VEB Meet & Greet Next Season

by Alxfritz on Dec 2, 2007 7:18 PM EST

Dear diary,

I am writing to gauge the response of fellow VEBers in what kind of interest you may have in doing a Viva El Birdos get-together for a Cardinals game at Busch the third next season. I've gone to a few games with other VEBers before, and have always had a great time at the ballpark, so why not get everyone who can make it to one? Plus, it will be nice to put faces to names and to find out if azruavatar is actually a robot or not.

In the poll below, you'll find a list of Cardinals home weekend series coming up in 2008, please vote (if you will seriously consider attending) on which date will work most feasibly for you.

(Note: I took out the opening weekend series, Fourth of July series, Labor Day series, and the final weekend of the year since those tickets are usually either in high demand or you probably have something better to do than hanging out with strangers from the Internet).

My personal preference would be the May 17th game against the <strike>Devil</strike> Rays. The weather will be well past the spring thaw, but not yet into the sweltering summer heat. Also, I can't imagine tickets will be in high demand for that game, so it is probably our best choice. (Also, I may or may not be planning on kidnapping Scott Kazmir and Carl Crawford and making them play for the Cards. Mums the word.)

Once we get a date set that works for everyone, we can decide whether it would be best for everyone to get single seats (I don't think we'll be able to all sit together in the bleachers or anything) and meet up before and after the game at, say, the Broadway Oyster Bar (or some other bar/restaurant down there that doesn't make me want to punch myself in the throat) or if we should go ahead and get one of those Coca-Cola patio-ish things for everyone to enjoy the game together in.

So please vote for the series that works best for you and a few weeks before single game tickets go on sale, I'll have another diary going forward to the next step.

(and yes, I feel like I'm planning a high school reunion, thank you for asking.)

Poll

What date works best for you?

May 31st v. Pittsburgh

7 votes

June 14th v. Philly

6 votes

July 19th v. San Diego

6 votes

August 2nd v. Philly

3 votes

August 23rd v. Atlanta

5 votes

Apr 19th v. San Fran

3 votes

Apr 26th v. Houston

4 votes

May 3rd v. Chicago

5 votes

May 17th v. Tampa Bay

38 votes

77 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 74 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

i think this is a cool idea

i live in nyc, so obviously wouldn't be 100% likely to make it, but if it's a time i can be there, it would be awesome. my particular employer tends to be slow in august, so that's best for me.

does this mean boras is human?

by nycbirdo on Nov 28, 2007 6:01 PM EST reply actions

I like it

I say we try to get a group rate and get the scoreboard to say WELCOME VEB!! RBI AND FIELDING PCT ARE SILLY!!

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on Nov 28, 2007 6:03 PM EST reply actions

W-L has herpes.

by ortic jones on Nov 28, 2007 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

We should

be able to do that with a text message.

by plh903 on Nov 28, 2007 6:50 PM EST up reply actions

It's funny

'Cuz it's true.

by liam on Nov 28, 2007 7:21 PM EST up reply actions

This is a great idea

since there is also a lot of readers who live in Springfield or attend the games there, I wonder if the minor league gurus could arrange something similar for next season. Perhaps maybe around the time mike shannon's opens in springfield? honestly i have no idea when or if this will happen

"My cat's breath smells like cat food"

by Dave Barry on Nov 28, 2007 6:04 PM EST reply actions

I am

entirely for this. I'm a Springfieldian and, the Springfield Cardinals are after all the best minor league affiliate.

P.S. S'GOO MIZZZOOOOUUUU

by mynameistyler on Nov 29, 2007 7:26 AM EST up reply actions

My buddy

is the Sgf. Caridinals group ticket guru. I guarantee you this could get done if we can get the warm bodies. Party porch, anyone?

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Nov 29, 2007 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Sounds great

Likely living in Washington for the next two years (grad. school)...a time between semesters would probably work best...how much would a flight to the STL from DC cost? Hotel cost?

