Baseball team scheduled to play at the stadiumBy: Spencer Gleason
– Sports Editor –
Just moments after the final out is recorded between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 19, the Meramec Magic and the Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazers will take the field and stand in the spot as Cardinals’ first baseman Albert Pujols or Padres outfield Ryan Ludwick.
“This will be sweet for us,” said Trailblazers head coach Randy Martz. Martz pitched for the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox in the late ‘70s and is currently the pitching coach for the Gateway Grizzlies. “It’s the first time we’ve ever done this. Thanks to Tony [Dattoli], we got the hook-up and it’s going to be special.”
The weather hasn’t cooperated thus far with the Magic’s fall schedule, giving them three rain outs.
“I think we’re a little over-excited, kind of chomping at the bit,” said Magic head coach Tony Dattoli. “Last year, I think guys were more enamored with the Cardinal game than the fact they were getting out on the field. This year I think they couldn’t care less about the Cardinals and they want to get out on the field themselves and just play. We’re ready.”
The forecast for Sept. 19 looks to be a ballplayer’s favorite kind of weather—partly sunny with a high in the mid-80s.
Although Lewis and Clark is right across the river, the Magic and Trailblazers haven’t been able to match up their schedules for the past four years.
In previous bouts at Busch Stadium, the Magic have played the now-defunct STLCC-Forest Park Highlander baseball team.
“I think it’s going to be a nice change,” said Dattoli. “This is going to be a nice opportunity to get a fresh face in there and beat up on somebody else.”
