It’s been a tough week in Cardinal Nation. We lost a Cardinal great when number five, Albert Pujols, traded in his Red Birds’ gear for a different set of wings in Anaheim, California.
When the announcement was made on Thursday, after a very brief moment of disbelief, we all (Cardinal Nation) started to speak out. And a lot of it wasn’t really pretty.
Here at 2WC, we get it. Getting dumped stinks. But when you start saying ugly, angry statements, you’re usually the one who ends up looking bad. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you sort through the broad range of emotions from the past few days.
We’ve even broken it down into five easy steps (oh sweet, poetic irony):
- Denial (Zer): Unless you’re a firm believer in some sort of media conspiracy, you probably weren’t denying that Pujols had actually left the Cardinals for the Angels. However, there were plenty of emotional denials. We all heard it, the “I don’t really care”, “He wasn’t even that great of a player,” and, “I knew he was going to leave all along.” Brave fronts, put up as a shield to protect from the pain, and eventually leading to an emotional explosion.
- Anger (Stephanie): I’m a firm believer that anger in this situation (and in many others) is not the solution. Just because we got left in the dust for a mere additional 44 million dollars over ten years, milder climate, and neighboring Hollywood, is no reason to bash the man (I can’t yet speak his name) who gave us the best years of his career. What’s a sea of red compared to an actual ocean? I just hope the continuity of uniform color is able to distract him from the guilt of leaving the town which witnessed and supported the best years of his career. But, I’m being redundant (about those best years of his career). Perhaps it’s best to drown our sorrows (and fury) in a less vicious and more productive way. We can only hope we’ll find solace in our multiple world championships.
- Bargaining (Zer): Most Cardinals fans were not directly involved in the actual negotiations, but we all like to think that our actions might have assisted in the final decision making process. Maybe if we’d cheered louder, shown our appreciation a little more often, worn our Cardinal gear a little more proudly…the list goes on and on. Of course, eventually we have to face the facts and realize there’s nothing we could have done. I mean, we supported the team all the way to a World Series victory, what more could you ask for.
- Depression (Stephanie): Wallowing. It’s an art form when done correctly. It’s all about balance. You must be both pathetic and inspirationally strong at the same time. It’s the only way you’ll get through. Yes, you’re torn up over the loss of he who shall not be named, but you refuse to be brought down by your grief. You will not be crushed. You are an inspiration. Now, go brave Cardinal’s fan. Move forward with your head held high, your red worn proudly, and your enthusiasm and random baseball knowledge worn on your sleeve (right next to your heart).
- Acceptance (2WC): At the end of this process there are certain unavoidable facts. There is no I in team, and there is no longer any Pujols on ours. It’s a hard fact to accept, but accept it we must. He may have been great, there’s no denying that, but life and Cardinal Nation will go on.
So punch your walls, post your rants, and give away your Pujols’ apparel (true story), but just remember spring training is only a few months away.
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…just for fun:
