Through The Eyes Of A Life-Long Fan What The 2020 Cardinals Performance Would Have Meant To Local B.J. Boyer Dedicated To “B.J.”, Billy Joe Boyer (1956-2019)

Sometimes certain people that you have the privilege to meet throughout the course of your lifetime leave lasting impressions. Some people that you come across have a more meaningful effect than just two conversations and a goodbye. As for Billy Joe Boyer, he was one of those that you never forgot. With a smile, you greeted your friend and, for us, a baseball conversation was guaranteed to follow. I had the opportunity to attend the Baseball Writers Association Winter Warmup Dinner two years ago this January. While there, B.J. approached Bengie Molina for me and got my first ever autographed baseball. He also spent the night taking coverage photos of the very event for the newspaper. That was a moment that I surely would never forget, and is just a testimony to how great of a guy Billy Joe truly was. Nearly two weeks ago on October 15th marked one year since the passing of a good friend. Now, as I dedicate this article to a good friend and even greater Cardinal Fan, I hope that I at least capture a glimpse of what 2020 would have been like “Through The Eyes of Billy Joe Boyer.”

The 2020 St. Louis Cardinals were no doubt a feel-good story. After being sidelined for a period of time with COVID-19, the team was shut down. I have no doubt in my mind that our friend would have watched the events unfold, take it for what it was, but know that “they will be back.” In terms of individualized performances, B.J. was always a fan of Veteran Adam Wainwright. Given the circumstances, Waino turned in a decent season with a 5-3 record and a 3.15 ERA. Knowing the type of person that Billy Joe was, I can guarantee that he would have great things to say about the righty. There is no doubt that in some pitching sense, Wainwright was able to carry his team most of the way in 2020. 

Matt Carpenter and Yadier Molina were some other favorites of his. While neither of them had phenomenal seasons at the plate, they did still make the key defensive plays when they mattered most. Yadi was still able to drive in 16 runs within the shortened season. Carpenter had his fair share of RBI’s as well when they counted. One specific name that would have exited our friend Billy Joe would have been Alex Reyes. B.J. watched Reyes burst onto the scene his rookie year and even followed him within the minor league system. While Reyes was unable to stay healthy at first, Billy Joe knew that he was a special arm; he even told me so multiple times. 2020 was Alex’s first real healthy season and B.J. would have been watching his performances with anticipation. Reyes, while sporting a high ERA, was electric in most spots during the shortened season. He even netted a save along the way. 

The newly enacted rule changes implemented by MLB in 2020 were ones that I believe would have resulted in an opinion or two from Billy Joe. For example, the runner on second base to start the inning in extras. I’m not so sure our friend would have been a fan of the idea, but I know he would have found a silver-lining behind its intention. Another implementation that would have left for an interesting reaction, was the DH in the National League. I am wholeheartedly convinced that the strategy behind the pitcher hitting in the NL was a favorite of Billy Joe’s. I’m not so certain he would have loved the idea of the DH at this very point in time. As long as it didn’t carry over into 2021, I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded. Just as long as he got his baseball. (I second that!)

In terms of the team’s fortunes, Billy Joe would have been thrilled to see his team make it to the playoffs after all they had been forced to overcome early on. The Red Birds losing in the Wild Card Series 2-1 to the San Diego Padres would have upset B.J., but he would have looked toward the next season with excitement and pride. It was going to be a new chance. A new opportunity for his Red Birds. 

There is absolutely ZERO doubt; Billy Joe Boyer loved his Cardinals. As we remember a great man, let’s also remember all that he loved, cherished, and stood for. 2021 is for you, Billy Joe.