Ends

And just like that, it's over.

It's October, and I am not running my hands over freshly printed playoff tickets. There will be no fall electricity this year. No throngs of red-clad faithful filling the downtown streets as the weather cools. For the first time in three years there will be no magic in the air in St. Louis as the leaves change.

Pitchers and catchers report in late February. It can't come soon enough.

Despite the difficulties, the frustrations, and the futility, we will be there, red-clad and rejuvinated when the season begins anew in April.

Here, in St. Louis, we pledge allegiance to the St. Louis Cardinals,
and to the republic for which they stand:
Cardinal Nation, united, undaunted, and always faithful.

We were with you all the way in 2007, and we'll be with you all the way in 2008.

Go Cardinals!