With a convincing victory over the Detroit Tigers, the St. Louis Cardinals displayed why underdogs are never really underdogs, and why team victories can come from the most unlikely of heroes. Eckstein, affectionately known as “Squirt” by some in the NL, hit .364 with 4 RBI to capture the World Series MVP. Yadier Molin entered the playoffs with a .216 AVG and then hit .358 in the postseason, continually coming through in clutch situations.

Of course we can’t ignore the fact that the Tigers blew it more than once during the give game series. Tiger pitchers combined for five errors in give games. A defense that had been sustained all year fell apart when it mattered most, led by young pitchers who may have let nerves get the best of them.

When we look back on the 2006 World Series, the smudge on Rogers’ hand and the errors in the field will be remembered. There was no mammoth homerun by Albert Pujols, no 14-inning nail-biter and no managerial screw-ups. Only solid play by one club, and lousy play by another.

Congratualations St. Louis!