What is The Cardinals?

One of Henry's distinguishing traits is his obsession with the Cardinals, and this dedication to the team is symbolized by the faded red Cardinals jersey that Henry wears throughout the novel. The Cardinals, indeed, stand for the highest form of success for Henry, and are his ideal destination in the major leagues. Yet even when Henry is at his worst, his loyalty to the Cardinals remains one of the staples of his identity--a fundamental part of who he is. Late in the novel, Mike catches a glimpse of "A figure in a faded red T-shirt" (391): Henry himself, his talents and self-discipline in question but his team affiliation still strong.