We continue our 20-year celebration of Busch Stadium III. It has been fun traveling down memory lane through the history and players who have impacted the St. Louis Cardinals. Today, we are excited to watch the MLB All-Star Game tonight from Philadelphia. As such, it would seem appropriate to celebrate the time Busch III hosted the All-Star Game back in 2009.
Celebrating 20 Years at Busch III: The 2009 All-Star Game
It was the first All-Star Game in St. Louis since 1966. The Cardinals were excited to show off Busch III, which had opened in 2006 and was christened with a world championship that season.
It seemed the second the 2008 All-Star Game ended, the Cardinals began preparing to host. Not all plans worked out, however. Ballpark Village, a now popular complex with multiple restaurants and the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame, was supposed to be open in time for the event. However, plans did not materialize in time. The land that is now Ballpark Village was used for additional parking and a softball field for fans.
Despite the obstacle, the Cardinals and MLB still created many memorable events for the All-Star festivities.
All-Star FanFest
If Ballpark Village had been open, the FanFest would most likely have been there. Instead, the FanFest took place a few blocks away from Busch III, at the America Center. The FanFest featured a variety of activities for fans of all ages. Interactive clinics were available to anyone who wanted to learn more about the game. Autographs from former and current stars were available. Furthermore, members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League were in attendance, signing autographs.
Batting cages, pitching tunnels, and fielding simulators were also available. San Diego Studios, creators of the popular MLB: The Show video game, had a booth where fans could play MLB 09: The Show (the latest game at the time) on different gaming consoles.
The FanFest was held from July 10-14, giving fans plenty of time to take in the activities, especially if they would be spending time at Busch III.
All-Star Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game
While MLB teams were finishing their Sunday slate of games, Busch III was hosting the first games of the All-Star festivities. In the Futures Game, the World All-Stars defeated the United States’ All-Stars, 7-5, with Rene Tosoni of the Minnesota Twins winning MVP.
The American League’s softball team includes MLB legends such as Goose Gossage, Rollie Fingers, and Fred Lynn. Gymnast Shawn Johnson amazed fans by doing a backflip as she made her way to first base during the game.
For the National League, legends Ozzie Smith and Ernie Banks took the field. Legendary college basketball head coach Bobby Knight also played. As only Bobby Knight could do, he threw a chair from the dugout onto the field as he disputed a call during the game.
Home Run Derby
The next day, fans entered Busch III for the Home Run Derby. For Cardinals fans, they were excited to see Albert Pujols participate. After being the runner-up in 2003, fans were hoping to see Albert win it all in his own stadium. While Pujols did advance to the second round, he was unable to reach the finals.
The winner of the derby would be division rival Prince Fielder. The Milwaukee Brewers’ first baseman hit 23 total home runs, edging out Nelson Cruz by a slim margin.
The All-Star Game
The hours leading up to the All-Star Game saw excited fans line up outside Busch III, whether or not they were going to the game. Fans got to witness something unusual for an All-Star Game: Secret Service agents atop Busch III. President Barack Obama would be throwing out the first pitch, so security was understandably stricter.
For the host Cardinals, four players suited up for the game. Manager Tony La Russa was invited by Charlie Manuel to be part of the coaching staff alongside Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager (and former Cardinals’ player and manager), Joe Torre. Pujols was once again the starter at first base. The Cardinals had another starter, catcher Yadier Molina. Molina would make his first All-Star Game in 2009 and would go on to make nine more in his career. Lastly, among the Cardinals, closer Ryan Franklin made the team and pitched a scoreless third inning.
The American League got on the board in the first inning with two runs off Tim Lincecum. A Pujols error scored the first run, followed by a Josh Hamilton RBI groundout. The National League scored three runs in the bottom of the second to take the lead. Molina, in his first at bat, singled in a run and later scored. The AL tied it in the fifth on a double by Joe Mauer, and retook the lead in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Adam Jones. The AL won, 4-3, securing home-field advantage for the World Series.
Tampa Bay Rays’ Carl Crawford made the play of the night on defense. The left fielder robbed Brad Hawpe of an extra-base hit and possibly a home run in the seventh inning. Crawford’s big catch earned him MVP honors.
Yet Another Memory From Busch III
Busch III has given Cardinals’ fans plenty to celebrate in its 20 seasons. In 2009, however, it hosted fans from across MLB. It did not matter whether a fan attended only some of the events or none at all; anyone who was in downtown St. Louis during those few days remembers it fondly.
Hopefully, the All-Star Game will return to St. Louis soon. When it does, you can bet the Cardinals and the city of St. Louis will prepare a celebration that will somehow manage to top 2009. It will be fun when that time comes, but until then, we have the memories of 2009 at Busch III.
Main Photo: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
