ST. LOUIS, Missouri — As the torrential rains in Texas receded, leaving thousands of homes destroyed and communities in a state of panic, one of the most powerful images came not from the floodplains — but from the heart of St. Louis: Busch Field, the Cardinals’ baseball mecca, had been transformed into the largest relief center in the team’s history.
It wasn’t the cheers of a home run. It was the sound of boxes being unpacked. The rumble of supply trucks. And strangers wrapping boxes of hope.
Shortly after floods swept through Kerr County, Texas, Cardinals officials held an emergency meeting and made an unprecedented decision: turn Busch Field into a community relief center. In less than 48 hours, the backcourt was transformed into a drop-off point for food, water, clothing and medical supplies for flood victims.
“We’ve seen some big wins on this field, but this one was for people who have never been here,” Cardinals team president Bill DeWitt III said.
While other teams expressed their support via social media, more than 15 Cardinals players quietly showed up at the field, wearing relief jerseys rather than their game uniforms.
Paul Goldschmidt sorted groceries.
Lars Nootbaar packed meals for seniors.
Tommy Edman oriented new volunteers in both English and Korean, his mother’s native language.
“We don’t need to be filmed. We just want to use the hands that baseball has trained us to lift someone up right now,” Edman said quietly when asked why he declined a television interview.
The third night after the disaster, the Cardinals held an emergency concert right on Busch Field. There were no bright lights, just a few guitars, a mobile microphone system, and local artists singing along with the players. Admission was free – redeemable for food or drinks.
“When the music started, I saw tears turn to smiles. We may not be able to save every roof, but we can rebuild trust,” said one emotional volunteer.
Fans of other teams also sent their thanks:
“I’m a Cubs fan, but the Cardinals were truly America’s team today.”
“A home run – literally.”
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As the floodwaters receded and residents began to return, the last trucks left Busch Field, carrying relief supplies to the deepest parts of Texas. The field returned to the sound of balls hitting gloves, but the echoes of the past few days will linger.
“We don’t just play to win – we play to represent the best in people,” – President DeWitt affirmed.