The only people left

Hard rain fell throughout the St. Louis Cardinals' victory over their World Series opponent, and whereas it had not affected the game played in an indoor version of Busch Stadium, the dressing room and adjacent media facilities were flooded.

Rock and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Cardinals beat writer—the only reporters there—waded through a foot of water. Lights remained on, but Cardinals media personnel were unable to print box scores or play-by-play sheets. It was a nightmarish circumstance, particularly for the St. Louis writer, who seemed put out by Rock's lack of concern.

"Man, I'm just here to write a follow-up," Rock said. "We'll probably use your game story."

It seemed as if he and the other reporter were the only people left at the stadium, and Rock realized that even a feature story for later in the week would be difficult to complete. He also began to worry that the paper might have expected a game story from him. It was late, at least eleven o'clock at night, and he couldn't remember a single play from the game. Indeed, Rock knew he had failed to watch any of it.