Six Reasons to Support the St Louis Cardinals Care Winter Warm Up

In January 2016, the St Louis Cardinals Care charity once again hosts the Winter Warm Up.

Mar 11, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves fans check out items that are up for auction during a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Reason #1: Help the Players Help the Kids

Help support the St Louis Cardinal players and staff in the most direct manner you can, by supporting the time they each gave to this charity. Most all of the Cardinal players, many past players, coaches, media hosts and lots of volunteers give time to raise money for kids that reside in “Cardinals Country” and abroad in some special cases that I discuss below.

Reason #2: Cardinal Lovefest

This is the most geeked-out-on-the-Cardinals gathering of people on the planet. From young to old and casual observer to die hard fanatic, you will see and meet plenty of fellow fans while at the event.

I especially like chatting with fans in line that bring items that they’ve made like a wooden carved sign for the 2011 World Series. That owner showed me dozens of signature tickets that he affixed to the back as a certificate of authenticity that certainly demonstrates a genuine and unique piece.

Reason #3: Redbird Rookies

Many less fortunate kids in the area do not have the opportunity to play baseball. Cardinals Care provides these kids with all of the equipment they need along with field to play upon, coaches and coordinators.  

"According to Cardinals Care, they also offer “off-field support in the areas of health, education, mentoring, and cultural arts. Currently Redbird Rookies has over 20 leagues, serving nearly 4,500 kids in the St. Louis/Metro area, and parts of rural Missouri and Illinois.”"

Reason #4: Youth baseball Fields

St Louis Cardinals Care continues to dedicate new ball fields in Cardinals Country with a total of 20 to date. Planning started last January to use funds from the 2015 WWU to honor Oscar Tavaras with a renovation of a field in his hometown of Sosua, Dominican Republic.

These renovations and new park builds allow thousands of kids play on “baseball ready” diamonds with no potholes, lumps of dirt or bare patches of grass. They include protective fencing for dugouts and fans to keep everyone safe.

Reason #5: Direct Grants and Direct Donations

In addition to building and renovating ballparks and also coordinating staffing and coaching of leagues, the charity doles out plenty of cash directly to appropriate charities. According to St Louis Cardinals Care, charitable organizations must meet the following criteria.

• Serve or support youths under 20 years old
• Operate in “Cardinals Country”
• Be a 501 (c) (3) with a Federal tax exempt letter
• Must be up and running as a 501 (c) (3) for a least 1 year
• Budget for entire organization should not exceed $2,000,000
• Administration/fundraising expenses should not exceed 30% of total budget

Reason #6: Selfies with the players.

You can take one fast picture or video while at the table getting you item(s) signed. You also get the chance to say “Thanks!” or ask a question. The players usually interact with kids and try to answer any question thrown their way. Media personalities host many live interviews giving audience members access to ask questions of players, coaches and the media past and present.

Next: What if the St Louis Cardinals Fill Holes with Trades?

Do good, meet new players, help charity and get pumped for the 2016 season and all with our favorite Cardinals!