St. Louis Cardinals: Route 66 Rumble set for Springfield

As the St. Louis Cardinals make their way back to Busch Stadium, the big leaguers will take a pit stop in Springfield, Missouri, home for their AA affiliate, for an exhibition against the Springfield team.

For the first time since 2012, fans will be able to catch the St. Louis Cardinals play at Hammons Field. This is part of a two-game stint where they make the trip to their minor league parks to give the fans a special treat.

According to Murney, in their 12 year existence 115 Springfield Cardinals have been promoted to “The Show” to play for the St. Louis Cardinals, several of which are on the current 25-man roster. Matt Carpenter, Carlos Martinez, Stephen Piscotty, Aledmys Diaz, Alex Reyes and Luke Weaver are just some of the names.

Springfield Cardinals Vice President/General Manager Matt Gifford expressed his excitement for this event when it was first announced. “It’ll be a heartfelt homecoming for all of the guys who have come through Hammons Field to return and see the fans that have supported them on their journey to the big leagues.”

John Mozeliak also expressed his sentiment in the return to two of their minor league clubs, Memphis and Springfield.

"“It’s always a plus for the Cardinals organization when we have the opportunity to connect with our many fans outside the St. Louis region who offer such enthusiastic support for both our Major and Minor League teams.”"

Gates open at 3:05 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, May 31st, as fans will get to experience the St. Louis Cardinals batting practice. Due to this, it will be a packed house so be sure to arrive early! First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. with what should be a great starting pitching match-up. All the times are weather permitting of course.

Toeing the rubber for the big birds will be Mike Leake who hopes to have a bounce back season after a tough transition 2016 season in St. Louis. For the baby birds, it will be the Cardinals eighth ranked prospect, righty Jack Flaherty.

Flaherty is part of a great starting pitching staff that the AA affiliate will have to start the season that features last year’s first round pick, Dakota Hudson, as reported by TheCardinalNation’s Derek Shore.

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Season ticket holders received top priority for the exhibition. Since individual game tickets for the event went on sale, it has sold out. However, general admission tickets can still be purchased if you are just finding about this event. With the purchase of a GA ticket, you will receive a ticket to Springfield’s Opening Day game on April 13.

Hammons Field is a clear top notch minor league park. It has received four consecutive double-A field of the year, voted on by Minor League Baseball and the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA). Not only will the entertainment on the field be awesome, but the scenery is great too.

In addition, after the exhibition is complete, the Missouri State Bears baseball team will open up their conference season against the Bradley Braves. A ticket into the Route 66 Rumble gives you the opportunity to watch the Braves and Bears play, also.

Next: Battle of the Birds worth the trip to Memphis

If you are in the area, this is an event you will not want to miss. You will not only get a glimpse at the St. Louis Cardinals, but also see who will be representing the double-A team for the 2017 season.