The Stars are old, that stood for me —
The West a little worn —
Yet newer glows the only Gold
I ever cared to earn —
Presuming on that lone result
Her infinite disdain
But vanquished her with my defeat
’Twas Victory was slain.
Emily Dickinson
The year was 1996. Ozzie Smith was about to begin his final year as Major Leaguer. Willie McGee had just rejoined the Cardinals to ride into the sunset of his career.