It’s difficult to imagine a hot summer night as snow flurries fall on St. Louis.
But give it a shot, as we talk about the upcoming St. Louis Cardinals season.
If the Redbirds post a sub-.500 season as they just might in 2008, tickets might be easier to come by after the All-Star break.
But there will be the usual frenzy come Friday (Feb. 29) when single-game tickets go on sale at the Busch Stadium box office and online at stlcardinals.com.
The closest thing to a black player the Cardinals have as of this final week of February is manager Tony La Russa’s bizarre fascination with possibly bringing Barry Bonds to town.
But there are some players and teams that black fans can find interest, and might want to target for potential ticket purchases.
The Milwaukee Brewers will battle the Chicago Cubs for the National League Central Division title with four starting black players.
As Mike Cameron sits out the season’s first 25 games for violating the performance enhancing drugs policy, a black player – Chris Gwynn, will most likely replace him. Gwynn is Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn’s son.
Also in the Brewers starting lineup will be first baseman Prince Fielder, third baseman Bill Hall and second baseman Rickie Weeks.
The Brewers come to St. Louis April 15-17, July 21-24 and August 26-27.
Next on the black baseball fan profile would be a visit by Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Howard is primed to pursue the 62 home-run plateau in 2008. This would make him the “true” single-season home-run record holder, as both Mark McGwire’s 70 in 1998 and Barry Bonds’ 73 in 2000 are tainted by steroid use.
Yes, Tony, McGwire used steroids.
In fact, Howard and National League MVP Jeffrey Rollins come to St. Louis twice this season.
Philadelphia is here June 13-15 and return August 1-3. By August, Howard’s pursuit of the home-run mark could be as hot as that summer night we’re dreaming of right now.
Dusty Baker is the National League’s lone black manager, and he will bring his Cincinnati Reds to St. Louis April 28-30 and Sept. 26-28.
Yes, tickets are expensive at Busch Stadium. But the view from the higher sections of the stadium isn’t horrible, especially when you’re financing a family trip.
Price wise, the best bet is an outfield terrace reserved ticket for $16. The children’s price is $7.
Pavilion reserved seats are $20, with a children’s price of $9. A bit more pricey are the infield terrace reserved seats, which are $25 with a $9 children’s price.
Children’s pricing is for ages 15 and under for all 81 home games – including premium games like the Cubs. Fans age 3 and under do not require a ticket, provided they sit on an adult’s lap
Keep in mind, it cost about $10 on average to see a movie in the evening and the children’s price is around $5.
No, it’s not a bargain. But a Cardinals game is still a fine way for families to spend an evening together.
And the region’s black community could use as many peaceful nights together as possible.