Let's finish it off
Game 5 on Tuesday night was a crucial game. Some people say it kind of decides everything. Some of the announcers, like Joe Buck and Tim McCarver, were talking about how most of the time the team that wins Game 5 wins the series. That just goes back to numbers, but right now, we have to understand that the Mets are a good team and they're not going to back down, especially since they're going back to their place. And they're going to feed off of the Shea Stadium crowd.
So we've got to maintain our focus, maintain our confidence and make sure we stay within ourselves. We can't worry about the crowd and how loud it's going to be. Right now, we're up three games to two. They're not. Right now, they're on the ropes. So we've just got to go out there and make sure we get things done.
When we got the first run on Albert Pujols' home run tonight, it was big. Especially coming from our big man. We've been doing that all series, and even against the Padres. Once we let a team score, we come back in the next half-inning and score. It's always a positive to do that. But hopefully tomorrow we'll score and they won't score.
The atmosphere and the chemistry of this team is unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it.
We had a chance last year against Houston to win the pennant here in St. Louis. But we were down three games to two. It's going to be a test for us going back to New York and seeing what type of team we are. We all know what type of team we are, but we have to show it.
The flight is going to be awesome tonight. But like I said, we've just got to stay focused. It's definitely good that we don't have an off-day before the next game, because we just want this momentum to keep going. We feel good about ourselves right now and we've just got to keep this progression going.
I couldn't of said it better myself! I was there tonight and the entire team plus the fans had everyones back and we made it a night never to forget. Left to say-we won game 5 and are headed up north to finish what was worked for all year. This is our year, this is our game. Take it Cardinals...St.Louis has your back! It was a awesome game! I'm still cheering~ -Jamie-
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This gets addicting or I'm just that elated!!! The game was terrific! I was one of the fans that was in the mix of the crowd and it felt wonderful. If the team only knew what it feels to watch and the energy us fans have. Nobody can do it red and white style~ I saw nothing, but red and white. I'm sooo proud of our Cards! I hope I make it to NY. . I will fly the St.Louis Spirit right over~ -Jamie-
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I wasn't even at the ballpark, but it was a game i'll never forget watching! Wow!! I am soooooooo proud of you guys!!! I echo what you said...the chemistry between you guys is amazing. I don't see what goes on behind closed doors, but there is NO denying the incredible chemistry. It's unlike anything i've ever seen! I know we'll play well tomorrow as long as we just stay focused! There haven't been many teams(four i think) that have been down by 2, and have actually come back to win the final two games to advance to the WS. So the stats are in our favor. Not that it's really important, but things look very positive. I'M SO EXCITED! What an amazing team..you all are such a blessing! Thank you Jesus! :) -Brooke in Arkansas
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You guys have got to be kidding? what are you ******* little league veterans? Of course, you have a couple of chicks making comments about a St. Louis team that was handed a strike zone in their lap, blatantly, I might add, and lucky that it didn't bite them in the ***. Anyone who knows baseball, a real fan of the game, can see what a travesty this was for the game. When you have umpires that flagrantly remove a strike zone from a pitcher, and refuses to acknowledge strikes, and calls them for balls so that the other team can capitalize on it, tells me there is obvious coercion here. Either for Ad dollars, or MLB revenue to extend the series...Unbelievable....Especially the pitch to Pujols before he hit the Homerun. Tom Glavin, a veteran, I, a fan for over 27yrs, witnessed the most blatant disrespect and gross depiction of "game throwing" in my life. The pitches to Edmonds, and Belliard after that. Unbelievable....If you truly have followed the game, even for a few years, you would know the travesty, and injustice perpetrated against Tom Glavine tonight. How else would have the Cards scored when they removed the strike zone deliberately to appease the other team. Real Fans know saw the pitches, and then to top it off, no comment from the "McCarver *****" who always has something negative to say about everybody. Remember he was fired from the Mets some time ago, and was drenched with Gatoraid for his "Unbiased reporting on Camera by another major league player some time ago for being the one sided ***** that he has always been...All I can say is Karma comes back to haunt you, and I like the Cards, but the integrity of the game has been infiltrated without a doubt after what I witnessed tonight.***** MLB
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What a game J-Rod. Weaver was awesome, and he has been nothing short of brilliant as of late. As you said, Pujols got things going, and everything fell into place from there. Your team's bullpen has been absolutely dominant, especailly Kinney and Wainwright. You guys should feel good right now, so take this momentum and bring home a pennant. Good luck to you and your teammates! Go Cardinals!