Also, don't jump all over me, but...it would be my first Cardinals game at Busch (not just new, but at all in STL). I've been trying to make it up for a game for several years, but haven't had the money/time. This could be a great opportunity.

Cardinal fan in War Eagle land

by Mr Redbird on Nov 28, 2007 6:04 PM EST reply actions

i live in the area as well

and i've found cheap flights from national or bwi before. never tried dulles - it's a little far away.

if you sign up via AA.com, american occasionally has specials for certain flights one or two weeks out, sometimes for less than $250 round trip. that doesn't really work if you're planning something way ahead - but if you buy far enough in advance and it's not a holiday, you can usually find them for $200-250.

by moboiler on Nov 29, 2007 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

Flights, hotels

Also check with Southwest from BMI. I'm pretty sure they have direct flights to STL and, again, if you buy far enough ahead of time, they are often in the $80-120 range for each way. As for hotels, there are several moderately priced options near the airport and you can ride the Metro downtown for, I think, $4/day.

by ArkansasTravs on Nov 29, 2007 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

i disagree

having lived in this area for 2 years and taken frequent trips home to st. louis... i've checked on southwest for most of my trips but i've never found a cheaper one via them than american or us airways out of BWI or philadelphia. it never hurts to look, but i wouldn't expect it to be any cheaper.

by moboiler on Nov 29, 2007 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

When I went up to look at the school

I got a round-trip flight from Huntsville for $198 to BWI. Connected in Memphis on the way and Detroit on the way home, but that's hard to beat. From what I've seen, flights to/from there are much cheaper than Dulles or Reagan.

Cardinal fan in War Eagle land

by Mr Redbird on Nov 29, 2007 4:55 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for the info

I'll check more carefully next time. Overall, though, I think going into/out of Baltimore is almost always cheaper, no matter the airline, than National or Dulles. Anybody have different experience?

by ArkansasTravs on Nov 30, 2007 2:53 PM EST up reply actions

I can't come if it rains

bad for the hinges . . . err, joints.

by azruavatar on Nov 28, 2007 6:19 PM EST reply actions

I'll show up

if Fritz does a Cardinals-related standup routine at some point during the festivities.

by plh903 on Nov 28, 2007 6:51 PM EST reply actions

If you will

settle for an awkward power-point presentation, you've got yourself a deal.

I will be brief.

by Alxfritz on Nov 29, 2007 4:40 AM EST up reply actions

if i can swing it

i'd love to do it as long as minors are welcome. wouldn't reccommend the cubs game as those games are always in high demand and probaly would be tough to get group tickets.

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 28, 2007 7:12 PM EST reply actions

+1 on the whole minor thing

I would like to be there but a lot depends on a lot of things that could change between now and whenever.

A date during the summer would probably work best for me.

by marioman42 on Nov 28, 2007 7:28 PM EST up reply actions

I voted Atlanta

Since I take a bunch of fellow grad students from Atlanta down for the whole series, so I'll already be there.

Don't see any reason why I couldn't make it in town for any of those other dates, though.

by liam on Nov 28, 2007 7:20 PM EST reply actions

Umm...

Where is the poll? Am I blind (as well as deaf and dummmm?)

by glennrwordman on Nov 28, 2007 7:34 PM EST reply actions

great idea

a question though;i am a big man, is there anywhere comfortable to sit besides the bleachers?

Pujols is the greatest Cardinal in my lifetime.

by bigcardsfan5 on Nov 28, 2007 7:40 PM EST reply actions

In KY

so I am not 100% able to make it, but if you guys pick a date, I'll try to swing a long weekend trip and also visit some friends.

It would be a really great time. Good call.

by joecardsfan on Nov 28, 2007 8:25 PM EST reply actions

absolutely fantastic

I live about 20 minutes from the lou, and would absolutely love going to a game with people that love baseball...
I could also provide a place to stay for someone out of town...
I voted Drays because i plan on going to one of the games anyways, see all those guys ive been reading about play

BLaw.

by Dttl89 on Nov 28, 2007 8:49 PM EST reply actions

I wonder if i could fly in for the weekend

Either that, or I could form a West Coast Meetup when they come to play the Dodgers in May...

