TWELFTH MAN

Aside from injuries to Jack Clark and Terry Pendleton, the Cardinals were hamstrung in their attempt to win another World Series in the 80's because of a twelfth man--the HH Dome. The noise in the hankie dome was so loud that pitcher Joe Magrane wore ear plugs in his lone start in Minnesota.

It was a series where the home team won every game. Unfortunately, the Twinkies had yet another home field advantage for the junior circuit and took the series 4-3. The twelfth man was responsible for the difference.

I've seen the twelfth man at South Seven basketball be responsible for so many victories that none particularly stand out. Vernois, later Chagnon Gym was a great example with Chaos Corner. Orphan Town in Centralia held a similar advantage. The Benton Rangers in their old band box also benefitted from home court advantage.

In colleges the scene is played out over and over. The Cameron Crazies are the best examples, although I'll never figure out the standing and bouncing up and down throughout the whole game. For what purpose? But they're loyal as are a host of other college fans.

So don't think the C-attle CHawk fans have any hold on the 12th man thing. And in an outdoor stadium? No way. A dome will always be louder because of acoustics. Ricky Proehl's catch in the St. Louis game vs. Tampa at the ED was the loudest I've ever witnessed. The catch that put the Rams in the Super Bowl brought out a thunderous noise, a din that lasted so long at fervor pitch.

The twelfth man has ruled for a long time. That's why they play home and away games. And why home is so sweet at home.