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Ok, in response to jraul's comment. If your team loses, of course you're going to be upset and find things to say that "went wrong" and point the proverbial finger of blame. You can break down the game all you want to, but the truth of the matter is, we won fair and square. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Thats the game. If we had lost tonight, I know i'd be upset, too, but I wouldn't be a jerk about it. I love this ballgame...win or lose. The Cardinals are a great team, otherwise we wouldn't be where we are now. I don't care how many games were won in the regular season, we're in the playoffs, because we're a great team. People want to say we're the underdog, but we've made it to the NLCS for the third consecutive year in a row. Thats not by chance. We want to win as much as the other team. You go out there and play your best, thats all you can do. Nothing was handed to us by umpires removing strike zones. Come are, are you serious? If those same calls would have been in favor for the Mets, I guarantee you wouldn't be thinking a thing of it. The Cardinals are a great team, and thats why we won tonight. Bottom line. We play as a team, win as a team, and lose as a team. There was nothing altered in our favor. Some people just can't accept that we're giving this team some competition. Is it that shocking that we're beating the Mets? Please. Why are you even on our website anyway? You're extremely disrespectful. And, Jamie and I aren't just a couple of "chicks".
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JOEBU ALL THE WAY. I'LL SEE YOUR RING IN THE PLAZA !!!!
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Man, I was so *******' excited about this game tonight. Huge! Just keep it going!
Carpy 7, 1 ER, 5K
LETS GET THIS DONE!!
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You guys are awesome! I'm an Angels fan at heart, but I feel like the Cards are my NL team. With my hero David Eckstein, along with Spiezio, Edmonds, and by family, Yadier, I can't help but love ya! I came out from California to watch this team last season at Busch, and fell in love with the fan atmosphere. You guys know how baseball should be played. Good luck tonight fellas. I'm cheering for you. And tell David we'll love him forever!!
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John, what an awesome game, and very fitting that a mets fan is crying, but it takes more than a supposed "best lineup in the NL" to win games. Now I know you guys can finish this thing off tonight. It's so awesome how everyone is doing their part. See ya tonight Go Cards!!!
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John--
Great game last night. Jeff Weaver's performance was absolutely incredible. I am so impressed with the way that he has stepped up and pitched throughout the entire postseason. Kudos to him. Again, the unlikely hero comes through. Kudos, also, to Preston Wilson. I was watching the game in my computer room and was being "SSSHHHHHHHH" because I was screaming so loud. And, Chris Duncan, all I can say is "WOW". Tony was a genius for letting him pinch hit. I can't wait for the game tonight. We,(Cardinals Nation), are so proud of everyone on this team. I know that you will all do your best to bring the pennant home. Good luck, and God bless you all while in New York.
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John and all Cardinals--I'm a displaced Cards fan (in Houston) and I just want to say that this team is one of the grittiest, toughest teams I've seen in a long time. The odds you've overcome, the injuries, the young, unproven bullpen, being almost dismissed by the press, jerks like the deranged jraul Met fan above, the struggles at the end of the season--it's pretty amazing how you guys have pulled together and have fought relentlessly in the playoffs.
I'm hoping y'all can wrap it up tonight!
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Last night we were extremely fortunate to have the home plate umpires calls in our favor, but that doesn't mean we didn't earn it. Anyone can go back and see that the Cardinals had to manufacture runs on pitches that were no where near the plate. The Mets failed to do the same. Perhaps its because of there cocky NY attitude, or the high of pounding the **** out of the Cardinals in game four. They failed to do what we did. You can say it was stacked, but in my opinion game one wasn't much different, however the floating strike zone worked in the Mets favor instead of ours. If the Mets loose their fans will claim that they got the shaft because of their injuries, and the umpires, and the rain-outs, and the anouncers bad mouthing them, and the voodoo curses that the backwoods country folk of that little po dunk St. Louis town put on them. But when it comes down to it, as we all know, what ever happens happens. It is a thrill just for our team to be a part of all of this. There certainly will be injustices for both teams, but it's a game, that's why there isn't a baseball court to decide games. Its just a game. We love you Cardinals. Lets get it done tonight.
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And thats another thing, what is up with the press treating us like the redheaded step child of baseball. Who's been here more, us or the Mets. Who's been in the league longer, who has more tradition, who has an anouncer on the Fox staff who lives off of Warson road. It sickens me to hear Joe Buck jump on McCarvers "Cards ****" band wagon. Jack would roll over in his grave if he heard the negativity coming from Joe's mouth. I mean they don't even give us the benefit of the doubt. And it's not just Fox. It's as if the entire nation hates the Cardinals, but that's okay. They can hate us, as long as we keep winning, who cares.
