First 2023 Peoria Trip

This is the first time in 7 years my son has not played travel baseball during the summer.  He wanted to take a break after his freshman season lasted a while.  He misses it some but is thankful for the free weekend time.  Back in April, I had plans to hit up quite a few minor league baseball games with our new found free time, but that had not happened.  Other than a trip to Indianapolis last month, and catching 3 games in Iowa during our vacation in June, we have not been to any.

This past Sunday my wife and daughter had a bridal shower to attend.  Perfect time for my son and I to take our first trip to Peoria to watch the Cardinals' single A team.  We did see them once in Iowa, but it is so much better seeing a home game.  The Chiefs won in walk off fashion in the bottom of the 10th by a 5-4 score.  The game was a little less than 3 hours.  Gotta love the pitch clock.

Sunday is player autograph day in Peoria.  After the game, players line up in the concourse.  We had a few cards to get signed.

Zane Mills spent the latter half of 2022 in Peoria.  He is 4-4 so far this year with an ERA over 6.00.  Not the best numbers.  

Crooks and Bedell were the starting battery for the game.  I was a little surprised to see Bedell signing, but happy to get him.  Both of these guys should be promoted to Double-A to start 2024, if not sooner.

Before the game started, we hit up the team store and found the 2021 team set on sale for $6.  Found 2 cards to get signed.  It does not bode well for either player that they have spent over 2 years in Single-A, although Ralston did see some time in Double-A before being demoted.

There were 30 cards in the team set.  These are the best 4 cards in my opinion.  Looking at the remaining schedule, I hope we can make it back twice before the end of the season.  One of the games will be Masyn Winn bobblehead night.