The Cardinals Caravan hits Joplin to signal the start of baseball season

The four-state area saw its first sign of spring on Saturday, well, Spring Training anyway.

The Cardinals Caravan made a stop in Joplin at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern. Several members of the St. Louis Cardinals were on hand for the fan event, including Andre Pallante, Matthew Liberatore, Riley O’Brien and Matt Koperniak as well as Bengie Molina, Kyle McClellan and emcee Tom Ackerman. 

“This is definitely a unique experience,” Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore said. “This is my fourth time doing this. During the season, we don’t really get a chance to connect with the fans. We are close to them, but we are on the field, doing our job and trying to win some ball games. Here, we don’t have to worry about baseball so much. We get to come and get close to fans, talk to them, shake their hands and get to know them. I think that’s a pretty special experience.”

Fans started entering the doors when they opened at 10 a.m. and began piling into the auditorium to wait patiently for a chance to meet members of their favorite baseball team.

The first 400 kids ages 15 and under received a free autograph ticket that guarantees one autograph from each current and former player. 

“It’s just cool to see how spread out the fanbase is,” Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien said. “We’re going to all of these towns around the state and they’re packed with Cardinals fans. It’s been a great experience to meet them.”

Adults were able to sign up for the Cardinals Spring Training Flyaway Giveaway. 

For many of the players, Liberatore included, the opportunity to meet and greet with the fans, particularly the children, is an opportunity to have an impact on their lives as role models.

“I remember being that kid,” Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante said. “Growing up in Orange County, California, the (LA) Angels did the same thing. .. It was so cool to meet the pro players on the team. Even that small exchange, a smile or them telling me, ‘best of luck’ and stuff like that, it means a lot. To be in that position and to be able to do that is really important, and I definitely try to impact as many people as I can.”

Pallante, who had an 8-8 record last year and an ERA to the tune of 3.78, found out recently just how devoted the Red Bird fanbase is.

“I recently learned the average commute to a Cardinals game is two and a half to four hours,” Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante said to NewsTalk KZRG about making the rounds with the caravan. “So, there are a lot of people coming from all over the place to come to our games. They’re showing support and making that effort, so it’s cool to get the opportunity to do that for them, to come out and make that connection.”

The Cardinals’ Spring Training schedule begins on Saturday, Feb. 22 with a matchup against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

St. opens the 2025 regular season at Busch Stadium with a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. Remember, you can hear all St. Louis Cardinals regular season games on our sister station AM 1230 The Talker. 

Source