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Dear John,
This series is not just a fight for the National League pennant - it's the battle between Good and Evil. The good people of Missouri hold the moral high ground and are behind you 100%. When you play this evening, remember that your ultimately fighting against homosexuality, illegal immigration, racial desegregation, school busing, multilingualism, and various other forms of liberal perversity. The people of New York City disgust and embarrass this wonderful nation. When you step into the batter's box, please think of what I have written. Win for America, and more importantly, win it for God.
Sincerely,
William Hicks
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People, let's keep this to baseball. There's enough mud-slinging everywhere else right now.
Bottom line: THE CARDS WON!!!
The strike zone was awfully generous last night in certain places and I thought Tom Glavine was given the benefit of his reputation a little too much. Thanks to the fantastic bullpen and some great hitting, not to mention some great strategic moves like putting in Duncan to pinch hit. I am enjoying this series all the way from DC and will tell you that even my Red Sox in-laws are rooting for us. Go Cards! let's finish this up tonight.
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People, let's keep this to baseball. There's enough mud-slinging everywhere else right now.
Bottom line: THE CARDS WON!!!
The strike zone was awfully generous last night in certain places and I thought Tom Glavine was given the benefit of his reputation a little too much. Thanks to the fantastic bullpen and some great hitting, not to mention some great strategic moves like putting in Duncan to pinch hit. I am enjoying this series all the way from DC and will tell you that even my Red Sox in-laws are rooting for us. Go Cards! let's finish this up tonight.
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Thanks for a GREAT game last night! It was a greata day for us Cardinals fans, as I know it was for you! You all played well, Weaver was AMAZING, Pujols and Duncan got some huge hits, and the other runs scored were just as exciting. Was it just me, or were the fans SO much louder tonight?? I was awesome! Bring it home from NY guys :)
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J-Rod, I've got to love u.,you keep giving me these great pics of David(Love u David).
Tell David to watch out for those fingers.
You guys were kickin A@@ last night!
LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Will be praying all night for you guys!
FOCUS BOYS!
POSITIVE ENERGY!
SENDING YOU WINNING VIBES!
POSITIVE THOUGHTS ONLY BOYS!
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Last Night was great!! But today is a new day and a new game and we need to focus on the game at hand. Let's go out there and get this done. Cardinal fans are very excited and just remember tonight when you hear that crowd that Cardinal Nation is cheering even louder at home. Good Luck Cardinals!!
Kim
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Wow--what a ride--Great win! I have been so impressed with Weaver during this postseason. One of the things I love about this team is how they can just make it happen. In previous years, the bats got us through, now the pitchers are stepping it up. It's the team, the team effort. When one doesnt do it, another emerges! It's what makes me so proud to be a Cardinals fan. We have followed the team all over the country to support the ride and will always be proud to do so. They said we were the underdogs, but that is good, the team has stayed focused and taken one game at a time and are making it happen. I know this is our year. We are getting married next month (after the season is over, of course) and our message is "against the odds, they did it in 2006 and so are we!" So, it has to be destiny!
JR-Thanks for doing this-it is so awesome to see your personal thoughts after each game. I have enjoyed wacthing you play since you first came up. I would love to see you get more ABs, but as long as you can stay ready--then I have faith you can make it happen when you get the call. I enjoyed meeting you at the Caravan in Litchfield, IL after missing your day at the warm-up and I hope you stay a Cardinal for a long time! I love your perspsective and your drive and determination. (Tell Scotty Ro to stay healthy and keep the bat going--we need him!)
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Let's go Cardinals ~ all the way to a World Series win! You've worked hard this year and YOU DESERVE IT! Every one of you! You are the best! You can do it! I love you guys!!!!
~Ann the Cardinal Fan!
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That was the perfect thing to say and I hope that you guys do an awsome job tonight good luck and you deserve the win to go to the world series and show what you got!!!!
Kit Kat the Cardinal Fan
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Last nights game was AMAZING!! I had eary classes this mornig but I had to stay up last night to finish watching the game! Good Work Boys!!! I am a VERY Superstitious person, and i have a Cardinals wrist band that I have been wearing since I found out you guys were going to the playoffs! Last night I forgot to put in back on when I go back from practice. I was sitting in my living room watching the game with my dad when I realized I didn't have it on and you guys were down 2-0. I ran to my room and put my wrist band back on and I knew everything was ok! And you guys won!!! Good luck tonight! I have a good feeling about the game, I know you guys will do good!!!
