Heralded by local and national media as perhaps baseball's greatest fans, the lovers of St. Louis's legendary Redbirds have a special bond with their team. Every fan has his or her own memories that are at once unique and universally shared by thousands. Cardinal Memories: Recollections from Baseball's Greatest Fans celebrates this rare bond by focusing on the action 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, each story chronicles Cardinal teams and players, from the Gashouse Gang to the infamous Game Six of the 1985 World Series to Big Mac. The bond between parent and child, the generosity of numerous team players, and the power of a single game to unite thousands of people are a small example of themes that run throughout this remarkable collection. From the young boy who fell asleep each summer with the voice of Jack Buck echoing in his ears to the marriage of two people who fell in love in the stands of Busch Stadium, these vignettes capture the joy, heartbreak, and passion of being a Cardinal fan.

Focusing completely on the fans, Cardinal Memories is about more than baseball -- it is about an American tradition. Transcending Cardinal country, these touching stories will appeal to Redbird fans, baseball fans, and sports enthusiasts everywhere.