2025 Cardinals Caravan

In conjunction with Cardinals WWU, they also have the Cardinals Caravan.  This four-day event consists of 6 different groups of players and alumni that visit different cities within a few hour's drive of St. Louis.  We have attended these for over 15 years at various different sites.  The Caravan started last Friday and finished up Monday.  My son, wife, and I were able to attend one of the last stops Monday evening in Centralia, IL.

The Caravan consists of two alumni and three or four younger players talking about the upcoming season, answering a few questions, and then signing some autographs.  Autographs are advertised for the first 400 kids 15 and younger, and then, as time permits, others can go through the line.

Some Caravans charge admission, others are free.  Centralia charged $10, which included a ballpark meal of a hot dog, a bag of chips, and a soda.  The money went to a local baseball league for disabled children, so it was well spent.  We arrived a few minutes before the gates opened, not knowing if there would be a crowd.  I think the cold temperatures kept the crowd to a minimum.  I would guess 150-200 people in total.  I was surprised that the workers gave my 16-year-old son an autographed ticket without asking his age.  Less than 100 kids were in attendance, so adults had some time to get autographs as well.  We ended up getting two autographs from each player.

My son and I got Simontacchi and Cooper on Saturday at the WWU.  This is the first time we have gotten Rom's auto.  

I did not have another card for those three, so I used a postcard handed out at WWU.  Glad I grabbed a few extras of these.  

Tink Hence is the Cardinals' #2 prospect and #68 on Baseball America's Top 100.  If he can stay healthy, he should be in St. Louis by the end of the year.  My guess is as a reliever.  I love the way the Bowman Top 100 card turned out.

Victor Scott was the main reason we made the hour and half drive.  I was very impressed with him on Saturday when he gave us a fantastic autograph.  I hope he gets a fair shot at earning the starting centerfield job in spring training.  Nothing against Michael Siani, but I believe Scott has more potential.

The best part of the evening happened toward the end.  One of the workers asked my son to help play a prank on Victor Scott.  At other caravan stops, they had him sign some strange things, such as a pair of Daisy Duke shorts, a plant, and a spatula.  They gave my son some rap lyrics and a CD for Scott to sign.  Wish I could upload the video, but it is too large.  If you have Facebook or X, visit the Cardinals page, and you will see it.

  

It was a great way to end an awesome Cardinals weekend.