With the Redbirds at the White House

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Washington, D.C.

– The World Champion St. Louis

Cardinals went to Washington

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D.C.

“font-family: Verdana;”>on Tuesday to meet with the President of

the

United States, as

most championship teams do. They got a little something

extra.

The team

boarded a pre-dawn flight for the nation’s capital to meet the

Commander in Chief with many of the members of last year’s

championship in tow. Absent were Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina and

the first baseman who has moved to Anaheim, but this was not about

who wasn’t there. It was about who was there, and were they in for

a trip they will not soon forget.

Along with the

ownership group that featured Bill Dewitt Jr. and Bill Dewitt III,

various members of the front office and team personnel, the

Cardinals were accompanied by Mayor Francis G. Slay and County

Executive Charlie A. Dooley.

Upon arrival

the traveling party visited with the wounded warriors at the Walter

Reed Medical Center. Many of the veterans were in rehab having

suffered loss of limbs and head trauma. Each had a harrowing story

that in most cases included them saving others from destruction.

The stories were humbling to say the least, as these individuals

were trying to start their lives all over again.

A visit from

the Cardinals that included the chance to take photos with the

World Series trophy certainly made their day, and many players were

moved by the moment. The Cardinals provided countless autographed

balls, caps, pennants and photos to any and all. The personal time

players spent autographing and just visiting may have been as

memorable as the mission of the visit itself.

As for the

medical center itself, surviving battle is at an all-time high.

According to Rear Admiral Alton Stocks, commander of the medical

center, 97 percent of all soldiers wounded in combat who are seen

in the first half hour of being wounded survive.

As the team

arrived at the White House, they were given a tour of the East Wing

of as they mingled, took photos and inhaled history. Being in rooms

where good and bad decisions were made can certainly get your

attention. After a wait, as the president had pressing matters to

deal with, the program began.

While many

anticipated the arrival of President Obama, the crowd of over 200

was also graced with the presence of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Obama opened up the program by recognizing what the Cardinals

had done with their visit to the medical center, as well as the

treatment she and Jill Biden received while in St. Louis for game

one of the World Series, as assisting wounded veterans is a

priority for both. Mrs. Obama went on to introduce the

president.

The always

elegant Barack Obama had the audience eating out of his hand as he

recognized the Cardinals’ accomplishments, as well as their fans.

After being given the traditional presidential jersey by the

Cardinals, the Redbirds also gave each of them a bat. The president

pointed out it may not be that good of idea to give his wife a bat,

and the house came down with laughter. After the ceremony, Mr.

Obama personally shook the hand of each player and

broadcaster.

The most

interesting moment in the day took place when Congressman Wm. Lacy

Clay and Cardinal Coach Mark McGwire had a conversation. The two

had not spoken to each other since that spring day when Congressman

Clay quizzed McGwire in front of the nation about steroid use. A

turning point for the whole subject took place on that

day.

Congressman

Clay made it clear to McGwire that he had moved on and offered his

assistance in any way possible. In essence, the olive branch was

extended and McGwire was gracious in moving on as well.

With the Redbirds at the White House

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