St. Louis Cardinals Caravan Comes to Jonesboro

Cal Eldred, Alan Benes, Cody Stanley, Greg Garcia, Kolten Wong (L to R) and Carlos Martinez (Unpictured) appear in Jonesboro, Ark, Saturday as part of the 2015 Cardinals Caravan. — By Miranda Remaklus

For the fourth consecutive year, Jonesboro, Ark., was a stop on the St. Louis Cardinals Caravan. This was the first year the Caravan stopped in town on a Saturday and kids, old and young, made the trip to the Mall at Turtle Creek for the chance to see some of their favorites. Or soon to be favorites!

There was a raffle at the event in which proceeds went to benefit the Miracle League of Jonesboro. The organization has built a field where children with disabilities and special needs can play ball and have fun.

After a late start from St. Louis, the Caravan made it to Jonesboro about 30 minutes behind schedule. But, when the players finally arrived, the crowd was delighted.

The Caravan brought KMOX broadcaster Mike Claiborne, former players Cal Eldred and Alan Benes; minor leaguer, Cody Stanley; Greg Garcia, Kolten Wong and Carlos Martinez.

Due to the late start and the large amount of kids waiting for autographs, and a need to make an event in Memphis, the question and answer period for fans was pretty short, but the crowd found out some great information about the players!

Please click through the next few pages to see some pictures and see what the players talked about!

Next: Mike Claiborne and Cal Eldred

KMOX broadcaster Mike Claiborne and former player Cal Eldred at the 2015 Cardinals Caravan in Jonesboro, Ark. — By Miranda Remaklus

Mike Claiborne & Cal Eldred

Mike Claiborne has been with KMOX for 10 years and in the St. Louis market for over 30. He is one of the voices on the pre and post game shows on the Cardinal Radio Network.

Cal Eldred spent the 2003-05 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Take a look at his stat line in his three years as a pitcher with the organization.

Pretty good work for the tail end of his career. Eldred is now a special assistant to the organization.

Eldred was pretty quiet during the question and answer session. He deferred to the new kids on the panel.

He did answer one question from a youngster wanting to know what it’s like going to the World Series.

“I’ve forgotten. Ask these guys!,” Eldred said.

Next: Alan Benes

Cody Stanley talks with fans during the 2015 Cardinals Caravan stop in Jonesboro, Ark. Alan Benes and Greg Garcia listen on. — By Miranda Remaklus

Cody Stanley

Coming off a great year at Springfield. Claiborne noted Stanley would “get a long look in Spring Training as the team only has two catchers on the 40-man roster.”

As he should. Take a look at his stats from last season at Double-A Springfield.

We’ll definitely see him catching at least at Memphis next season. Really good numbers for the young man and he’ll definitely keep improving.

Did you always want to play baseball?

I wanted to play baseball as soon as I learned to talk. My parents introduced me to it when I was 5 years old. It’s been a dream. I’ve been fortunate enough to play ball and hopefully we continue to for a few more years.”

Who did you root for growing up?

“I grew up in North Carolina. So I watched the Braves. I got to see a few games there too.”

Next: Greg Garcia

Greg Garcia talks with fans Saturday at the 2015 Cardinals Caravan in Jonesboro, Ark. — By Miranda Remaklus

Greg Garcia

The middle infielder spent most of his time at Triple-A Memphis. And had a pretty great year. See:

Garcia also had a small stint with the big league club. He even had a very unique walk off RBI last season for St. Louis.

“It was an extra innings game. I was one of the last players on the bench. They walked Yadier Molina to get to me. The bases were loaded. I was down 1-2 in the count. I saw the pitch was coming at me and couldn’t get out of the way. And after that it was choas and just so much fun for me. I’ll never forget it.”

Claiborne promised Garcia will get a look at Spring Training to make the club as an infielder after such great season  in 2014.

Who did you root for growing up?

“I grew up in San Diego and rooted for the Padres growing up. I liked Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman.”

Next: Kolten Wong

Kolten Wong waves to the crowd while taking a picture on his phone at the 2015 Cardinals Caravan stop in Jonesboro, Ark. — By Miranda Remaklus

Kolten Wong

Claiborne appropriately enough introduced Wong as Mr. Walk-Off Himself.

Even though the Cardinals didn’t make it to the World Series again in 2014, Wong was grateful to have such a great season for the Cardinals. Wong’s season dramatically improved after a stint in Memphis in which he worked on hitting and relaxing and improving his confidence. That improvement lead to him seeing the ball better and getting some dramatic, game winning hits when it mattered most late in the season.

Here’s a look at Wong’s 2014 stats:

What was it like going to the World Series?

“It’s something I’ll always remember. It’s a special ocassion going to the world series. You don’t get to do it that much. To get that experience my first year up, it was awesome.”

Did you grow up cheering for the Cardinals? 

“No, I never watched the Cardinals growing up. I just hoped to get the big leagues growing up. And this has been a dream come true.”

What team did you root for growing up?

“My team was the Braves. I grew up at my grandma’s house watching the Braves on TBS. It was the only team I could watch.”

Who is your biggest competition in the NL Central this year?

“I guess the Cubs are supposed to be pretty good this year.”

Benes lead the crowd in a hearty ‘Boo.’

Wong continued, “Then again, I’m not worried about it. We’re good!”

Next: Carlos Martinez

Carlos Martinez talks to fans at the 2015 Cardinals Caravan in Jonesboro, Ark. Greg Garcia and Kolten Wong listen on. — By Miranda Remaklus

Carlos Martinez

“He did everything the Cardinals needed him to do,” Claiborne said of Martinez. “He was a starter, a reliever, and a  starter. He did everything they needed him to do. He has the skill set when it comes to pitching tools to be a starter. He will be competing for a starting job this spring.”

Here’s a look at Martinez’s numbers from 2014:

I expect that Martinez will have a marked improvement in 2015. He’s had to do a lot of growing up after the passing of his best friend and teammate, Oscar Taveras. He had moments of supreme immaturity during the season. But. He is very young. I look for him to improve as a person and pitcher in 2015. Looking forward to watching him!

Why is your nickname The Tsunami?

“Because I throw so hard.”

What do you like best, starting or relieving?

“Starting!”