Baseball Tour: St. Louis

The baseball tour rolls on in spite of the belief that this summer would be an "off" year. I have friends from central Illinois to thank for making a tour stop happen this summer. On August 21st, my friends and I visited Busch Stadium part III for the Cardinals vs. Giants. As Cardinal fans, my friends have been there several times. Me, this was my first visit.

Busch Stadium is right out of the modern mold of the retro stadium expect that this style is no longer retro (over use). The overall appearance of the stadium was good, especially the brick work. The open view exposes the surrounding skyline including the spectacular Arch. Just like Cincinnati, this new ballpark is far and away better that the previous one. The concrete donuts were just dumb construction and an eye sore artistically.

Anyway, we had a great time. Along with our game tickets, we received pre-game passes to Founders Day Appreciation. This experience was a real treat. We enjoyed on-field access where we walked along the warning track; circling the playing field, then explored both home and visitor dugouts. The St. Louis ball club was even so kind to serve lunch free. All-you-can-eat lunch! All together, I ate 2 hot dogs, 1 brat, 1 box of popcorn, 2 cokes and a novelty ice cream. I had a snack later during the game. Throw in the fact that I retrieved 3 player autographs and this experience was terrific. Nothing like going to the ballpark with friends.

Thanks guys! I can cross another major league city from the list.