GALLERY: Cardinals Caravan comes to Columbia
The Cardinals 2023 Caravan brought players Brendan Donovan, Packy Naughton, Connor Thomas and Michael McGreevy along with alumni Rick Ankle and Ryan Ludwick to Columbia on Saturday at Stoney Creek Hotel. The players and alumni answered questions from kids and adults before signing baseballs and fan gear.
Even in Donovan’s first year on the panel, he feels the excitement in the room.
“Fans from all over Missouri, shoot, all over the country, come out to see us,” Donovan said. “So I think it’s cool for us to go out and see them once a year.”
This caravan went to Jefferson City before Columbia, and will continue to Hannibal. Other caravans will travel to different cities in Missouri through January 16.
“I’ve been told that the Cardinal Nation runs deep and proud, and there’s been a lot of fans at these events,” Thomas said. “So it’s good to see and it’s kind of taken me aback by truly how many fans are supportive and appreciative of us.”
Stan Patrick listens to the panel
Stan Patrick listens to the panel Saturday at Stoney Creek Hotel. Patrick came to the event with his wife, who is a Cardinals fan.
Cardinal pitcher Packy Naughton answers a question
Cardinals pitcher Packy Naughton answers a question Saturday at Stoney Creek Hotel. “It’s so important for us to come out and show our support to the community, just as the community comes out and shows their support to us,” Naughton said.
Cardinals player Brendan Donovan signs a baseball
Cardinals player Brendan Donovan signs a baseball Saturday at Stoney Creek Hotel. Donovan said the event is a way to “touch base with the fan base.”
Cardinals players and alumni travel to Columbia
Cardinals players and alumni stop in Columbia during their caravan tour on Saturday at Stoney Creek Hotel. The event started with questions from audience members of all ages.
Jeremy Garner holds up four-year-old Jack Garner
Jeremy Garner holds up 4-year-old Jack Garner to ask the panel a question Saturday at Stoney Creek Hotel in Columbia. In addition to questions and signatures, there was a raffle for Cardinals merchandise and tickets.
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Four current players and two alumni greeted fans and signed autographs for kids.
