About Me
2011 World Series
So if you’re wanting to know a little bit about me – you’ve come to the right place! There are a few sections here, feel free to jump around! (Originally written in 2011, updated on rare occasion.)
Me in a Nutshell:
Born and raised in the suburbs of St. Louis, MO, I am the youngest of 3 girls raised by a pair of kind and (baseball) loving parents. I went to catholic school K-12 and played softball every summer. I also did gymnastics in grade school and cheerleading in high school. After high school, I partied my way into very slowly flunking out of college (I spent 4 semesters there and came out with maybe 11 credits lol.) I went on to spend 10 years waiting tables and bartending while also working in retail, real estate, fitness, and education.
For a few years in the early 2000s, I fell asleep every night watching Tim Kurkjian on Baseball Tonight – the web gems were my favorite part! In 2008, I moved to Puerto Rico on a whim and stayed for nearly a year and a half. It was one of the greatest and most life changing experiences of my life. Back in St. Louis, after what I call my gap decade (and shortly after starting this blog), I went back to college and actually finished – I got a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies. During that time I spent a year living in Quito, Ecuador – another absolutely amazing and life changing experience. I also stopped writing this blog, as I was instead writing so. many. papers. After graduating, I moved to Brooklyn, NY and am again back in school pursuing a masters degree in psychology. I work full time, so it is a slow pursuit, but the time will pass regardless so I might as well rack up degrees along the way. Next up – a PhD!
I have attended Burning Man every year (since 2019, minus pandemic years) and believe that the burner culture and community has enriched my life, teaching me resilience, curiosity, optimism, leadership skills, and radical inclusivity, among many other things. It has also increased my confidence and opened me up to a million new and amazing parts of life. I’ve met so many fantastic and talented people and learned a lot of actual skills – from soldering LEDs to advanced microsoft excel to building 2 story effigies that can be assembled and disassembled like legos. Burning Man is weird and uncomfortable and a bit hedonistic, but it is also kindness and self-exploration and a community that welcomes anyone and has each other’s back – even among compete strangers. Burning Man, however, is not a festival, and it should be noted that it was better next year.
Ok so that was a big nutshell lol One thing you should know about me if you choose to read on, is that brevity is not my strong suit. I try to be succinct, but I can get lost in the details and often struggle to kill my darlings. Just so we’re clear – you’ve been warned. “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” ~Mark Twain
FYI: Someday I hope to revive this blog. Every few years I think I might, so I update this section and intend to start posting again, but it’s hard to find the time. Someday I will…maybe this year……
A note about baseball in NYC v STL:
Baseball culture in NYC is very different than in STL. Baseball fans seem to be a minority here, whereas in STL it’s ubiquitous. Even St. Louisans who aren’t baseball fans (do those exist?) know who won the game last night, who pitched, who got a standing triple, etc. It almost takes effort in St. Louis not to know what the Cardinals are doing. In NYC, baseball is not part of the culture or everyday life, making it a little harder to keep up. I no longer have the luxury of attending 50+ games each season at Busch Stadium and have less access (and time) to watch every game. I do fly home for the Cardinals Home Opener every year and try to see the Cards when they are in or near NYC.
How I got so into baseball:
People often ask me how a girl got soooo into baseball. Well – a lot of things factored into it, but honestly, the foundation was always there. For one thing, I’m from St. Louis, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Those of you who know – well, just about anything about baseball – know that St. Louis fans are considered to be some of the best fans in the game. We have the intensity you might find in Boston or New York, the dedication through thick and (extremely) thin that you see at Wrigley Field, and the knowledge that rivals ESPN’s staff. We recognize and often applaud a good play – even if it’s against us – and win or lose, we draw a crowd. I grew up in “Baseballtown, USA” – being a Cardinal’s fan was inevitable. Becoming a fan of the other 29 teams? Well there’s no better city to raise you to respect your opponent and hold even your biggest rival with regard.
After a difficult breakup in my early 20s I was desperate for a distraction. It was early spring and I was at a new job where I overheard the guys planning their fantasy baseball draft. I knew very little about fantasy sports, but it sounded fun so I pushed my way in. Being the only girl in a 16 team league, it was assumed that I would suck, so they insisted I choose a rather girlie team name, making it obvious that I don’t belong. I went with My Little Pony. (Although several times that season I found myself in first place and appropriately changed it to Your Losing To A Girl. They didn’t find it as funny as I did.) That summer I learned so much more about baseball and began to fall in love with players and teams throughout both leagues. (And I finished 6th out of 16…not too bad for a girl, huh?)
Since the late 90s my family had season tickets to Busch Stadium, so I went to dozens of games each year and drank plenty of beer in nearby bars. One night I randomly met a guy who played for the Cardinals. A few weeks later I met a player from the Reds. Then a Mets pitcher. Then an agent and a scout. I soon became close with someone who seemed to know just about everyone in baseball, and he roped me into his circle as one of the guys. Over the course of a few years I had built a handful of good friendships throughout MLB, most of whom I have lost contact with over 20 years, but a few friendships remain that I still cherish to this day. I went from being a solid Cardinals fan to being a solid baseball fan, watching any game I could, whether Cardinals or not.
