1982 World Series – Me and My Dad

Growing up in St. Louis, baseball was a way of life. Summertime picnics and neighborhood events were filled with talk of the Cardinals and what kind of season they were going to have. As an 11 year old girl in 1982, there was nothing better than watching Cardinal baseball with my Dad.

Over the years, I’ve attended close to 100 Cardinal baseball games, mostly with my Dad. My family had 2 season tickets for over 20 years. But there’s nothing like going to your first World Series game. My Dad and I went to game one of the 1982 World Series Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals. After getting our soda and hotdogs we took our seats at Busch Stadium in section 242 and as the Cardinals took the field, Ozzie Smith ran out and did his signature back flip on the way to his position at shortstop. Bob Forsch, who was my favorite pitcher, started the game. He actually hit a home run on my birthday earlier in the season, which is an unusual feat for a pitcher. My Dad and I loved this team and knew we were in for a treat with Whitey Herzog at the helm. Whitey ball was thrilling to watch with all the offense his line-ups created. You could see the wheels turning in his mind on what pitching duel he wanted with each batter and how to play the line up and pitch hitters in just the right order. I loved watching Whitey come out to the mound and call in Bruce Sutter for two reasons. One, it meant the Cards would win the game if Sutter came in. Second, Sutter’s fast ball in 1982 was a thing of beauty. To see the Brewers players watch and shake their heads as the big guy walk to the mound, filled all Cardinal fans with glee. Daryl Porter was behind the plate and his bat was on fire during the whole series. He had such a specific routine before entering the batters box. He’d touch his helmet and push his glasses up on his nose at least 3 times each before stepping into the box. Willie McGee had a similar routine except he’d touch his helmet and adjust his shirt collar. We knew once he got on base he was going to steal another. Tommy Herr and Keith Hernandez added excitement as well.

The Cards actually lost that first game in a crushing defeat of 13-0, but all Cards fans had faith in their team. I went to bed before game seven was over, since I was only 11, and woke up to Kool and the Gang singing “Celebration.” I didn’t even need to check the newspaper. I knew the Cards had won the series and were the World Champions.

My Dad and I were fortunate enough to attend several World Series games after 1982, but the first one is always the sweetest. The Cardinal fans were, and still are, astute watchers and lovers of baseball. The old Busch Stadium was an icon of Major League Baseball and families would fill the seats every year to watch their beloved Cardinals. I’ve been gone from St. Louis for 16 years now, but still go back to visit family and have taken my girls to Cardinal games with their grandpa. There is no other memory like sitting in the best baseball stadium, talking with fellow fans around you and watching your girls eyes light up when the players take the field. Except maybe seeing that same light in your ailing father’s eyes. Go Cards!