St. Patrick’s Day is about traditions, right? Wearing green, green beer, green St. Louis Cardinals jersey that we pretend look just fine with the red trim and red batting helmets …

Well, we’ll just assume the Cardinals are going with those green jerseys today. Their opponent, those hated Red Sox, tweeted a pic of their own jerseys yesterday. And green jerseys and T-shirts like these are among the many St. Patrick’s Day themed items for sale at the Cardinals website (most of which will make you wonder hmmm … why does this exist? That St. Louis Irish sweatshirt is nice, but … why?)

For me, St. Patrick’s Day is definitely about traditions, like attending the annual Quad Cities St. Patrick Society Parade — the only interstate parade in the country, as it begins in Illinois and ends in Iowa — which was Saturday. My family was all there, I wore my Cardinals beads as usual and my nephew wore his Cardinals hat (which got him a high five and extra beads from a parade marcher). Although not necessarily part of tradition, we did look for Allen or at least Torty when the Craig Clan float went past us. (No surprise, neither was there.)

Another St. Patrick’s tradition since Aaron Miles’ Fastball began three years ago: the Cardinals blessing,  which will be followed by a new tradition that I remember seeing but sadly and inexplicably have not shared these past three years.

A CARDINALS BLESSING

May the outfield fence rise to meet you
As the horsehide soars off your bat
May the sun gleam off your red helmet
Cheers of a walk off victory
As you look toward the heavens
May The Man hold you in the palm of his hand.

Michael Foutch

Yes, may The Man always continue to hold us in the palm of his hand.

And now a holiday greeting from Holliday himself …

Yes, that video leaves me a little speechless so I’ll just end with Happy St. Patrick’s Day!


Christine Coleman is the lead writer for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates and like us on Facebook if you don’t already.