So who says miracles don’t happen any more? Our ancestors had the Parting of the Red Sea, and we had the Party of the Sea of Red after the Cards beat the Texas Rangers last week to win the 2011 World Series in one of the most exciting events in baseball’s storied history.

During this incredible post-season, in which the St. Louis Cardinals, who were written off in mid-August, went all the way to win their 11th World Series Championship, I found myself constantly missing the late, great Marty Hendin, the long time Cards vice president for communications. For 35 years, Hendin had the dream job of working for the team he loved since childhood, making sure the myriad details of promoting the St. Louis Cardinals during good times and challenging times were attended to professionally. He was always the quintessential mensch of the media.

I firmly believe that if there is a World to Come for baseball, then Busch Stadium this past week was its “Garden of Eden,” an Earthly Paradise that came together during Game Six. It came during a week in which the Torah Portion was Bereshit, or Genesis, when the work of Creation was completed on the Sixth Day. And if anyone deserves to dwell in that Baseball World to Come, it is the neshama, the great soul of Marty Hendin, who was taken from our mortal midst on Jan. 12, 2008, at the much too young age of 59.

He survived by his mother, Pearl Hendin; his wife, Ronna Hendin and a son, Rob Hendin; daughter-in-law Lauren Aronson and a sister, Linda Harber. Hendin’s passing was also a sad day for thousands of friends, professional associates and countless fans in Cardinal Nation, and many charitable organizations whose lives he touched in so many ways, and for Congregation B’nai El, where he was a longtime, loyal member.

Bill DeWitt, chairman of the St. Louis Cardinals, said at the time of Hendin’s passing, “If you were a Cardinals fan over the past 35 years, there was a good chance you had either met Marty Hendin or heard his name. He was friends with everyone from Hall of Famers to the casual fan.”

Similar words of respect and affection were expressed by Mark Lamping, the president of the St. Louis Cardinals as well as Frank Cusamano, veteran sports reporter for KSDK Channel 5 and Mike Shannon, the radio voice of the Red Birds. Alice S. Handelman, then president of the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis, said, “Marty Hendin was one of the most incredible and influential people in the St. Louis media.” An editorial in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch was headlined, “The Great Hendini.” I titled a tribute to Marty, “The Fan for All Seasons.” He was all of the above and more.

The funeral service at Congregation B’nai El, where Rabbi Daniel Plotkin officiated, was one of the largest in its long history. Numerous top officials with the Cardinals organization were among those who offered eulogies to Marty’s professionalism, his warm sense of humor, his many acts of kindness and support of community causes.

Among those causes was Legal Advocates for Abused Women. I had the honor of being board president of LAAW when Hendin was a longtime member and chair of its Public Relations Committee. At every meeting, he had creative ideas about how to make this vital organization more visible to the entire community.

Hendin himself would have been somewhat uncomfortable with all the attention his life and remarkable career generated. He was adamant about never seeking recognition for himself. He made important exceptions in allowing himself to be honored by Legal Advocates for Abused Women to help raise funds and awareness for the cause, and accepted being honored by B’nai B’rith St. Louis, which bestowed on him its prestigious Guardian of the Menorah Award, an event coordinated skillfully by his friend Marci Rosenberg. Among the speakers at that event was legendary former Cards General Manager Vaughn T. “Bing” Devine.

I was also serving as President of the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis when the board voted to present Hendin with its highest honor, the Media Person of the Year Award. Despite our “full court press” to get him to accept, he reluctantly but firmly turned it down, stressing that his role was to make the Cardinals look good, not himself. But Hendin indeed looked good to his adoring friends and everyone associated with what has come to be called the Cardinal Nation, in large part due to his tireless efforts. He worked with synagogues and temples for an Annual Jewish Community Day at Busch Stadium, which included a kosher hot dog stand and the national anthem being sung by the St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music, made up of local cantors and musical directors.

Even though Marty Hendin was not around to in person to enjoy this latest World Series win, I have no doubt that his vibrant soul was there to savor every minute. I can hear him cheer when Albert Pujols tied Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson by hitting three homers in a single World Series game; when local boy David Freese iced the game- winning homer in game 6 and took two MVP titles, and was most pleased that Tony LaRussa had perhaps the most visible fun during his 33rd year of management.

As if there was not enough to process during this roller coaster Championship Season, La Russa made the stunning announcement Monday that he intends to retire after 16 years as Cardinals manager. The often controversial La Russa made the wise decision to literally leave at the top of his game with the roar of the crowds still fresh.  Marty Hendin, who would have loved this recent World Series, along with the ensuing parade and FANfare, would have handled these events with his usual professionalism and aplomb.  And like La Russa, Hendin left at the top of his game.  We know that his spirit continues to reside at Busch Stadium and that wonderful soul will for sure be back next year.

Yes, Marty Hendin, The “Great Hendini,” the “Fan for All Seasons” was there for every play, every error and every hit and homer. If anyone deserves such a reward on the Baseball World to Come, Marty Hendin certainly did!