Cardinals Caravan brings team, fans together

Who needs the NFL in St. Louis, anyway?

While football fans and supporters of the city of St. Louis fumed recently when Rams owner Stan Kroenke finally got his way and moved his team to "greener" pastures in Los Angeles, the St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball franchise made headlines for all the right reasons last week.

The Cardinals' traveling caravans made stops all across the state.

And while a controversy over hacked data from a competing team looms over the organization, the Cardinals have established themselves as a franchise that is beloved and cherished by its fan base.

Last week several Cardinals, including starting first baseman Matt Adams and other, lesser-known past and present players, made the trip to Cape Girardeau. Hundreds of local fans turned out to hear what the players had to say and get up close and personal.

Select players made several stops all over the state, and corresponding headlines and stories followed as journalists explored plans and expectations for next year.

The Cardinals, unlike the Rams, have set a high bar. World Series and playoff appearances are the norm.

And while we do tend to think that St. Louis could support an NFL team, it's much harder to do so when ownership makes poor decisions and makes little attempt to engage in the community.

The contrast is palpable.

Cardinals Nation loves its Cardinals. And judging by the interaction coming from players and executives, it's clear that the team loves its fans, too.