Replies

Let's see.

RESPECT -- for his widow and his family.

His teammates and the Cubs players were both very shocked and in no condition to play today.
As I said earlier, would you want to stand at the plate knowing the pitcher isn't going to have his full attention on where that ball is going to go?
Did you see these men crying and noticably in shock?
It takes a lot for that to occur.

And it would only need one idiot to say something stupid to set off a riot in the stands. (Just like something was said on here).

The Cardinals have already had one death in the "family" this week...and yes I mean FAMILY -- these guys spend 6+ months out of the year together.
This year's team was especially close and I hope they can keep it together.

Yes, they will probably play Sunday night after they have had a little time to have the shock wear off and then come back to STL and continue to play for the rest of the season knowing that an important part of not only their team but of their family is gone for good... it's not like a trade, injury, signing with another team or retirement.

I understand what it is to be a fan of an athlete who passes away. I understand what it is to lose a co-worker/friend. I also understand what it is to lose a close family member. I understand there is a huge difference in the impact of each of these events, and I just can't bring myself to pretend otherwise.
I cannot understand why "family" is now such a flexible word that it can apply to sportsclubs and fans without anyone recognizing the hyperbole.

The Cardinals have already had one death in the "family" this week...and yes I mean FAMILY -- these guys spend 6+ months out of the year together. This year's team was especially close and I hope they can keep it together.

Not only that, but as you know ... the St. Louis Cardinals and their fans ARE a family. Nearly every year 3 million or so Cardinal fans pack Busch Stadium and the Cardinals have been one of the most consistently successful teams in Major League baseball over the years. A wonderful win-win for the community. When a guy like Kile dies so tragically ... it IS a loss to that community. Profoundly. On a human and personal basis. St. Louis is a very unique and special baseball town ... and so is Chicago. It was poignant to me that the Cards were visiting Wrigley today. You know, and I know, the Cubs fans unanimousoy understand and support the postponement today, and are very symapthetic to the fans of St. Louis. They respect (grudgingly) the Cards and their fans more than any other of St. Louis' opponents. It was a very sad and bittersweet scenario when Girardi announced the cancellation. What a fool that Valerie is - Kile left a positive mark with fans in Houston, Denver and St. Louis (and Minneapolis!) - and with hundreds of current and former major league teammates. FR is a nationwide forum, I just wanted to say a good word for the man and express my sadness and regards to the Freepers who care. That's the interest for me tonight - he was a good guy and a great athelete and competitor. Kile left behind 5 year old twins, a 3 year old child and a loving wife - what a tough week in St. Louis for a baseball fan. My regards!