ballparks
ballparks
My first experience with the Cards was on an early ElmiDATE tour in the summer of 2002 against the Mets (I went again on September 30, 2004). I had just come back from my honeymoon in Fiji. An what better place to go than St. Louis, right?
Production Manager Steve Klein and I decided to go to the game since he was staying across the street at the swanky “W” Hotel. We worked our way down to the field level and met an usher who was a huge ElimiDATE fan. He placed us in the front row right behind the visitor’s dugout. Outrageous! After the game, Cardinals player Pina was pouring drinks for charity at the “W.” I ordered a beer (Budweiser, of course) from him. No story here. Just thought I’d mention a MLB player poured me a beer.
And speaking of beer, that was the same week I tried Fat Tire for the first time. Side note... Sorry, Busch folks!
The old Busch Stadium wasn’t much to look at. Perfectly circular, it’s greatest asset was it could hold a lot of people on it’s many levels. Mostly made of cement, the narrow arches at the top were it’s only defining architectural accent. I guess they sorta mirrored the Gateway Arch, just a mile away.
Even with the bland look, there may be no other park with such rabid fans. They love the Cards in the 314. It’s nuts. After a few Busch beers (1st time trying that crap), I was into the Cards too. They’ve been fortunate to have some great teams the last few years, and put on a good fight every game.
We had so much fun, we came back on September 30, 2004, to try it again. Our trusty PA Joe came along to join the fun and drink beer with us (see photo at top).
Can’t wait to try the new park. Should be a better facility for the best fans in baseball.
St. Louis Cardinals - Busch Memorial Stadium (Old Busch Stadium)
Friday, August 9, 2002