Winter Warm-Up Kicks off 2013 Cardinals season

The annual Winter Warm-Up officially kicks off the 2013 season for the St. Louis Cardinals. The schedule for this weekend is below the cut.

17^th ANNUAL WINTER WARM-UP TO KICK OFF 2013 SEASON

Details on How Fans Can Enjoy the Holiday Weekend Highlighted by Autographs, the Cardinals Caravan and BBWAA Dinner

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (January 17, 2013) – The 17^th annual Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up (#WWU), the Cardinals Caravan (#CardsCaravan) and the 55^th annual St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner highlight a busy Cardinals-themed holiday weekend that unofficially kicks off the 2013 baseball season.

Winter Warm-Up – the largest fundraising effort for the team’s charitable fund, Cardinals Care – returns to the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch Saturday, January 19^th through Monday, January 21^st (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) with appearances by a variety of current and former Cardinals players. In addition to familiar favorites, fans will have their first opportunity to greet offseason acquisition Randy Choate and the team’s 2012 first-round Draft pick, Michael Wacha. Both are scheduled to appear on Saturday.

“Winter Warm-Up is our favorite way to bring together players and fans as we work to care for kids in the community,” said Michael Hall, Vice-President of Community Relations and Executive Director of Cardinals Care. “Not only is the event a fun-filled weekend with something for everyone to enjoy, our fans are helping us make a real difference throughout Cardinal Nation.”

For Winter Warm-Up information, and to learn more about Cardinals Care, visit cardinals.com/winterwarmup.

The Cardinals Caravan departs Busch Stadium on Friday morning and makes 19 stops in four states along five routes before returning to St. Louis Monday night. For complete information on all caravan stops, visit cardinals.com/caravan.

The 55^th annual Baseball Writers Dinner will take place at the St. Louis Millennium Hotel on Sunday night. Fans will enjoy a night of fun and entertainment as the dinner celebrates and honors several members of the 2012 Cardinals that advanced to the National League Championship Series for a second straight season. Highlighting the evening will be the writers’ presentation of the St. Louis Baseball Man of the Year award to Yadier Molina.

Below are the complete highlights of the 2013 Winter Warm-Up:

Friday, January 18, 2013

Will Call: The Will Call ticket window at the Hyatt Regency will be open from noon to 7 p.m.
Cardinals Caravan Kicks Off: Stops in Springfield, Mo., Champaign, Ill., Decatur, Ill., Mexico, Mo. and Jefferson City, Mo. kick off the 2013 Cardinals Caravan.

Saturday, January 19, 2013 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

2013 Cardinals Autographs: Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Matt Holliday, Adron Chambers, Jaime Garcia, Randy Choate, Michael Wacha and more.
Cardinals Alumni Autographs: Jack Clark, Ryan Franklin, Brad Thompson, Mark Whiten and more.
Dugout Presentations: “Practical Care for Your Collections” with Paula Homan, Amy Berra and Linda Landry at 10 a.m.; a history of the St. Louis Giants Negro Leagues baseball team with Dwayne Isgrig at 11:30 a.m.; a Q&A with Cardinals GM John Mozeliak (takes place in Parkview on Floor 4) at noon; a Cardinals ticket sales and marketing presentation with Vice President Joe Strohm at 1 p.m.; and the ins and outs of the “Cardinals Draft Process” from Director of Scouting Dan Kantrovitz at 2:30 p.m.
Clubhouse Presentations: Meet the members of Team Fredbird at 10 a.m.; hear Cardinals Farm Director John Vuch discuss the organization’s minor league system at 11 a.m.; learn about the “Birds on the Bat,” a review of the Cardinals uniform past to present by Brian Finch of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum at noon; view live demonstrations of the Weatherbird from Post-Dispatch artist Dan Martin at 2 p.m.; and enjoy “Collecting Sports Memorabilia” with collector Dave Jackson at 3 p.m.
Main Stage: Throughout the day, the Main Stage will feature a number of live emceed interviews. Scheduled emcees are KMOV’s Claire Kellet from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. including an interview with team president Bill DeWitt III at 11:30 a.m., Team Fredbird from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Cardinals alum and broadcaster Rick Horton from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Cardinals alum and broadcaster Mike Shannon from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Auctions: Silent Auctions: 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Live Auctions (Main Stage): 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fans must be present to win an auction item, and all items must be paid for and picked up at the close of each auction.
Cardinals Caravan: The Cardinals Caravan makes its way through Cardinal Nation with stops in Joplin, Rolla, Hannibal, Columbia, and Moberly, Mo. as well as Quincy, Ill.

