11 in '11: A Hometown Hero, La Russa's Last Ride in Red, and a Miracle World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals

by Benjamin Hochman, Chris Carpenter (Foreword), Jason Motte (Afterword)

11 in '11 is a thoroughly reported chronicle of an unparalleled season, packed with interviews with key players, team executives, broadcasters, and more  Of the 11 World Series titles the St. Louis Cardinals have won in their formidable history, 2011's victory stands out as something different, something magical. It was the work of a team that seemingly had no business even playing in October yet one that stared down defeat over and over again, refusing to back down until the trophy was theirs.   St. Louis Post-Dispatch  columnist Benjamin Hochman offers on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes perspective as he brings to life a cast of characters including Albert Pujols in his final year as a Card, team ace Chris Carpenter, Yadier Molina showing his might both behind and at the plate, and of course the unlikely hero David Freese.   Go inside the front office to see how this roster was constructed; relive the blistering final stretch of the regular season which saw the team winning 20 of its last 28 games; experience the palpable energy of Busch Stadium during Game 6, where Hochman watched enthralled as a fan.  This is the definitive account of a championship run no Cardinals fan will ever forget. 

Genres: Baseball, Sports

240 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran home from grade school in 1967 and 1968 to watch what I could of the Cardinals when they played in the World Series. So of course I’m a DIE HARD Cardinals fan. Gotta say I loved this book. Made me tear up and often. Also made me head to YouTube so I could watch parts of the 2011 season, especially the NLDS, NLCS and WS where I teared up even more. To say I loved this book is an understatement. If you’re a Redbird fan, you gotta read this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love about a book written specifically looking at the 2011 World Series...and the improbable fact that the Cardinals were even in the post-season, let alone won the whole thing. There is no one from St. Louis that doesn't have stories about Game 6 and "where they were when the Cardinals "Just. Will Not. Go Away.""

[Ken Kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it five stars, but I’m a Cardinal fan, I think anyone would give it at least four. It’s a take on the season like I’ve never read before heartfelt, human, inspiring a enjoyable reminder of a great World Series

[Kelly White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any Cardinals fan: well written and a great look back at the Redbirds magical 2011 World Series run.

[Kimberly Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of Cardinal baseball from one of my favorite sports writers!

[Dane Nealson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to kick up my feet and relive the 2011 season all over again! Love the side stories about folks’ stories. Fans of other teams may not get it, which is fine… but I loved it.