In my late 20s my dad started playing in Cardinals Fantasy Camp* every January which is held at the Spring Training complex in Jupiter, Florida. After a few years, my mom was insistent that I go with them, knowing I would absolutely love it. In 2011, I attended my first of many camps, and she was right – it became my favorite week of the year. My sisters started going a few years later, and for almost a decade, it has been a family tradition.
ionlyspeakbaseball 
Hey I enjoyed meeting you and talking to you at the game last night. This site is informative. Hopefully I can see you again soon.
Love your blog. Not only do you know baseball you have done an excellent job with your blog.
Thanks
Thanks so much for reading! I’m glad you enjoy it – and I appreciate the feedback! I’m kinda new to the whole blog thing still….so bear with me as I’m sort of making it up as I go! 🙂
“Those of you who know – well, just about anything about baseball – will know that St. Louis fans are known as being some of the best fans in the game. We have the intensity you might find in Boston or New York, the dedication through thick and (extremely) thin that you see at Wrigley Field, the respect Phillies fans are oblivious to, and the knowledge that rivals ESPN’s staff.”
Tiss:
I have found your blog to be interesting and on the whole well written.
I am a fan of baseball and a long time fan of the St.Louis Cardinals. I grew up and lived in the suburbs of St Louis for 23-years. I sought my fortune as a young adult and moved to the Monterey Bay of California and I lived in their for 23-years. I now live in the greater Philadelphia area and have so for the last 15-years. I have attended many a baseball game in many cities (LA, SanFran, Oakland, St Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Philly, NY Yankees and Mets, Baltimore and Florida) over my lifetime.
I wonder why you single out Philly fans as a whole as being disrespectful?
Quoting you in your blog about Pujols! “The response has been, in my opinion, disgusting. I understand that Cardinal’s fans are hurt, heart-broken and feel betrayed. Once I got over the initial shock I felt that way too. But instead of being hurt, I went into defensive mode – because I was hearing and reading such horrible things I couldn’t help but defend the poor guy. Ok, insanely rich guy, but still. People are burning his jersey for crying out loud! C’mon people that’s absurd! (Besides – the Astros are who got screwed the worst in this deal jajaja) First of all – he’s not a traitor or a back-stabber or a hypocritical, greedy S.O.B. who has no loyalty. Second of all – IDIOTS! Whether he’s a Cardinal or an Angel – he’s one of the greatest of all time and that stuff will increase in value with every bomb he hits! Aghhh, I’ve never been so disappointed in Cardinal Nation. We’re supposed to be the Best Fans in Baseball, but the way people are acting – well I feel like I’m in Philly.”
Have you ever been to a baseball game on the east coast (Philadelphia or New York)? Why single out Philly fans? From my experience, Boston fans are the worst. Your own blog compares St. Louis fans to Philly fans. They must be pretty bad in St. Louis especially when the Cards are the current WS Champions.
Again, I must ask, have you been at more than one game in Philly which can justify your statement Philly fans are oblivious to being respectful?
In closing your blog was well written and your opinions welI stated except for one IMO. I will be looking forward to reading more of your blogs and look forward to your reply to me. I will be reposting my reply to you on the AOL Cardinals message board.
Ted
Ted
I appreciate your feedback!! My comments about the Phillies are based on the reputation Phillies fans have as being some of the worst in sports. Also – yes I have been to several games in Philadelphia as well as both NY teams and many others – not just out east but all over the country. And in my experience, the Phillies fand were by far the most rude. I have not been to Fenway so I can’t compare them to Boston on that level, but I was actually pushed onto the ground, kicked and told (very colorfully) where I could go when a Philly fan found out I was rooting for the other team. And they weren’t the only people there to be unfriendly. In fact, I don’t think I can remember anyone at the ballpark who was friendly (at least not once they realized I wasn’t a Philly fan). And I have been to several games there. I am also a very friendly person and have a tendancy to make new friends everywhere I go, but this was not the case there. I do have friends there – who were raised there – and though they tend to be more friendly and silly with the trash talk, they are still a bit much at times, and extremely defensive. I apologize if I offended you – both comments were meant to induce a chuckle, because of the reputation Philly sports fans have, at least around here. (I’m a little confused tho, maybe I misunderstood something…You said “Your own blog compares St. Louis fans to Philly fans. They must be pretty bad in St. Louis…” To assume that this comparison makes things bad in StL suggests that you, too, think the fans are bad in Philly…just sayin!)
Thanks again for reading!
Thanks for the reply Tiss.
I wish to clarify several of my points. The national media reputation which has been hung around the neck of Philly sports fans as a whole is IMO overblown and/or too narrowly placed. I see little difference between Philly fans and fans from Boston or NY.
Having lived on both coasts and the mid-west, I feel comfortable characterizing baseball fans from the three areas.
West Coast (WC) fans, many arrive late to the games, Many I met were not born/raised on the WC. The fans I met were very knowledgeable about the game. Seems most of those I met were from the mid-Atlantic area.