THE CARDINAL TRAIN IS COMMING! WHOO WHOO!! says Cornbread!!
A HUGE fan
Jen
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Tonight is our night! Lets finish what we started. Give some love to us few Cardinal's fans in Stros' country!
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"Let's finish it off."
I couldn't have said it any better. Again, Thanks John for sharing your experiences and thoughts. I hope you are a part of the Cardinal family for years to come because your enthusiasm for the game is addicting! You can see the pride in your eyes (& Eckstein and Yadier's!!!) when a teammate, or yourself, hits a home run, gets an RBI or makes an outstanding play. I love seeing that positive energy and emotion on the field and on the bench. Let's use some of that energy to send us World Series bound! Go Cards! :)
- Amanda
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JR - Nice post. Confident but not cocky. That's what I love to see out of the Cardinals ! Please tell everyone that we are sending many, many, powerful positive vibes eastward! They'll protect you from those mean Mets fans ! The game last night was just so much fun to watch I can't put it into words. We are all feeling really good about the game tonight. Thanks so much for sharing this blog with us. And finally, in the words of my beloved Coach Norman Dale -If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don't care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we're gonna be winners.
I love you guys.
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J-rod, Thanks for the blog been enjoying it since the playoffs started, Good luck tonight. You have the almighty power of all of us here in St. louis behind you. Bring that Pennant home where it belongs!!
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John, you guys have already made every Cards fan proud. It’s so exciting seeing you guys win when people everywhere were picking you guys to fall early. Mike Greeneburg still picks the Mets – now in 7. Good Luck tonight in NYC. Whether you win or loose it’s been a great ride – all Cardinal fans appreciate what you guys have done.
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Good job last night Boys! I knew you can do it, and with Carp on the mound in NY, our chances are so good, but it is not over till its over, we all know this!! Its so important to get this win though so Suppan will be ready to start game one of the World Series! This victory is not out of reach, just believe in yourself and you can accomplish amazing things. We have seen it up until now, and we all have extreme faith in our team. Love you guys! Keep up the amazing team work! Your STL fans are always rooting for you, body and soul! Abby
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Awesome! You guys are looking like a real winning team! Keep it up.
BTW, your blog entries are really well done. Whenever you decide to hang up the cleats, I hope you pursue a full-time job in the media. You've got the touch.
Best of luck!
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YOU GUYS HAVE THIS!! I'LL BE WATCHING TONIGHT, AND BE READY TO SCREAM MY HEAD OFF ONCE AGAIN! GO CARDS, ALL THE WAY TO THE CLASSIC.
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YOU GUYS GOT IT!!! I can't express the joy I feel watching you guys this post season. Through the struggles of the regular season...the last minute clinch of the central divsion...and now one game away from the world series and playing with authority! You guys have what it takes to do this! I'm stationed overseas in the U.K. and having been following all your games on MLB TV...I'll be watching tonight cheering you on...LET'S GO REDBIRDS!!!
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J-Rod,
What a season! I was born a Cards fan and I must say that this season has been gut-wrenching. The pitching staff has been nails in October and we have a real shot at Detroit. But not until we take care of some business in New York. This is a battle between good and good. Four wins the pennant! GO CARDS!!!!!!!!!
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J-Rod,
What a game last night, Weaver has pitched great after everyone but the Cards had given up on him. He truley could be the MVP of this series. Duncan had a huge hit (HR) coming off the bench to seal the deal. Give Carp and the rest the team our best, as you guys can finsh them off Wednesday night and we will see you back in St. Louis vs Tigers next Tuesday.
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Mr. Rod,
When can we expect Marquis to earn his postseason check or will he just sit on his ruffled butt and ride the guys to the bank.
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Hey you guys!
Congrats on the great win last night. I figured it was a must win for the Cards, who need the edge going back to NY. I'm an LA fan and Weaver was always my favorite. For some reason he never seemed to get his just due, so I'm glad to see him doing well. As it turns out , I like your ex-Dodgers better than theirs.
I also appreciate your guys approach the game better than some of those hot-dogs on the Mets.
Good luck tonight.
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JJ- It's nice to see you finally live out your dream..
Been watching for for the last ten years or so.. been your biggest fan, next to you family of course... wishing you all the luck tonight. I'll be watching...as always
drop by the "hood" for a peanut butter & jelly soon...
guess who?
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You guys have some scarey stuff on here.
What game do you think jraul watched?
