Red October or Blue October: A State Divided

The Kansas City Royals finally got a chance to see what a win in the playoffs tastes like last night beating the Oakland A’s in the AL Wild Card playoff game. In the words of Dana Carvey’s Church Lady, “Well, isn’t that special?” In all honesty, it was kinda cute to see the Kansas City fan base cheer for their team who hasn’t made the playoffs in my entire lifetime, (since 1985). But, this is the MLB playoffs, and Missouri isn’t big enough for two teams to be in the playoff, right?

As you can tell, as a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, October is when the Birds turn on the heat. The Cardinals tend to keep their heads above water throughout the season, make the playoffs and then start to hit their stride at the right time. We’re the San Antonio Spurs of baseball; we’re fundamental, never flashy, selfless, have great coaching and somehow always compete in the playoffs. October is usually red.

What usually happens is the loyal Royals fans either halfway cheer for the Cardinals or turn their focus on the Chiefs; but not this year.  This year they have a baseball team in the playoffs and they are loud and proud. Winning their first game last night in dramatic fashion was huge for the city. They were so excited they decided to whip out the “Blue October” hoodies prematurely in the dugout even though it was still September. Scrolling through my timeline and newsfeed it looked as though my fellow Cardinals fans were happy for our fellow Royals fans as if they were saying, “Awwww, good for them. But, when do the big boys play?” But, I think it’s safe to say the Royals could really do some damage in the 2014 playoffs. They have the pitching, they play small ball and grind out wins.

Cards fans should really be cheering for the Royals to make it to the World Series because we’ll probably be there waiting for them.  Something on my personal Bucket List is to watch an I-70 World Series.  I’m comfortable enough in my love for the Cardinals to understand a little Royal success won’t affect the strong reputation of the Birds history.  After a year of negativity in the national spotlight, nothing would make the state of Missouri, home of two of the best baseball fans in the world, happier.

That being said, GO CARDS!!