Sunday, the Cardinals hosted an event for bloggers who write about the team, and it definitely was a first-class event all the way.

Just having the opportunity to enter the actual team offices for an MLB team is exciting, and not something every fan gets to do. A very long time ago (1988, to be exact) I had an internship with the Chicago Cubs and it was a daily thrill to walk into Wrigley Field. So I had a frame of reference for how the Cardinals offices stack up against the Cubs. And given that one ballpark opened in 2006 and the other in 1914, not a surprise which was nicer.

Once we entered the ballpark on Sunday, we had time to mingle in the Cardinals conference center before the program began. Just wandering around and looking at the memorabilia was a great way to pass the time — terrific framed photos, plus two walls filled with framed and signed certificates from the National League that officially verify the years the Cardinals won the division, NL pennant or World Series. Very impressive! Who knew that these actually existed? (I wonder why I never saw any of these at Wrigley Field?)

Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak

Then it was time for the program to begin. After an introduction by Melody Yount, the Cardinals manager of media relations and new media, Cards general manager John Mozeliak joined us. He spoke for a bit about the team, then took some questions. Here are highlights:

• “The key thing for us is going to have to be pitching.”
• “As we move forward, we’re going to remain committed to our core.”
• The minor league system is as strong as it’s been since he joined the Cardinals in 1995.
• On Albert’s contract: “We’re still hopeful we can get something done. We have to do what’s best for the organziation and keep that in mind.”
• On the season outlook: “I’m feeling pretty good about the club, but it’s a season where we’re going to have to have a lot of things go right for us.”
• “The game of baseball is played over the course of 162 games. After two games, you can’t go changing the direction.”

Following Mo’s Q/A, we heard from Derek Throneburg, director of ticket development, about the new dynamic pricing for tickets and the 1120 ticket program.

After a stroll through the Redbird Club, it was on to the party suites to watch the game. Happily, my ticket that featured Chris Carpenter’s picture was for the Bob Gibson suite, which featured framed photos of Gibby on the walls. We were treated to complimentary food (including some incredible brownies) and beverages throughout the game.

There were Cardinals personnel in the suite throughout the game, and talking with them was another opportunity not usually available. In addition, Fox Sports Midwest broadcaster Jim Hayes stopped in so I had the chance to meet and talk with him. Also, thanks to Daniel Shoptaw, I found out that my favorite feature with Jim — his innings spent in the broadcast booth with Dan McLaughlin and Al Hrabosky — would indeed be returning this season. (It was actually difficult not to laugh when Daniel intentionally asked this question while I was standing there, since he knows my dislike of the awkward banter during these innings. But at least now I’m prepared.)

Then there was this special guest.

Fredbird!

Yes, Fredbird was quite the hit with all of us.

Given the visitors to the suite, I didn’t actually watch too much of the game (which is unfortunate, because it was an incredible performance by Jaime Garcia — but I have the DVR version to watch now). When I did watch for a bit, I noticed something entertaining about our favorite right fielder, Lance Berkman.

One of the things I’ve always loved about being at a game is the chance to see what you aren’t able to on television — like players’ idiosyncrasies. Going back to my Cub fan days again, once I noticed that Ryne Sandberg would make a sweeping motion in the dirt with first one foot and then the other after every single pitch, I had to watch him do that every game. Similarly, LB has his own quirk after virtually every pitch that I quickly noticed (since he was directly in front of our seats in the right field corner). He walks around in a circle. See the pics for proof.

LB walking toward the outfield wall ...

... and back in again

Yay for Aerys Sports writers!

Of the many great things about the day, seeing old friends and having the chance to meet long-time Twitter friends/fellow Cards bloggers in person was another highlight — too bad the time together was so short. And getting to share the day with fellow Aerys Sports writer (and die-hard Cards fan) Ann Warner at our favorite place was definitely awesome!

Of course, it’s always a wonderful day when you can spend it at Busch Stadium, especially when the Cardinals win. But the extra opportunities available thanks to the Cardinals staff at this game made it an unforgettable day.

Christine Coleman is the lead writer for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or e-mail aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.

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