Cardinal fans, 99% born and raised in Missouri or other surrounding states. Most of the fans as I remember are just like ma and pa. It’s a mid west thing. As far as I know, most St.Louis fans are also very knowledgeable about the game of baseball.
East coast (Philly, NY and Boston) fans 99% born and raised in their greater metro areas. Most fans are very knowledgeabale, excitable, even raucous at times. They are extremely passionate about the game.
Recalling my less than favorable jaunts to the ole ball park:
– The Cards were in San Francisco perhaps 1990-91, I had my Cards hat on. I am walking through an aisle with my son when three Giants fans yelled at me “go back to the Mississippi River” “go back to St. Louis.” Perhaps they remembered the 1987 NL championship series. The jeering continued until I was out of sight.
– Once at the Oakland-Alemeda Coliseum for an A’s game I saw a fight break out in the stands. I do not remember who the A’s were playing. Hopefully the fight was not over the game???
– I loved my first trip to Yankee Stadium. Clemens was going for win 300 against the Cards. I was sitting row 9 behind the plate. I had some helpful fans who were sitting behind me direct me to the wrong train to get back to my hotel in Manhatten. I have no doubt it was done on purpose.
Now back to Philly, Over the last 15-years I get jeers directed at me. I of course I wear my Cards hat at Philly games. I remember 1998-99 or so when a drunk fan walked up the asile stairs to me (I was seated next to my daughter, I had a Cards hat on). He stared at me and said “JD Drew sucks.” Ouch that hurts. Funny enough, this gentleman made a return trip back to me and repeated “JD Drew sucks.” I wasn’t sitting in the cheap seats. The Boston fans I encountered at Philly were terrible.
Now I certainly can not compare my past negative experiences with what you had in Philly. That should never have happened. I am sorry to hear you were physically threatened at Citizens Bank Park. This type of fan I am sure can be found at any ball park in America. Unfortunatley, it happen to you twice in Philly.
In closing Tiss, I can only say one should not generalize the actions of a few to reflect on the whole. Keep on writing.
Ted
Again Ted, I apologize if I have offended you. I agree that the national reputation for Philly sports fans has probably been overblown, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is their reputation. St. Louis gets overlooked and underappreciated across the board in the eyes of the national media, and though I feel it’s wrong, it is what it is. (Losing Pujos certainly won’t help that cause) I used Philly’s reputation as a comparison to the the reputation of St. Louis fans, who are known for being extremely respectful of other fans. That’s not to say that you won’t find a few jackasses at Busch Stadium, just that we are known for a friendlier attitude, the same way Philly fans are known to be less than friendly. Add to that my experiences at Citizens Bank (and that I found nothing but friendly people in both NY stadiums, and again – have never been to Boston) and I just felt it was the best team to use in that scenario.
To detail my experiences in Philly and in NY – when I was in Philly I had a had been dating a guy and had a good friend who both played for the opposing team. I was wearing nuetral colors, and since my boys’ team was in last place and the Phillies were in a pennant race with the Mets (late sept games) I didn’t have a preference in who won. I simply wanted to cheer on my boys. The fans there couldn’t even accept that, and as we wandered from field level near the visiting dugout, to the bleachers, to the upper deck, back down near the home dugout, it was difficult to find anyone who was even a little friendly. (Except the kid in the banana suit in LF. lol Strange kid, wearing the banana suit for Pat Burrell. I didn’t get it. Anyway he was nice, probably only about 12. His dad was a jackass though, telling his pre-teen kid to grab our asses, but banana boy didn’t want to and apologized to us for his dad. His mom must be doing something right!)
Now in NY, I first went to a subway series game at Yankee stadium. My friend was a Mets reliever so while our seats were up high, we hung out near the visiting bullpen before the game. We met some people who said they had extra seats and we could stay. They were Yankees fans and we chatted with them the entire game. I did have on a Mets shirt and got some jeers, but nothing that wasn’t in good fun. One Yankees fan bought a round of beer for the whole group – including us.
I went to a game at Shea Stadium the following year to see the Mets play against the Nationals – the team I was dating a guy from and had a friend on. Again I wore nuetral colors, and with friends on both sides I flip flopped throughout the game basically cheering for everyone lol. A few Mets fans gave us a hard time, but again – all in good fun. We actually sat next to a guy who’s friend was an usher at the park, and he got us free food and beer throughout the game. At one point I wandered off to find Mr. Met (I always try to find the mascot for a picture lol) and met a couple other Mets fans who spent 30 minutes running around with me trying to catch Mr. Met.
Lastly, I have a friend who played for the Phillies in 2011 and will be back with them for 2012. He’s played for a long time and has been on several teams including the Mariners, Mets, and White Sox…and when I asked him about it, even he said that the Phillies fans were the worst he’s ever played in front of.
I know both Philly and NY fans have bad reputations, maybe unfairly, but my NY fan experiences were very nice and my Philly ones not so much. (except that damn banana kid) So that’s why I chose Philly for the comment.
Anyway, everything I write is just based on my thoughts and experiences. I am the kind of girl who holds the utmost respect for the game as well as its players and fans. It was meant to be a silly comparison based on their widely accepted reputations. Please don’t take it as a personal attack on Philly fans.