With their heroes and pennants, the St. Louis Cardinals have always been as much a force of nature as the mighty Mississippi River that flows just a fly ball away from Busch Stadium. In this book fans will find more than a century's worth of baseball memories, together with a collector's bounty of magnificent memorabilia. 195 illustrations, 132 in color.

For millions of people, summer in St. Louis means only one thing: Cardinals baseball. Steeped in tradition, the Redbirds have been a part of St. Louis since 1893. Now Redbirds Revisited reacquaints Cards fans with the players who have given them such pleasure over the years.

Heralded by local and national media as perhaps baseball's most devoted followers, the lovers of St. Louis's legendary Redbirds have a special bond with their team. Cardinal Memories: Recollections from Baseball's Greatest Fans celebrates this relationship by focusing on the people in the stands. A collection of essays gathered from around the world, from St. Louis to Hong Kong, Cardinal Memories forms a history of the team the way it is best remembered--through the eyes and hearts of its fans. By turns funny and poignant, these stories chronicle Cardinal teams and players from the Gashouse Gang to the Swifties, from El Birdos to Whiteyball and Big Mac. The bond between parent and child, the generosity of numerous players, and the power of a single game to unite thousands of people are only a few of the themes that run throughout this remarkable collection. Whether it's the tale of young fans clamoring at a bus stop for a glimpse of Stan the Man, a surprise gift from the "Mad Hungarian," or Mark McGwire's "71st" home run, these vignettes capture the joy, heartbreak, and passion of being a Cardinal fan. Focusing on the game's emotional appeal, Cardinal Memories is about more than baseball--its evocative tales capture the game's deeper meanings and offer readers an affectionate slice of Americana. Transcending Cardinal country, these touching stories will appeal to baseball fans and sports enthusiasts everywhere.

An unforgettable look at a lifetime of Cardinals baseball packed with Mike Shannon's passion for the game. Mike Shannon's voice served as the soundtrack of St. Louis Cardinals baseball for 50 years. Millions of fans have enjoyed his observations, insight, and magical storytelling on radio broadcasts. Now, with the help of Hall of Fame baseball writer Rick Hummel, the St. Louis native and lifelong Cards fan takes fans behind the mic, into the clubhouse, and beyond as only he can. Shannon weaves countless unforgettable tales, from childhood memories growing up in south St. Louis to champagne-soaked World Series celebrations as a player in 1964 and 1967, plus encounters with Cardinals legends ranging from Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith, to Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. This unmissable autobiography gives fans a rare seat to over six decades of Cardinals history, hijinks, and lore.

An unforgettable look at a lifetime of Cardinals baseball packed with Mike Shannon's passion for the game Mike Shannon's voice served as the soundtrack of St. Louis Cardinals baseball for 50 years. Millions of fans have enjoyed his observations, insight, and magical storytelling on radio broadcasts. Now, with the help of Hall of Fame baseball writer Rick Hummel, the St. Louis native and lifelong Cards fan takes fans behind the mic, into the clubhouse, and beyond as only he can. Shannon weaves countless unforgettable tales, from childhood memories growing up in south St. Louis to champagne-soaked World Series celebrations as a player in 1964 and 1967, plus encounters with Cardinals legends ranging from Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith, to Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. This unmissable autobiography gives fans a rare seat to over six decades of Cardinals history, hijinks, and lore.

Dating back to the Gas House Gang of the 1930s, through the great Schoendienst-Musial teams of the 40s, to El Birdos in the 60s, Whiteyball in the 80s, and all the way up to the clubs most recent world championship, being a Cardinal connotes a style of play, a level of dedication, and a pride in being a member of a special group. This book allows some of the men who have worn that uniform tell the stories of their most memorable moments in Cardinal red. From the greats to the lesser known to the present day, these chapters represent not always the best game of someones career, but rather the moment that stands out the most. Fans can read about the game in which utilityman Jose Oquendo pitched four innings and almost picked up the win. Broadcasters Al Hrabosky and Rick Horton, who now make a living telling stories, share some memories of their own days in the game; and Adam Wainwright, the newest Cardinal hero, tells of his experience closing out the memorable 2006 NLCS.

A collection of fan reminiscences, this keepsake serves as a vehicle for fans to share their funniest stories, saddest memories, happiest times, and craziest moments relating the St. Louis Cardinals. For Cardinals Fans Only is a memento for any Redbird fanatic with the staunch supporters' musings on topics such as the team's two recent World Series titles and their previous nine championships; Cardinal greats, including Stan "the Man" Musial, Bob Gibson, and Mark McGwire; and the team's long-standing rivalry with the Chicago Cubs. From thoughts on old Busch Stadium to the recently retired, future Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, this is the definitive read for any and all Cardinals supporters.