Chris Carpenter, Tony La Russa and the World Series champion Cardinals drew huge cheers Sunday at the NFL game between the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints. Â Read more after the jump.
About a dozen Cardinals showed up at the Edward Jones Dome. They got a prolonged standing ovation when they were introduced early in the first quarter, and waved to the crowd from the end zone.
“To be on the sideline is definitely an adrenaline rush and we’re not even playing today,” pitcher Edwin Jackson said.
The Cardinals’ presence revved up the fans and may have rubbed off on the Rams, too. Winless this season the Rams ended up defeating the Saints by a score of 31-21.
Carpenter wore the jersey of star running back Steven Jackson when he went to midfield for the coin toss. Carpenter beat Texas in Game 7 on Friday night.
La Russa sported the jersey of injured quarterback Sam Bradford. The manager was joined by Matt Holliday, Kyle Lohse and several other Cardinals.
“This is my first time in this stadium. It’s awesome to be part of this,” catcher Yadier Molina said.
The Cardinals’ victory parade was to be held later in the day and finish up a few blocks away at Busch Stadium.
“Listening to thousands and thousands of people going crazy for us is definitely going to give people chill bumps. I definitely wouldn’t mind doing it again,” Jackson said.
-AP
