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We had a chance to catch up with St. Louis Cardinals All-Time Saves Leader and Hall of Fame Inductee, Jason Isringhausen, near his home town of Brighton, Illinois. A local guy who grew up idolizing the 1980s Cardinals players, some of whom he will now share the same Hall of Famer distinction.

In the crowded Edwardsville HotShots, Jason told Dan that although he has some notes jotted down, he doesn’t want to think about the HOF speech until it is very close. He’ll be battling a lump in his throat that day so he’s trying not to stress about it just yet.

Reflecting back on his start in professional baseball, a personal phone call from Bill Dewitt Jr. made him change his mind about signing with the Rangers. An absurd number to him at the time, a “million dollars” was what he asked for to join the St. Louis team. Although he said he’d have been a Cardinal if they offered him only a hundred. Jason reminisced about the “Pond Scum” Mets that his family, in particular his grandma, had to learn to love since they originally drafted him. Jason said he owes so much to the Mets and Billie Bean with the Oakland As. He wouldn’t usually call himself a crier but Jason said once he sees his family there on that Induction Day, he won’t rule it out. Because his family has been through so much, seeing them will be the most important part of that day for him.

Speaking of going through a lot, Jason has undergone 18 surgeries related to baseball. Two knees, his back, his hip, 3 Tommy Johns, 6 on his elbow and more. Currently, he says, “The only thing that doesn’t hurt is his elbow.”

Overcoming stressful situations was a big part of Jason’s baseball career. When asked how he handled the blown saves and bad outings he said, “I knew the sun would come out tomorrow and Tony would put me right back in there.” He said sometimes he thought Tony Larussa had more confidence in him than he had in himself. Even when Jason wasn’t feeling his best, Tony would rely on him for a good outing. It might have taken “an extra pill or extra shot, but he would get out there for the guys.”

Being a local guy, the rough outings were difficult for some of his family and friends. Jason dreaded the phone calls from his dad the day after a mishap because he knew his dad was getting flack for it. Jason’s mom hasn’t been back to a game since and some of his friends were known to use choice words in the stands to his defense.

It’s not a save that gets Jason’s vote for his favorite memory though. It’s quite the memorable NLCS win he tallied against Houston in October 2005 the night Albert Pujols hit a bomb off the “unhittable” Brad Lidge. Jason pitched both the 8th and 9th innings of that game to help the Cardinals cement the win, although it couldn’t get them to take the series.

Since Jason is working in the Cardinals organization currently,

The Cardinals Hall Of Fame weekend is upon us and it’s a celebration of the game, team, and players that we love.  Mort Cooper, Scott Rolen, and Jason Isringhausen are headed into the Cards HOF.  In this podcast, I visit with Brian Finch of the Cards HOF and Museum and the man that puts on a great show for the induction ceremonies.  This visit gets into what the day is all about, the history of the inductees, and how fans can get involved.  Enjoy.

Insider details about the MLS announcement and Don Garber's comments about the city during his latest visit. Local ownership with a determination and Andy Taylor looking Don Garber in the eye with a promise. Ben Frederickson talks  about the behind-the-scenes event this week plus XFL plans, Yadi calling homeruns, Matt Carpenter on the bench and more.

The Cardinals continue their stretch of games against teams outside the playoff picture and welcome the Colorado Rockies to town for a four game series at Busch Stadium. With the Nationals heading to Wrigley for three games against the Cubs, can the Cardinals take advantage of a spark at the top of their order and a sputtering Rockies pitching staff? Chris Hrabe previews the series.

In this week's "Tony Talk", Martin and Tony dig in on the state of the game and the recent criticism there's not enough action.  How can the home run fixation be fixed? Also, when is it ok to take a pitcher out with a no-hitter still in tact?  Plus, remembering the night Bud Smith and Jose Jimenez made history with the Cardinals.

Brian Walton talks to us about the Hall of Fame inductees, updates on Jake Woodford, Lane Thomas, more minor league info and a great giveaway for Cardinals fans on thecardinalnation.com

The Cardinals face the Brewers six times over the next week and a half, and have a chance to put some ground between themselves and a Milwaukee team that has hovered around .500 since the All Star Break. Chris Hrabe previews the series.

So much to cover with John Mozeliak this morning. We talk about the road-trip, the upcoming Hall of Fame announcement, and what will happen with Lane Thomas and Randy Arozarena? Mo gives us an update on discussing if Ozuna will come back to play for St. Louis. Also, what is the latest good news on Austin Gomber? How about Alex Reyes' health? Listen here:

Reds Hall Of Fame Broadcaster, Marty Brennaman is retiring after this season.  I had the chance to visit with his son, Thom, to find out why and what makes him one of the best to ever do the craft of play-by-play.  Enjoy my visit with Thom.

A good week and a great year thus far for St. Louis sports. Fans are celebrating a Stanley Cup win for the Blues and an expected announcement next week that the city will be awarded its first MLS team. Ben Frederickson talks about what the announcement event will be like. What will the atmosphere be for the sports fans? Why did MLS decide on St. Louis? What the local ownership group offered was too good to turn down. The homegrown efforts to get this team have been impressive and Dan talks about the philanthropy. We also talk about the next steps for building the stadium and more details.

Ben Fred says "Hell hath no fury like a scorned St. Louis sports fan," so its reinvigorating to see the city with three professional teams again. He hopes that this proves that the Rams were dead wrong in challenging the dedication of fans in this city. Dan talks about why he got behind the effort in the first place and what he's learned since being on the sideline of this push.

What about the team name, colors, logo, etc.? Ben Fred talks about what he knows and doesn't. What role and relationship will St. Louis FC play?

We turn to baseball talk and the firing Mark Budaska. What does Ben Fred think was the reason and will it help the offense? What will the Cardinals have to do to make the playoffs?