Six Tips for the St Louis Cardinals’ Winter Warm-Up

Tip #1: Getting autographs at Spring Training is nice, but this charity event comes in as a pretty good second place if you plan well. Most desired signature tickets get gobbled up just minutes after the online sale opens, so block out time to purchase signature tickets the minute they go on sale.

I cannot stress this point enough for first timers. The most popular players sell out within the first 15-20 minutes so if you want signatures from Molina, Wainwright, Carpenter or Holliday, I’m sorry to report they are sold out. Some others may remain and there are always the free ones.

Don’t confuse the event pass with signature tickets. The event itself requires a pass for entry. St Louis Cardinals Care offers plenty of free signatures from many players, activities for kids and access to many vendors with this pass.

However, all current players and some past players require a ticket for a signature with a cost of donation that usually ranges from $5 to $100. You can purchase the event pass at any time online, $40 for adults (16+), $10 for kids and they are on sale now. You can also purchase at many sites around town (list).

The event is much more enjoyable if you have signature tickets for your favorite players, although many free lines are included in the pass for minor leaguers or former players.

Some of my most cherished signatures came from the free or $5 lines from players like Matt Adams before promotion to the bigs and this event gives you access to many of these players. Please remember that all proceeds go to a great charity and the players donate all of their time for it.

Next: Tip #2: Arrive Early on the First Day to Avoid Long Ticket Line