Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
The Rally Runner jogs laps outside Busch Stadium during Cardinals home games. We asked him why.
• I never go inside the stadium. I only stay outside.
• I park my scooter under the highway and start there. I run from one end of the stadium to the other, but sometimes I mix it up and stay in front of Ballpark Village.
• A lot of fans know me, but sometimes they don’t know what to think about me. I want to bring fans together. I don’t want it to be about me.
• I’m not trying to get people’s attention. I’m there just to run while visualizing the fans cheering and clapping, at home or on TV, constantly praying. And I never give up: Even if we’re down in the 9th with two outs, I have faith that they’re going to win.
• It gets exhausting, but when the game is on I become this whole new person, ready to go and help the Cardinals however I can.
• To prepare for a game I’m always meditating, praying. Everything’s got to be cleaned in my apartment. I believe what I do is spiritual.
• I am a Cards fan. That is the main purpose. But I am also a fan of God: I’m on a mission to save lives, share the message that Jesus has with everyone at the stadium.
• I know I’m a key part in how the Cardinals do.
• Music is a big part of it. Before and during the games, I wear headphones. It motivates me. Without the music, I notice that something is missing. It can be a slow song or fast, rock, rap, or gospel—whatever at the time is motivating me.
• In 2013 and 2014, during the innings I ran, the Cards scored a run every 1.98 innings. While not running, they scored a run every 2.53. The whole purpose was to get the momentum on the Cards’ side while I run. And these stats prove that.
• I’ve had people ask me for my autograph; multiple people run up and hug me, stop me for pictures, or just to stop and ask questions. Police officers and firemen tell me, “They should be paying you for this.” This always inspires me.
• When I get home after the game, I write a journal entry. Something unique always happens. My memory is horrible, and that’s why I keep a journal. I’d love to publish my journal as a book.
• I have more faith than ever. I know they’re gonna win this year—and I’m gonna do my part to make the team better. Everything that I do in my life is in preparation for the rally run. I take this dead seriously.