Sunday, January 20, 2013 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

2013 Cardinals Autographs: Mitchell Boggs, Allen Craig, Jon Jay, Joe Kelly, Pete Kozma, Shelby Miller, Jake Westbrook and more.
Cardinals Alumni Autographs: Chris Duncan, Bo Hart, Ray King, Tony La Russa, Red Schoendienst, Mike Shannon and more.
Tony La Russa Book-Signing: Former Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa will host a free book-signing in conjunction with his latest work One Last Strike. Fans may bring their personal copy to be signed or purchase a book from the ARF Table. The book signing takes place in Parkview on the fourth floor from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Dugout Presentations: Meet the members of Team Fredbird at 10 a.m.; understand “Challenges of Playing the Role of a General Manager” with Lee Thomas at 11:30 a.m.; discuss “Concussions in Baseball” with team physician, Dr. Wendell Becton at 1:00 p.m.; and meet members of the real life “League of Their Own” at 2 p.m.
Clubhouse Presentations: Learn “Cardinals Baseball Photography” with official team photographer Scott Rovak at 11 a.m.; see “Alternate Inspiration: A review of the 2013 home alternate uniform” with Brian Finch of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum at noon; enjoy “Collecting Sports Memorabilia” with sports collector Dave Jackson at 1 p.m.; and discuss of the origins of New York style baseball in St. Louis led by Ted Yemm at 2:30 p.m.
Main Stage: Throughout the day, the Main Stage will feature a number of live emceed interviews. Scheduled emcees are KMOV from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cardinals alum and broadcaster Al Hrabosky from 11 a.m. to noon, members of Team Fredbird from noon to 2 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Cardinals broadcaster John Rooney from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Auctions: Silent Auctions: 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Live Auctions (Main Stage): 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fans must be present to win an auction item, and all items must be paid for and picked up at the close of each auction.
Cardinals Caravan: The Cardinals Caravan makes its way through Cardinal Nation with stops in Dyersburg and Memphis, Tenn., as well as Mattoon and Peoria, Ill.
55^th Annual Baseball Writers Dinner (Millennium Hotel, 6:30 p.m.): Enjoy a night of fun and entertainment as the dinner celebrates and honors several members of the 2012 Cardinals that advanced to the National League Championship Series for a second straight season. Highlighting the evening will be the writers’ presentation of the St. Louis Baseball Man of the Year award to Yadier Molina.

Monday, January 21, 2013 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

2013 Cardinals Autographs: Carlos Beltran, Matt Carpenter, Tony Cruz, Daniel Descalso, David Freese, Mike Matheny, Yadier Molina and more.
Cardinals Alumni Autographs: Alan Benes, Andy Benes, Whitey Herzog, Steve Kline and more.
Dugout Presentations: Learn “Cardinals Baseball Photography” with official team photographer Scott Rovak at 11 a.m.; enjoy “Collecting Sports Memorabilia” with sports collector Dave Jackson at noon; and revisit history of the St. Louis Giants Negro Leagues baseball team with Dwayne Isgrig at 1:30 p.m.
Clubhouse Presentations: Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III discusses the franchise at 10:00 a.m.; bring your camera and take a picture with America’s symbol, the bald eagle at 11:30 a.m.; check out the jerseys of Cardinals Hall of Famers with Brian Finch of the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame Museum at 12:30 p.m.; and discuss “Concussions in Baseball” with team physician, Dr. Wendell Becton at 1:30 p.m.
Main Stage: Throughout the day, the Main Stage will feature a number of live emceed interviews. Scheduled emcees are KMOV’s Claire Kellett from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., members of Team Fredbird from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Cardinals broadcaster Mike Claiborne from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Auctions: Silent Auctions: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and noon – 2 p.m. Live Auctions (Main Stage): 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fans must be present to win an auction item, and all items must be paid for and picked up at the close of each auction.
Cardinals Caravan: The Cardinals Caravan makes its way through Cardinal Nation with stops in Jonesboro, Ark., Cape Girardeau, Mo., Peoria and Springfield, Ill.

