it means more, part II

If this week of baseball didn't hit you straight in the heart, then your absence of natural human emotion worries me, and I advise you to seek professional help. 

May 8, 2018. Stephen Piscotty was always one of my favorite current Cardinals, right from the beginning. I remember begging my parents to go to an Iowa Cubs game, just to see him play in the minor leagues.

I also don't do well with trades, or drastic things happening. When Joe Kelly was traded to the Red Sox, I saw a note of it on Twitter, confirmed it with SportsCenter, and proceeded to curl up in the fetal position on my bed. I'm not kidding.

When Adam Wainwright tore his achilles and it was announced he would be sidelined for the entire season, I, again, retreated to my bed and told everyone to leave me alone until he was better again.

But, the Stephen Piscotty trade didn't force me into depression (and not just because I've gotten over being that dramatic).

You've heard the story, and if you didn't know it before you do now. SportsCenter published a video on the Piscotty family, and the offseason trade from St. Louis to their hometown of Oakland, California.

Gretchen, Stephen's mother, passed away on Sunday night. The day this video was published.

The outpouring from the community of Major League Baseball was astonishing.

But even more so, the heartbreak and solidarity from a fanbase that no-longer has the chance to cheer for the Piscotty name every day.

A trade that went far beyond the game of baseball, and everyone knew it.

So, when Stephen Piscotty traded in his red #55 for a green and yellow #25, I felt not only happiness for the outfielder I so long called my favorite player, but pride in the Cardinals organization.

On May 8 (yesterday, technically, depending on where you are), Stephen Piscotty stepped up to the plate in his first at bat since his mother's passing. And it's.... yeah.

Que the tears.

Piscotty, who has given his all to the game of baseball, has given even more to his family and the ones who raised him.

A's fans, you gained a good one, but for an even better reason.