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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> that season.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Despite the obstacle, the Cardinals and MLB still created many memorable events for the All-Star festivities.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The FanFest was held from July 10-14, giving fans plenty of time to take in the activities<\/a>, especially if they would be spending time at Busch III.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> of the Minnesota Twins winning MVP.<\/p>\n The American League’s softball team includes MLB legends such as Goose Gossage, Rollie Fingers<\/a>, and Fred Lynn<\/a>. Gymnast Shawn Johnson amazed fans by doing a backflip as she made her way to first base during the game.<\/p>\nCelebrating 20 Years at Busch III: The 2009 All-Star Game<\/h2>\n
All-Star FanFest<\/h3>\n
All-Star Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game<\/h3>\n