All Three Days

Second Floor: On the second floor of the Hyatt, fans will be able to play interactive games, find collectible memorabilia and baseball cards, meet Fredbird and listen to informative presentations by Cardinals executives.
Fourth Floor: On the fourth floor, fans will be able to meet their favorite players at the autograph tables, shop the Cardinals Care Store, Cardinals Publications, Team Store and Authentics, and visit booths for Tony La Russa’s ARF Foundation, Stan the Man, Inc. the Lou Brock Foundation and more.
Cardinals Care Store: Open throughout the weekend, the Cardinals Care Store is stocked full of Cardinals memorabilia such as discounted baseball caps, team-issued apparel, t-shirts, game-worn jerseys, toys, grab bags, books, autographed photos and bats, lapel pins and more. Fans can even purchase photos for collecting player autographs and baseball cases for your new autographed collectibles. Also, any fan that purchased an autograph ticket for a pre-signed baseball from Bob Gibson, Jason Motte and Ozzie Smith may redeem their ticket at the Cardinals Care Store to receive their autographed item.
Cardinals Magazine: Fans are encouraged to visit the Cardinals Magazine table during Winter Warm-Up and take advantage of an exclusive offer: Purchase a subscription to Cardinals Magazine for just $35 and take home a FREE ticket voucher to a 2013 home game AND receive one entry into a drawing for a 2012 game-worn jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. In addition, customers who spend at least $25 at the table will receive an entry for the jersey. Other items for sale include 2011 Collectible Commemoratives from the World Championship season, an extensive collection of past issues of Cardinals Magazine – perfect for autographs at the show – and the Official 2013 Cardinals Calendar.
Authentics and Personalized Bats: Cardinals Authentics – the only official source of memorabilia directly from the team – will be selling unique game-used, limited-edition and autographed collectibles at their booth. Fans can also buy a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Each bat, which comes in two sizes, can feature up to three lines of custom text and two logos, including the exclusive 2013 Winter Warm-Up logo and new “St. Louis” alternate jersey logo. 30% of all personalized bat sales will benefit Cardinals Care.
Busch Stadium Tours: Guided tours of Busch Stadium will be offered during the 2013 Winter Warm-Up each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every half-hour. These tours will be offered at the regular tour prices, but include a stop inside the Cardinals Clubhouse. It’s the only time each year the Cardinals’ locker room is open to tours. For ticket prices, or to purchase tickets, visit cardinals.com/tours. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Cardinals Care.
Busch Stadium Team Store: The Busch Stadium Team Store will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Winter Warm-Up. Fans will also be able to stop by the official Team Store booth at Winter Warm-Up where they can shop a large selection of discounted merchandise and stock up on autograph gear like permanent markers, photos, bats and balls.
Cardinals Care Raffle: Throughout the weekend, Cardinals fans can purchase raffle tickets for $5 for a chance to win a pair of 2013 Season tickets valued at over $3,000. The drawing takes place on the Main Stage between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, January 21. Need not be present to win. For $1, fans can also purchase Cardinals scratch-off tickets for the chance to win a David Freese or Carlos Beltran autograph. Both the raffle and scratch-off tickets can be purchased from roaming volunteers or at the Admissions and Autograph Tickets Sales table on Level 2 of the Hyatt.
Green Team: The team’s “4 A Greener Game” initiative will have a booth where fans can register to join the Cardinals Green Team – a group of volunteers who collect recyclables from fans throughout each game at Busch Stadium. In exchange for volunteering, fans are able to watch the game in standing room only sections of Busch Stadium and be entered into a monthly drawing for prizes such as autographed items, memorabilia and tickets to an upcoming game.
Gloves 4 Troops (#Gloves4Troops): Throughout the weekend, the Cardinals are urging fans to donate new or gently used baseball gloves in support of the “Gloves 4 Troops” effort organized by Cardinals minor league infielder Vance Albitz who hopes to collect at least a thousand baseball gloves and balls by Spring Training. “Gloves 4 Troops” is a volunteer effort organized by Albitz, an infielder with the Springfield Cardinals, who has already collected over 200 gloves to send to U.S. troops currently serving overseas. Fans can learn more at www.gloves4troops.com, and donate gently used gloves at a number of collection bins set up around the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, with the help of Cardinals Care and Rawlings.
Social Media: Throughout the Cardinals Caravan and Winter Warm-Up, fans can stay connected by following the Cardinals on Twitter (@Cardinals), Facebook (Facebook.com/Cardinals) and Instagram (Cardinals) for the latest news, event updates and behind-the-scenes content. Each day, the team will have contests for both fans at the event and at home, Twitter Interviews with players, exclusive videos, photos and more. Fans should join the conversation, and share their own photos and experiences by using the hashtags #WWU, #CardsCaravan, #Gloves4Troops and #CardinalsCare.

