After celebrating a very long but exciting day at Busch Stadium for the Blogger event, it became apparent that a tradition needed to be started here for our three loyal readers. The Cardinals put us up in some amazing digs and to honor that a new segment will be running every few weeks (or when the team gets through two turns of the rotation). It will include one part for each of the St. Louis icons who graced the rooms where Honkin’ for Jaime took center stage.
J. = Jack Buck, who needs no introduction. This player may be a star or the last pinch hitter off the bench but was a vocal reason for good/bad play and all that entails.
O. = Ozzie Smith, perhaps the best at doing what it takes to win. But that wasn’t always the case, and the 2011 edition of the Birds on the Bat have many who fit into this category.
B. = Bob Gibson, hands down the most intimidating ever from the mound. Only a hurler who goes above and beyond can make the grade and hope for some ‘Gibby-like’ praise.
As far as the name goes, it is subject to reader approval. We here at PH8 are Semper Gumby, which for our non-military speaking friends means always flexible. The categories are set in stone, but the acronym can change as little or as much as the people want 😉
Now on to what you stopped by for — PHExclusive Material!!!
Lance Berkman takes top honors for two reasons in the Jack Buck division. His veteran presence has already paid off in a big way with just the talks we know about it, and the younger hitters are sure to learn from the great competitor. Anyone who was worried about his bat saw Monday just why the Cardinals took the gamble.
Tyler Greene may seem like an odd choice for the Ozzie Smith winner until you read some of the manager’s quotes from before the season. TLR made it known that Greene was going to be a big part of this year’s club, even going so far as making him an option in CF. The Georgia Tech product has a make or break campaign that may come down to how he plays before Nick Punto returns.
Kyle McClellan will fall victim to the ‘sample-size‘ argument for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t stop him from garnering Bob Gibson honors for his play so far this year. With his arm and his bat, K-Mac is doing quite the Adam Wainwright impression that must continue for St. Louis to battle back in the NL Central.
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