The Bigs".
Way back in 1932 the St. Louis Cardinals moved a team here until it relocated to St. Joseph in 1946. Along the way such players as Stan "The Man" Musial, Dizzy Dean and Pepper Martin got their cleats dirty in our town before becoming legends of the game.
Most in the Springfield and St. Louis organizations consider this team an extension of it's predecessor displaying championship banners from the 30's and 40's!
Anyway, this was definitely one of those lucky shots. I was actually hoping for a big hit and had no idea where the ball had frozen until I later viewed the shot! I'd like to say that I planned it that way but you know I'm not that way.
So here's to the upcoming season and the Springfield Cardinals - Play Ball !!
