Cardinals Caravan Recap

For the first time since 2020, the Cardinals were able to hold their fan fest this past weekend.  Winter Warm Up (WWU) started Saturday morning at 9 and runs through today at 3.  My son and I were able to attend this weekend for both days.  I will get a post up later this week with the highlights.  

To go along with WWU, the Cardinals also send out 6 different caravans to different cities.  2016 was the last time we attended a caravan.  That is too long, so we decided to make the trip to Champaign for the noon program.  You can read the 2016 to learn about the format.  

Champaign changed the autograph age to 12 and under.  My 14-year-old son was a little disappointed, but there is never a huge crowd there, so he was almost guaranteed to get some.  This year was no different.  There were less than 100 kids in attendance.  After they went through the line, the players would sign for anyone.  

My son went through the line twice, while I went once.  Gilkey is from the St. Louis area and makes frequent appearances at Cardinals events.  This is the second time this year we received his autograph.

Bo Hart also signed at the same event Gilkey did earlier this year.  They must be a pair now.  Hart does not have many cards, so we only had 2 for him to sign.

I use 2019 Topps Busch Stadium cards for players who do not have cards.  This auto is not a player, but Cardinals Spanish broadcaster Polo Ascencio.  He does the broadcasts with Yadier Molina's brother Benji.  Very funny guy.

We have a few autographs from Jake Woodford during his time in Peoria, but nothing since he made his debut.  Always nice to add a card from a big league player.

Ivan Herrera made his debut last year. He managed 2 hits in 11 games.  Not sure how much time he will get this year with the signing of Wilson Contreras.  He loved the picture from his time in Peoria that I took in 2019.

Masyn Winn is the Cardinals #2 prospect.  I took this picture at a 2021 Peoria game.  He was drafted as a shortstop/pitcher, but has switched to shortstop only.  He liked see the pitching pose on his 2021 Pro Debut card.  

15 autographs was a great haul for a free event.  That was not the only thing we came home with.  The Cardinals also hold a raffle for some past promotional items.  I spent $10 on tickets and won the grand prize.

I have written about these 3 bobbleheads before and the crazy prices they bring on EBAY.  I already have a set, so these were sold over the weekend at WWU.  It was a fun afternoon and a great way to kick off our Cardinals-themed weekend after a 3 year absence.