Discover the secrets behind baseball's most successful franchise!Taking Flightdelves into the rich history and winning culture of the St. Louis Cardinals, revealing the key ingredients that have made them a perennial contender.
Veteran sportswriter Rob Rains uncovers the untold stories of influential figures like George Kissell and Dave Ricketts, whose dedication and expertise shaped generations of Cardinals players and managers. Explore the team's innovative player development system, its shrewd scouting strategies, and the unwavering commitment to a team-first philosophy.
From legendary leaders to unsung heroes,Taking Flightcelebrates the people and principles that have propelled the Cardinals to the pinnacle of baseball success. Learn how the team identifies, nurtures, and empowers talent, creating a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond the field. This is a must-read for baseball fans, sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration from a true dynasty.
Rob Rainsis the author of 31 books, mostly on baseball and many about the St. Louis Cardinals. His list of biographies or autobiographies of Cardinals includes Tony La Russa, Albert Pujols, Mark McGwire, Jack Buck, Red Schoendienst, and Ozzie Smith. He is a lifetime member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and a lifetime member of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Whitey Herzogmanaged the St. Louis Cardinals to three World Series appearances during the 1980s. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
*Renowned for strong support from fans, the Cardinals routinely see annual attendance among the league's highest. They are consistently ranked among the top three in MLB in local television ratings.*The 2014 average game attendance was 43,712, the second highest in the league. Total 2014 attendance was 3,540,649.*The Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships, second only to the New York Yankees' 27.*The CardinallÓ4
![Taking Flight: The St. Louis Cardinals and the Building of Baseball's Best Franchise [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/9/9/5/2_6890596.jpg "Taking Flight: The St. Louis Cardinals and the Building of Baseball's Best Franchise [Hardcover]")