Cards' ring ceremony brings back memories
ST. LOUIS -- The past was remembered another day. Men with white gloves placed small boxes on a table behind home plate. Fans with red rain jackets filed in from the concourses, eager to witness another symbol of what was achieved last fall.
One by one, current and former St. Louis Cardinals walked from the home dugout Saturday before a game against the Chicago Cubs to claim their World Series championship rings. General manager John Mozeliak came first. Former manager Tony La Russa was recognized. Each was greeted with a standing ovation, a sign that the memory of St. Louis' surprise title remains strong.
"It's a symbol of what happened last year," Cardinals infielder Daniel Descalso said earlier in the morning. "I think every time I look at that ring, it will take me back to September and the playoffs -- (World Series) Game 6 and Game 7. It will be a nice little reminder of what happened in 2011."
What happened will be remembered in St. Louis for years to come. The comeback from the 10 1/2-game deficit to the Atlanta Braves to clinch a wild-card berth. The dramatic upset of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League divisional round. The World Series victory over the Texas Rangers that ended with catcher Yadier Molina leaping into reliever Jason Motte's arms.
The past two days at Busch Stadium were a reason to look back as much as a sign that the Cardinals' defense of their 11th World Series crown has begun. For some, the ring ceremony meant renewal.
"It's what we all strive for," Cardinals reliever Marc Rzepczynski said. "We strive to be world champs. Now that we were able to do that last year, we finally get the physical proof.... We loved last year, but we realize it was another year. Remembering last year was great. But after we get all this stuff done, we'll move on."
Players' anticipation for the ceremony was evident early. A little less than three hours before the game's scheduled start time, Motte and reliever Kyle McClellan sat near their stalls and cracked that they would prefer to leave for home after receiving their rings with the threat of rain in the area.
Later, batting coach Mark McGwire entered the clubhouse and gave an update on the weather. He told the few players in the room the forecast looked bleak.
"They're going to try to do the ring ceremony no matter what," McGwire said.
"Bling, bling" someone responded. Claps and hollers followed.
One side of the ring features the recipient's name, jersey number and a ruby-filled "STL" emblem. It also depicts the "Rally Squirrel" jumping over home plate, a reminder of the animal that became a positive symbol for fans in the postseason.
The other side includes the Stan Musial statue located outside Busch Stadium in addition to a ruby-embellished "11" above the phrase "World Series Titles." The year of each championship season is listed.
Saturday's ceremony was the Cardinals' latest in a season that has included many. On April 4, they were part of the first regular-season game played at Marlins Park in Miami. On Friday, Busch Stadium's season opener included its usual fanfare with a video montage dedicated to the championship memory.
"That's part of the excitement of getting the season going," said first-year Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, who received a ring. "People look forward to this. That's the engine that makes this thing go -- the people and fans and rewarding them for their loyalties and letting them be a part of something big and remembering what happened last year. That's things we need to do."
For fans and others, the past was preserved at Busch Stadium with a ring ceremony. But memories of a classic World Series were created long before.