Since 1892 the Cardinals have brought so many things to the fans and the city of St. Louis. It is hard to pick just a few reasons as to why they are so great, but here are five.

5. Knowing that your team has won nine World Series Championships. The Cardinals have won more championships than any other National League team, defeating the Yankees three times. Each one is prominently displayed outside Busch Stadium, behind the Stan “the Man” Musial statue. Great names surround each team, and each series is drenched with legend.

4. Busch Stadium. Everyone has fond memories of going to Busch over the summer. Whether you’re sitting in the posh field boxes or slumming it in the bleachers, you always have a good time. Few things are better than watching a game at Busch on a warm summer night with good friends and a stadium dog (with ketchup and mustard, or secret stadium sauce) and an “easy drinkin’ Busch beer,” as Mike Shannon says.

3. The fans. Cardinal fans are some of the most loyal fans in baseball. Folks flock from around the country, and I don’t just mean southern Illinois, to come to Busch Stadium. From Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Oklahoma, Iowa, the Dakotas and so many more, fans come to St. Louis for a few games of baseball. They are true fans of the game as well, cheering when the opposing team makes a good play and even harder when the Cards make a better one.

2. The Cardinals-Cubs rivalry. So many people talk about the Yankees-Red Sox, but the energy at a Cards-Cubs game is electric. We have to beat them or be humiliated. It is bad enough that they come and dot the red seats of Busch with their blue shirts, but they have a chip on their shoulders since they have not won a World Series since 1908.

1. Legends are made here. The Cardinals have provided heroes and legends for over a hundred years. Dizzy Dean, Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Mark McGwire and Ozzie Smith are all Cardinal greats. Even fan favorites, such as Willie McGee, hold a special place in the hearts of all. And we can’t forget the guys who called the game: Harry Caray, Mike Shannon and Jack Buck were there to bring us the swings, homeruns and championships.