Despite their failure to capture the World Series this year, there is a question we need to discuss: are the St. Louis Cardinals the best in the 21st Century? I would certainly say they are.
Let’s just look at their success – since 2000, they have won two World Series (2006, 2011), four National League (N.L.) Pennants (2004, 2006, 2011, 2013), won the Central Division Title eight times (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2013) and have won the wild card three times (2001, 2011, 2012.) In 2001, the Cardinals were tied with the Houstan Astros for first place in the N.L. Central Division. Major League Baseball (M.L.B.) awarded both teams the division title, but as the Astros beat the Cardinals in their season series, the Cardinals were award the wild card spot. That means over the span 14 seasons, the Cardinals have only missed the playoffs four times. Continue reading →