Cards Vs. Cards

SBJ Staff

Posted online April 9, 2006 | 11:00 pm

April 4 was a big day for the St. Louis Cardinals organization, as the Double-A Springfield Cardinals faced the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in the first game at the new $365 million Busch Stadium.

The park is not totally finished – work continues on sections of the stadium, including the left field upper deck.

A statue of Cardinals great Stan “the Man” Musial, below, stands guard outside the gate near third base.

At right, the stadium’s first official pitch was delivered by Sidney Ponson to Memphis Redbird Shaun Boyd. Ponson will be a starting pitcher for the big-league club but was pitching on assignment for Springfield.

Pictured below, Springfield General Manager Matt Gifford, middle, made an appearance in the booth with Fox Sports Midwest announcers Al Hrabosky and Dan McLaughlin.

The new Busch Stadium, right, offers visitors unique views of the St. Louis skyline, including its most recognizable landmark: the Arch. [[In-content Ad]]