The upcoming I-70 series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals will satisfy more than a rivalry. A number of fundraising activities will raise money and awareness for Joplin relief efforts.
The series, scheduled for June 17-19 in St. Louis, will take on the theme Teams Unite For Joplin, according to a news release from Gov. Jay Nixon's office, who, along with Cardinals President William DeWitt III and players Adam Wainwright, Kyle McClellan, David Freese and other team officials, made the announcement yesterday at the Joplin Athletic Complex.
“Missourians are fortunate to not only have two Major League Baseball franchises here, but to also have two organizations that truly care about the welfare of the people of our state,” Nixon said in the release. “The annual I-70 series, always eagerly anticipated by baseball fans across the state, will be dedicated to the teams’ desire to assist the people of Joplin in their recovery efforts.
"These three days at Busch will feature both great baseball and an outpouring of support for the people of Joplin.”
DeWitt said the two teams would lay aside their rivalry to help the people of Joplin, which was struck with an EF-5 tornado May 22.
“While the Cardinals and Royals may be rivals on the field, we are united in our commitment to help Joplin,” DeWitt said in the release. “The courage, resilience and resolve of the people of Joplin are inspiring.”
During the three-game series, a number of fundraising initiatives are planned.
- Players will wear Teams Unite For Joplin commemorative patches on their uniforms honoring Joplin recovery. The patches will be available for purchase at Busch Stadium in St. Louis and Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, with proceeds to benefit Joplin relief efforts.
- Baseballs used for the first-pitch ceremony, game bases and lineup cards will utilize the Joplin logo.
- Players from both teams will autograph Joplin-related items for auction.
- During the June 19 game, a portion of proceeds from the Jerseys Off Their Back promotion will benefit Joplin.
- Messages will be relayed throughout Busch Stadium, on television and on radio encouraging fans to donate to Joplin relief.
The Cardinals also have redirected fundraising efforts of its charitable foundation, Cardinals Care, to raise money for Joplin-area children affected by the tornado, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]
