Baseball cards have been an integral part of America’s pastime for over 150 years. Originally included as advertisements in tobacco products starting in the late 1880s, baseball cards evolved to become treasured collectibles and a way for fans to connect with their favorite players.

While early cards from the late 19th century are exceedingly rare, the modern baseball card era is considered to have begun in 1909 with the release of the iconic T206 tobacco card series. Featuring over 500 different players, the T206 set became one of the most coveted in the hobby due to its high production quality, colorful illustrations, and the fact that it captured the stars of that era, including legends Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner.

In the following decades, multiple tobacco companies like American Caramel, American Tobacco, and Goodwin & Company began inserting baseball cards as incentives into cigars and chewing tobacco products. Sets from this time like E90 and E95 are still highly sought after by collectors today. It wasn’t until the post-World War 2 era that baseball cards truly exploded in popularity.

With GIs returning home and the country enjoying economic prosperity, interest in the national pastime surged. Companies like Bowman and Topps began mass producing colorful card sets that were perfect for the baby boomer generation. Sets from the 1950s like Topps’ 1952 issue and Fleer’s iconic rookie cards of the era established the modern baseball card format that is still used today.

Through the 1950s and 60s, Topps dominated the baseball card market thanks to legendary sets like their 1956, ’57, ’59, and ’60 issues. In the late 50s Fleer began challenging Topps’ monopoly by signing major league players to exclusive contracts, resulting in the famous “War of the Decade” between the two companies that kept collectors on their toes.

In the 1970s, the hobby reached new heights of popularity. Companies like Topps, Fleer, and the upstart Sportflics were pumping out multiple new sets each year that featured the biggest stars of the day like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Nolan Ryan. The decade also saw the introduction of innovative concepts like multi-player cards, team cards, and the expansion of sets beyond the traditional 52 cards.

The 1980s marked both the peak and a downturn for the baseball card industry. Skyrocketing prices for rare vintage cards indicated that the speculative bubble had formed, with some predicting cards would replace stocks and bonds. The market soon crashed, as an oversaturation of new products and the rise of card variants diluted values. The late 80s also saw the debut of ultra-premium sets like Topps Tiffany that targeted high-end collectors.

Through the 1990s, companies experimented with oddball concepts, parallels, and inserts to reignite collector interest. It wasn’t until the sports memorabilia boom of the late 90s that cards regained mainstream popularity. Iconic rookie cards of future stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones brought in a new generation of collectors. The decade also saw the rise of autograph and memorabilia cards that blurred the line between cards and high-end memorabilia.

In the 2000s, as the internet allowed for easier collecting and greater access to information, the hobby continued diversifying. Insert sets focused on specific players, teams or events. Parallel and serially numbered cards catered to both budget and high-end collectors. Exquisite rookie cards featuring swatches and autographs of young phenoms like Bryce Harper fetched five figures. Meanwhile, vintage cards from the pre-war era through the 1950s appreciated sharply in value.

Today, while the direct connection to tobacco products is long gone, baseball cards remain a multi-billion dollar industry. Whether collecting the latest releases, chasing down vintage stars, or investing in the cards of tomorrow’s Hall of Famers like Mike Trout, cards allow fans of all ages to own a tangible piece of baseball history. With each new generation discovering the hobby, cards will likely remain an integral part of America’s pastime for generations to come.

The St. Louis Cardinals are one of baseball’s most historic franchises. With 11 World Series championships and over 10,000 regular season wins, the Cardinals have established themselves as one of America’s favorite baseball teams. While the Cardinals have witnessed plenty of success over their long history, their passionate fanbase has been a defining part of the franchise. Cardinals fans are famous across MLB for creating an electric home field advantage at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. No matter if the Cardinals are in a playoff race or rebuilding phase, Cardinals fans show up in droves to cheer on their beloved “Redbirds.”

Catching a Cardinals game live provides fans with an unparalleled baseball experience. From the pre-game festivities to the walk-off celebration, attending a Cardinals home date at Busch Stadium is an event like no other. Cardinals fans arrive early to browse the many concession stands and game used memorabilia shops located around the ballpark. Popular pre-game eats include Ted Drewes frozen custard, BBQ from Pappy’s, and garlicky baguettes from Panera. One can hear the anticipation building as game time approaches, with fans of all ages sporting their Cardinal red as they take their seats.

The game day atmosphere at Busch Stadium is electric. When the Cardinals take the field for pre-game warmups, the crowd erupts with cheers to welcome their hometown favorites. During the National Anthem, Cardinals fans stand united with their hands over their hearts, proudly singing “O Say Can You See” at the top of their lungs. Introduction of the starting lineup is a spirited affair, with each Cardinal player receiving rousing ovations from the diehard faithful in attendance. Once first pitch is thrown, the crowd is fully locked into every at-bat and play on the field.

Cardinals fans become the true “home field advantage” with their constant encouragement and noise making. It is not uncommon to see multiple “Let’s Go Cardinals!” chants break out during crucial moments of the game. When a Cardinal accomplishes a key hit, out, or play – you can expect a deafening roar to follow. This sustained energy from the packed stadium stands aids the Cardinals greatly over their opponents. Visiting teams often struggle to communicate or stay focused with over 45,000 screaming Cardinal fans cheering against them.

Special traditions have developed that make a Cardinals game a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During the seventh inning stretch, the entire crowd joins together in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” On ” root, root, root for the Cardinals!” the decibel level reaches its highest point. After the final out of a Cardinal win, the classic Frank Sinatra song “That’s Life” plays over the speakers as victorious players celebrate on the field and fans chant “Who’s your daddy!” in celebration.

For over 100 years, Cardinals fans have tuned in religiously to hear legendary broadcasters describe the action live on KMOX Radio. Current play-by-play man Mike Shannon has been delivering his iconic “That’s a winner!” call following Cardinal victories since 1972. His off-the-cuff storytelling and infectious enthusiasm for the Cards brings another element to attending a game in-person. Fans crowd around radios in the stands, taking in Shannon’s descriptions to enhance their experience.

No Cardinal game experience is complete without a signature Ballpark Village visit. This sports and entertainment complex connected to the Third Base Gate features numerous restaurants, bars and live music venues. On game days, Ballpark Village is absolutely packed for hours with fans socializing and taking in the electric atmosphere. Popular spots include McGurk’s, Harry’s, Budweiser Brew House and the new Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. Wandering through the Village on a game day is like being at a giant block party dedicated entirely to Cardinal baseball.

Throughout the ballgame, energetic staff known as the “Fredbird Crew” keep fans entertained between innings with hilarious skits and interactive games. High-flying Fredbird Race competitions and t-shirt launches into the grandstands get the crowd pumped. After the final out and a Cardinal victory, the team triumphal march to the pitcher’s mound for celebratory photos with the crowd creates an unforgettable memory. Exiting Busch Stadium after a late night win, buzzing Cardinal fans continue their celebration by replaying highlights and discussing what they witnessed – a true lively experience that can only be had by catching a Cardinals game live.

For over a century, St. Louis Cardinals baseball has been synonymous with tradition, excitement and devoted fans. Attending a game at Busch Stadium provides a chance to experience this rich history first hand and become part of what makes Cardinals baseball so special. Whether cheering on a playoff push or enduring a tough season with the boys in red, Cardinals fans unite behind their team through triumph and adversity. Their lively support acts as the true “sixth man,” constantly energizing the Cardinals to greater heights. Catching a game in-person allows one to fully appreciate everything that makes Cardinals baseball unique – making a live Cardinals game a “bucket list” event for any true fan of America’s pastime.