Tickets

· Entry Passes: Although online ticket sales have ended, fans can still purchase three-day passes for the event at the Busch Stadium Cardinals Team Store, area Cardinals Clubhouse Stores, or at the event’s Autograph and Admission Sales Table on Floor 2. Ticket prices are $40 for fans 16 and older, $10 for fans ages five to 15, and free for kids under five. Members of the military, police and fire departments with an active ID will receive one free adult pass while supplies remain. Military admission passes may be obtained in person at the Busch Stadium Official Cardinals Team Store or at the Winter Warm-Up.
· Will Call: Fans that purchased their tickets in advance can pick them up at the Hyatt Regency Will Call:
- o Friday, Jan. 18^th from noon – 7 p.m. (at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch)
- o Saturday, Jan. 19^th from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (at Bank of America building)*
- o Saturday, Jan. 19^th from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. (at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch)
- o Sunday, Jan. 20^th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch)
- o Monday, Jan. 21^st from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch)

* Please note that will call pick-up on Saturday, January 19th, from 8:30 a.m. to noon is located in the main lobby of the Bank of America building on 4th Street, directly across the street from the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.

· Autograph Tickets: Although online ticket sales have ended, remaining autograph tickets may be purchased at the Winter Warm-Up for a specific donation to Cardinals Care. Donation amounts can be found at cardinals.com/winterwarmup.

Cardinals Care
Cardinals Care was established to give fans a way of teaming up with Cardinals players and the Cardinals organization to help children in our community – both on and off the baseball field. Since it was established 16 years ago, Cardinals Care has invested nearly $18 million in helping children, including providing nearly $11 million in grants to over 800 non-profit youth organizations, and building 19 youth ball fields in neighborhoods in both Missouri and Illinois. For nearly a decade, Cardinals Care has run the innovative Redbird Rookies program, a free baseball league for kids who otherwise might not have the opportunity to play. In addition to providing all the uniforms, gloves, bats, balls and other equipment needed for each team, Redbird Rookies also provides extensive off-field support in the areas of health, education, mentoring and the cultural arts for each of the nearly 4,500 kids who participate in the program each year. To learn more about all of Cardinals Care’s programs visit cardinals.com/community.

55^th Annual St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner

The event will honor members of the 2012 Cardinals and feature the presentation of the annual Baseball Writers Awards. Those scheduled to receive awards are Yadier Molina, Jon Jay, Allen Craig, Kyle Lohse, Jason Motte, Mitchell Boggs, Matt Holliday, Carlos Beltran, David Freese, Mike Matheny, Jake Westbrook and Adam Wainwright, along with Cardinals Organizational Player of the Year, Oscar Taveras, and Pitcher of the Year, Seth Maness. Remaining tickets can be purchased by emailing bbwaastl@gmail.com.

Cardinals Caravan

The 2013 Cardinals Caravan begins Friday, January 18^th embarking on five separate caravan routes, scheduled throughout the weekend. The caravans are scheduled to visit 18 total cities, including the respective ballparks of local minor league affiliates Memphis (Tennessee), Springfield (Missouri) and Peoria (Illinois). For complete information of all caravan stops, visit cardinals.com/caravan.

Stars to the Rescue

Tony La Russa’s annual Animal Rescue Foundation event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Peabody Opera House on Saturday, January 19. Tickets for the event are $50 and $25 and are on sale now by visiting the Peabody Opera House Box Office or website. Stars scheduled to appear include Air Supply, Marilyn McCoo and Bill David Jr. – 5^th Dimension, Eric Paslay, Kelleigh Bannen, Greg Warren and Allan Havey. ARF saves dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters and strives to bring together people and pets.

Cardinals and Cardinals Care Sponsors

Cardinals Care and the St. Louis Cardinals would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make the 2013 Winter Warm-Up possible: Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Belleville News-Democrat, Betallic, Centric Group, Coca-Cola, DNC Sportservice, Enterprise Holdings, Fox Sports Midwest, Framin’ Place, Gwin’s Travel, Hardee’s, Hunter Engineering, Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, In Focus Marketing, KMOX, Nehmen-Kodner, Paramount Convention Services, Rawlings Sporting Goods, RBO PRINTLOGISTIX, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Sportswear, St. Louis Town Planner, Suburban Journals, Supply Concepts, Inc., Swank Audio Visuals, Syberg’s, Thrivent Financial, Warren Sign and Wireless USA.

*The schedule – including all players, dates, & times – is subject to change.

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