2022 St. Louis Cardinals are the most fun team in franchise history

Growing up watching the St. Louis Cardinals, there are few organizations that sustain success like the Redbirds do. It makes for a great time when you know your team will be in contention year in and year out.  With two World Series titles in my lifetime and countless deep playoff runs, the Cardinals know how to keep this fan interested.

So many factors contribute to enjoying the product on a baseball field. As much as fans want to see their club do well, it is always nice when it’s paired with an exciting team as well. Team performance, especially compared to expectations, is a key indicator of fan engagement. Things like great personalities, team identity, club legends, newcomers, and more also play into making baseball fun for all.

In the case of the 2022 St. Louis Cardinals, I can make the argument that this is the most fun team to watch in franchise history. No, there is not an argument for this being the “best” team in club history, but to say the joy being brought to fans by this team is unlike any we have ever seen may be hitting the nail on the head.

Here’s why the 2022 St. Louis Cardinals are the most fun team in franchise history

Consider all of the factors at play here. Club legends (Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and possibly Adam Wainwright) are calling it a career after this season and each are playing a huge role in the success of this ball club. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado are having MVP level seasons. Rookies such as Nolan Gorman and Brendan Donovan are making major impacts. The club has the most top 100 prospects in the game. Up and down the organization, there is a lot to celebrate.

As of Aug. 22, the club has a 5 game lead in the division and is playing their best baseball down the stretch. Trade deadline moves have boomed for the club and launched them from a fringe playoff team to a legit contender. Manger Oli Marmol appears to be the right leader for this group and the man for the job for years to come.

Even when St. Louis is on the road, the excitement of this team can be felt in opposing stadiums. Cardinal fans fill the seats of their opponents ballparks, and even rival fans have to give it up for what they are seeing from specifically, Pujols.

While one could argue that a World Series team will always be the most fun group of players, there is something special and unique about this group of players. There is a clear sense of joy in the clubhouse, and the bonds these guys are forming is contagious for all who watch them.

I anticipate this group will continue to compete and give fans plenty of reason to cheer for the remainder of the season. No matter how this season ends though, this is already an unforgettable group that will be talked about for decades to come. This season could have gone so many different directions, but this has been an electric group that has blown away expectations.