ST. LOUIS – The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as fans gathered for the St. Louis Cardinals’ Opening Day on March 27, 2025. Despite the mid-50s temperatures and sporadic rain showers, the spirit of baseball was alive and well in the Gateway City. This day is not just a game; it’s a celebration, a renewal of hope for the season ahead.
Among the throngs of fans was Michele Reeves, who, alongside her friend Mary Depur, expressed the joy of being back at the ballpark. “We’re out here having fun living life and enjoying it,” Reeves exclaimed. “Enjoy it, baby!” Their enthusiasm mirrored that of many others who took the day off work to be part of the festivities. Buffie Phillips, another dedicated fan, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I took off work just so I could come here. National Opening Day, you have to take off. Cardinals got to celebrate. It’s a holiday.”
The pre-game atmosphere was electric at Ballpark Village, where former Cardinals player Andy Van Slyke mingled with fans. He highlighted the unique nature of St. Louis’s Opening Day traditions, saying, “It’s the best in baseball. I know a lot of people brag about Chicago or Cincinnati, but this is opening day baseball. As a player, when you see all the other opening days and what they do versus the Cardinals, the Clydesdales are just the candles on the cake. We just do it better than everybody else.”
As the clock ticked closer to game time, excitement built around Busch Stadium. The Minnesota Twins were in town, and the matchup was set to begin at 4:15 p.m. ET. The starting pitchers were Pablo Lopez for the Twins and Sonny Gray for the Cardinals, both looking to make a strong impression as the season kicked off. Fans were eager to see how the teams would fare, especially given the Cardinals’ struggles in recent years.
Last season, the Cardinals missed the playoffs, marking just the third time in a century they had to watch from home. The disappointment weighed heavily on the fans, but many remained optimistic. Troy Reider, who has attended Opening Day for over 40 years, shared his passion for the team, saying, “When I walk into Busch Stadium, I get chills, and I have for the last 40 years. That’s why I keep going.”
Others, like Andy Davis, were celebrating personal milestones alongside the team’s opening day. Davis traveled to the game to celebrate his birthday with his daughter, Laura. “We’ve got some good young players coming up, and we’ve got just enough experience in the background,” he remarked. “I think [the Cardinals] are more focused [on playing together] than on the loss of big names.”
The day was also marked by the presence of the Budweiser Clydesdales, a beloved tradition that adds to the spectacle of Opening Day. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe was on hand, waving to the crowd, further emphasizing the significance of the day in St. Louis culture.
As the game began, fans filled the stands, ready to cheer on their team. Lars Nootbaar and Jordan Walker were among the players to watch, with Nootbaar making headlines as he embraced Cardinals Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith during introductions. The camaraderie and connection between past and present players highlighted the rich history of the franchise.
While the excitement was palpable, some fans voiced concerns about the team’s direction. Cardinals Hall of Fame center fielder Jim Edmonds recently commented on the team’s struggles, saying, “It’s not fun anymore. Even the security guard’s like: ‘Hey, might not be a good time.’ I’m like, ‘Fine with me, I don’t need to be in there.’” However, despite these challenges, many fans remain hopeful, believing that the team is on the verge of a turnaround.
Lashea Anthony, a fan who has attended Opening Day for several years, was starting a new tradition this year by bringing her children. “It means everything. When my family can come down and have fun, it makes it even better,” she shared. “We [are] never giving up on the Cardinals.”
As the game progressed, excitement turned to tension as the teams battled it out on the field. The Cardinals were predicted to win with a close score of 5-4, and fans were eager to see if their team could deliver. With a total predicted run count of over 7.5, the stakes were high for both teams.
The Twins, boasting players like Carlos Correa, who finished last season with a .310 batting average, and Byron Buxton, who hit .279, were looking to start their season strong. Meanwhile, the Cardinals were relying on players like Brendan Donovan, who had a .278 average last season, and Alec Burleson, who contributed 21 home runs.
As the rain continued to fall intermittently, fans huddled under umbrellas but remained undeterred. The atmosphere was one of community and shared experience, a hallmark of Cardinals baseball. Pictures were taken, cheers erupted, and the spirit of the game shone through the clouds.
With every pitch thrown and every swing taken, the excitement of Opening Day was evident. The fans were not just spectators; they were part of a tradition that has spanned generations, each year bringing new hopes and dreams. For many, this day symbolizes the start of something special, a chance for redemption and a fresh start.
As the game continued, the energy in the stadium was infectious. Fans cheered wildly for home runs and celebrated every strikeout with equal enthusiasm. It was a day to remember, not just for the players on the field but for the fans who live and breathe Cardinals baseball. The outcome of the game was still uncertain, but one thing was clear: Opening Day in St. Louis is a cherished event, a day when hope springs eternal, and the love for baseball shines bright.
As the sun began to set over Busch Stadium, the excitement of the day lingered in the air. Whether the Cardinals emerged victorious or faced another tough season, the bond between the team and its fans remained unbreakable. The spirit of St. Louis was alive and well, and as the crowd filed out of the stadium, many were already looking forward to the next game.
