Photography by Billy Hurst, courtesy of St. Louis Cardinals
It’s a big weekend for Cardinals fans: The Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up 2023 is back and in person, January 14–16. The longstanding event is a way to engage with the team and to support the philanthropic arm of the organization. Here's what to know before you go.
The Venue
Newly housed at Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village in its 26th year, the event features merchandise, tours, autographs, and more, including the opportunity for photos with the ever-charming Fredbird. The new location allows fans to spread out and to see more of the excitement behind the scenes.
“As part of your Winter Warmup ticket this year, you have access to our museum and a tour of the clubhouse, which is not available any other time throughout the season,” says Michael Hall, executive director of Cardinals Care and vice president of community relations.
Photography by Dan Donovan, courtesy of St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-Up on January 20, 2020.
The Players & Autographs
The biggest draw may come as no surprise. “The players,” says Hall. “It’s really neat to see kids—little kids, high school kids. They’re waiting in line, and they get up in front of their player and get an autograph," says Hall. It’s only a minute or two, but they get to say hi or look them in the eye. They light up!”
A new system has also been put in place to help expedite wait times for autographs, after hearing feedback from fans about time spent in line for autographs during previous years. Autograph tickets now include a number, and ticket holders only need to join the line when their group is called, rather than lining up at the beginning of the window. (It’s kind of like airline boarding groups.) Check the website for autograph pricing and schedules.
“If you have an autograph ticket and you are here, you’re going to get your autograph,” says Hall. "You don’t have to worry about ‘I have to be there—I have to get in line.’ You’re not going to miss it. Folks will know when to get in line.”
The event will also have TVs and sound throughout the entire footprint, so there’s no need to worry about missing anything. If you’re checking out merchandise and your favorite player comes to the stage, then you’ll still see it. Hall says the Q&As are also a great opportunity for fans to communicate directly with the front office, including the owner and president. It’s also a chance to see a more casual side of players—typically for media interviews they are either getting ready to do their jobs or have just done their jobs. “It’s a more relaxed interview,” he says.
The Cause
It’s the single biggest fundraiser for the Cardinals Care foundation, which helps local youth engage with baseball through teams, fields, and other opportunities.
“All of the proceeds from the event go to the foundation,” says Hall. “It sets the year off for us in general. It’s the first time the players are back in town. We have alumni in town. Hall of Famers are in town.” Consider it a homecoming of sorts.