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Great game last night! We can't make it to the games but we never miss watching one here at home. I just wished we had different announcers. Can't understand why Dan and Al couldn't of done it. They were superb all year. Shannon looses his train of thought and McCarver is too one sided. But regardless of all that you guys played great. Wasn't that Weaver something? And isn't that David a hardy battler. Now if only Rolen would hit. He is the best at 3rd but his bat is silent most times. I hope he and Larussa settled their difference soon. Doesn't help the game or other team mates when they act this way. We'll be watching you tonight. I'll have my hands folded in prayer for all of you.
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about the announcers:
people it's a mute button. use it. I went to Floyd's blog and read the comments about the game and I mean, everyone there was a mess, it was like mutiny.
I think it's safe to say that the Mets would have probably taken us out by now with their two starting pitchers uninjured. However, in sports you are supposed to play the elements. Those two guys got hurt, they couldn't hang, the team had to continue without them. That's baseball.
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Excellent game Cardinals. We are in control now. The Mets have to play to us. I'll definately be watching tonight. GO CARDINALS !!!
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What up John.....
You all have been kickin *** and takin names.. Good luck tonight. See you in the series...
<3 Miss New Booty
AmBer
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Thanks for a great series!! My 3 and 6 year olds wake up every morning and the first thing they want to know is "Did the Cards win??" Thanks to for the way you all handle yourselves on the field. Little eyes are watching all around you and what an example you are!
We will be cheering so loud you will hear us in NY!!! Good luck from your big fans in SW MO!!!
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jraul has a point on the strike zone - a weak point. Glavine is a master of the fringe, and he is awesome when he gets to stretch the zone - not so hot when he isn't given Sr. Citizen slack. Problem is, that tell-tale box on TV these days is hard to fake, and anything on the line can go either way. It was up to Glavine to find what the ump was calling - same thing I tell my youth pitchers when they start talking. That doesn't explain the Mets lack of scoring. Weaver gets that credit as does the pen. The Mets were outplayed last night - just as they out played St. Louis the night before. Big game tonight - I wouldn't want to go to game 7 in NY.
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WOO-HOO !!!!!!! YEE-HAW !!!!!!
KEEP IT UP CARDINALS, WE LOVE YOU!!!!!! JOJO
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Great game last night guys! I had plans for Monday night, so I'm glad things got pushed back a day. I was watching the game at work (local video store), and went nuts when Albert hit that blast. I knew if he could get that one, everyone else would get in there! Now, let's storm the Mets, take an early lead, and give Carp all the support he needs and then some! Then you can get a few days' rest before the big one. World Series Champs in '06 baby!
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Okay were we loud enough for you last night?
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The Cardinals rule.You guys rock and you will totally kick the mets butt.Weaver pitched awesome last night, what a turn aroung for him.And who could forget our man, Albert.What a great time to hit a homer, he lifted up our spirits and we were able to come back and win the game.Although our bullpen was not great on Sunday, you guys did so well.All of you guys have made me so proud, and even when others have doubts about you guys, I always believed in you.God Bless each and everyone of you.I am the biggest cardinal fan ever.Make us proud in CoMo!!!
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You guys are so much fun to watch! And what an exciting post season! I am proud of all of you!
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John - Everyone is looking good. Hopefully you guys are treating tonight like a game 7. Stay sharp for your chances. Good luck. Two days rest would be great! BC
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Let's go baby! This is our year. We have been there before a few years ago. Now it's time to go back and finish it up. Get'r dun!!!!!!
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15 minutes until the start of the last game of the NLCS. Fantastic third win St. Louis. I would have given anything to be there, but my T.V. and I have a great bond. It was nice to hear the crowd of old last night. Lets take that sea of red to NY and drown them!!!
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John,
Great game by the Cardinals Tuesday nite! There is no better time of year if you are a Cards fan - OCTOBER!! I've been to every playoff game, and last nite was the best!!! Right now, the Cards are down 1-0.....let's get the party started!!!! Good luck tonite! Hope to see you in the game!
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Hi JJ. I think only a few of us still call you that. I've been watching you and I can't express how proud I am of you and your accomplishments. Know that we are all here cheering you on. Good luck to you and your team.
Your cousin Diana and Christina
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Wish my father was here to see you play. But I think he is watching anyway
Cousin Diana
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EWWWW DREEEEAAAAAMMMM WEAVER. I BELIEVED YOU COULD GET US THROUGH THE NIIIIIGGHHHHT!!!!
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SO SO PROUD OF YOU. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU. YOU WORKED SO HARD FOR THIS AND DESERVE THIS IN EVERY WAY.
LOVE YOUR COUSINS, DIANA AND CHRISTINA
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