Baseball Heaven

We’ve long been known as one of the most baseball-savvy states in the country, and how could it not be that way? With the St. Louis Cardinals: 11 World Series titles, 19 National League pennants, 10 Central Division titles … and the Kansas City Royals: two World Series titles (one of which was against their cross-state rivals!), four American League pennants, one Central Division and six West Division titles … and the Minor League Springfield Cardinals with one league title and three division titles.

There’s no doubt: baseball calls Missouri home.

In Kansas City, visit the Royals Hall of Fame, an education and entertainment venue. Get an insider’s look at the “crown jewel” of baseball stadiums, including the Royals Pressbox, Dugout and Interview Room. Treat yourself to a night on the town in celebration at the Power and Light District.

brandijoscm

One thing not to miss in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. A black YMCA in the heart of the historic 18th and Vine district (the center of black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s-1960s) is where the league was formed, and the neighborhood is now the home of the museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of African-American Baseball. Jackie Robinson, a player for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945, was recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African-American in the modern era to play on a Major League team.

But baseball in Missouri isn’t confined to the two biggest cities. Take a short drive a few hours down the road from Busch Stadium and experience the best value in baseball at a minor league game featuring the Springfield Cardinals, the AA farm team for the St. Louis major league team.
These games take family fun to a whole new level: kids running the bases, players stationed at the gates to visit with fans and sign autographs, great seats, fantastic food (like the Hog-Tied Dog, hotdog wrapped in bacon & slathered with nacho cheese sauce, considered a home run by reviewers), special promotions…it’s sure to make you fall in love with the game all over again. And there’s every chance you’ll get to see a player or two who are on their way to “the show.”