I can't think of a good offseason signature.

by effin fisk on Nov 28, 2007 8:56 PM EST reply actions

Good thinking...

I would be willing to look into getting some of us together in Cincy for a Reds series, if that is closer for some people. I live in Lexington, KY, and went to two games in Cincy last year. You can ALWAYS get tix.

by joecardsfan on Nov 29, 2007 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

sounds like fun

I love the Idea, of course I love any excuse to go to a Cardinal Game. I voted for the 17th but anytime after may 10 (I graduate with my BS in Computer Science From Iowa State University on that day) will be good, going to a Cardinals game will be a great way to celebrate.

"If I managed the Cubs, I'd be an Alcoholic." - Whitey Herzog

by cyko42 on Nov 28, 2007 8:58 PM EST reply actions

I don't comment much...,

but read everyday. I would love to be there. I'm your huckleberry. Say when.

by boog on Nov 28, 2007 9:05 PM EST reply actions

In SoCal so

I'll go to a SoCal game here...as long as I don't have to deal with Dodger fan. Uggh!

Really guys the weather is nice out here. In the summer it's only 110.

by Harknights on Nov 28, 2007 9:15 PM EST reply actions

yeah, need a SoCal meet

There seems to be a bunch of us, and it's easy to get tickets anywhere in dodger stadium...

It's easier not to make the mistake than to make the mistake and try to fix it. -Mo

by SleepyCA on Nov 28, 2007 10:32 PM EST up reply actions

I checked the schedule earlier today

And I think we play the Padres in San Diego and the Dodgers in L.A. in the same week in mid May. It's the Dodgers over the weekend, so we should make it happen. (Plus I'm in L.A., so it's less of a drive.)

Anyone know when tickets actually go on sale?

I can't think of a good offseason signature.

by effin fisk on Nov 29, 2007 2:51 AM EST up reply actions

I could try to make it too

We have been going down to SD the last couple of years and I have been pretty astonished by the amount of folks wearing red.

by OCCardsFan on Nov 29, 2007 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

I'm in

The Tampa or Pittsburgh games are low-demand. The party patios are expensive and you only get your money's worth by drinking 5 beers and eating 2+ stadium dogs. There has to be a way to get a block of seats together in a more reasonable section - maybe the left field seats is an option. Does anyone have a friend in a high place - aka the ticket office?

by silent_bob on Nov 28, 2007 9:44 PM EST reply actions

5 Beers and 2 Stadium dogs each

can easily be done... and if not the rest of us, im sure, can pick up the slack.

by TICY on Nov 28, 2007 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah,

I can drink for like three or four if need be.

Also, there's a decent sports bar-ish section in the Casino Queen Party Porch where folks could hang out in.

I will be brief.

by Alxfritz on Nov 29, 2007 4:42 AM EST up reply actions

+1

Cardinal fan in War Eagle land

by Mr Redbird on Nov 29, 2007 2:32 PM EST up reply actions

Well

I'm at Wash U, so while there are no promises I could be there during the summer, I can make it most any other time, barring a baseball conflict of my own. I voted the TB game.

by mojowo11 on Nov 28, 2007 10:25 PM EST reply actions

The Man Behind The Curtain

lboros must attend.

It happened on a Sunday afternoon, August 22, 1982.

by Glenn Brummer stole home on Nov 29, 2007 12:34 AM EST reply actions

Standing room

people can always get SRO's for cheap and congregate at the bar in the outfield.

It happened on a Sunday afternoon, August 22, 1982.

by Glenn Brummer stole home on Nov 29, 2007 12:48 AM EST up reply actions

In that case

Let's do the 23rd of August, because that's the only one at which I'd be 21...

by mojowo11 on Nov 29, 2007 3:52 AM EST up reply actions

Word.

by plaz on Nov 29, 2007 9:25 AM EST up reply actions

Now, it's just a matter of finding out

if TOLAXOR is always screaming in real life.

by Valatan on Nov 29, 2007 1:56 AM EST reply actions

I always thought

TOLAXOR is made of stone.

