Upon further review, when we anticipate a St. Louis Cardinals home opener or look back on one later, what do we remember? The pregame celebration, of course. That’s what makes the day special. Not the on-field outcome.

Right?

Sure, that’s putting a positive spin on what was a dismal (to say the least) outcome yesterday. And it’s now been several years since an opener at Busch Stadium actually ended with fireworks after the top of the ninth inning.

Last year it was the Cubs, with Bryan LaHair and Jeff Samardzija ruining the mood after the festive raising of the 2011 World Series champions banner. In 2011 it was Cameron Maybin of the Padres hitting a game-tying homer in the ninth and a game-winning single in the 11th. Three years ago, the Cardinals did shut out the Astros 5-0 — but that year, 2010, ended without a trip to the post-season. In 2009, which is the last year the Cardinals won the NL Central, the Cardinals lost 6-4 to the Pirates.

See? Yesterday’s loss could be a good thing when we look back on the 2013 season once it’s ended, hopefully very late in October. Not that we don’t have plenty of things to be concerned about when it comes to the bullpen — we obviously have much that could be said there — but it will wait for now. And what could be said should not include the name Brian Wilson, as I saw several people mention on Twitter.

Look for a post this afternoon focusing on the good of yesterday: photos from the pre-game celebrations.



Christine Coleman is the lead St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.