Don't dash my dreams, Valatan!

by liam on Nov 29, 2007 3:35 AM EST up reply actions

I thought

it was a laxative

"The only thing you know about pitching is that you can't hit it." Bob Gibson to Tim McCarver

by player2bnamedl8r on Nov 29, 2007 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

TOLAXOR

Does anyone think that TOLAXOR is really ROX A LOT spelled backwards?! The myth, the legend.

I am in Austin, TX these days so if anyone else is interested we could do a road trip! Otherwise it probably just makes more sense to shell out $250 for a plane ticket.

I'm in - (with all the crappy working man caveats that essentially come down to as long as my boss lets me!)

by Lawless on Nov 29, 2007 8:57 AM EST up reply actions

Ha

Yeah, you aren'tthe only one .

by plh903 on Dec 3, 2007 5:33 AM EST up reply actions

I'm a freakin

wizard with html.

by plh903 on Dec 3, 2007 5:33 AM EST up reply actions

whenever

im a season ticket holder and a rare poster-everyday reader so any day is ok with me. any day i can get together and shoot the shit with a baseball fan is great. to talk to a bunch of baseball fans even better.

baseball is like church. many attend but few understand....wes westrum, catcher

by El Capitan on Nov 29, 2007 2:29 AM EST reply actions

dude i'd love to do this

but does this quote mean we can't go to Dolce or Lush for the before & after party?

"or some other bar/restaurant down there that doesn't make me want to punch myself in the throat)"

i wonder if edmonds would let all us VEB'ers go to his new bar/club/steakhouse F15teen if we didnt go to Dolce or Lush?

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Nov 29, 2007 4:51 AM EST reply actions

If we met

the dress code standards, and had a reservation, I'm pretty sure he'd be happy to take our money...

"The only thing you know about pitching is that you can't hit it." Bob Gibson to Tim McCarver

by player2bnamedl8r on Nov 29, 2007 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

Or,

I could shoot myself. If I cant wear sandals to a bar, they're not getting my business.

I will be brief.

by Alxfritz on Nov 29, 2007 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

Your preferences

are noted. =)

Not sure Jimmy would want his high-class clientele to be disturbed by the rabble...

"How much for the women? How much for your daughter?"

I'm pretty sure this crowd could clean out his liquor selection pretty quickly...

"The only thing you know about pitching is that you can't hit it." Bob Gibson to Tim McCarver

by player2bnamedl8r on Nov 29, 2007 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

I would love to go

I live near Syracuse, NY. I have yet to go to a game at Busch III. This might be the perfect way to see the new stadium. My wife and I went to a home game a couple of years ago and promised ourselves we'd go back.

by nybirdfan on Nov 29, 2007 8:23 AM EST reply actions

east coast

i live far away, but i plan a trip to st. louis every summer for some games. perhaps i could schedule it around this. if so i'll be sure to stay in the loop.

as for my fellow east coasters, would anyone be interested in doing this at shea next summer? it'd certainly be the easiest venue at which to get tickets, and the series is on a weekend (july 25-27). i'm not 100% sure where i'll be in 6 months, but if i'm within a reasonable trip i'd be all for it. i'd even do the planning.

by moboiler on Nov 29, 2007 9:00 AM EST reply actions

100%

would LOVE to get some veb'ers at shea next summer. there's a cards fans in nyc listserv that did this, i think (they also meet up at dewey's once in awhile) but i wasn't able to do it this season ... will be looking to try again in 2008.

does this mean boras is human?

by nycbirdo on Dec 3, 2007 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

I'll chime in

with everyone else who said this is a fabulous idea!

I'll be very busy with work on most of those dates, so I'm not going to vote. But I'll definitely do my best to attend whatever game it ends up being...

"The only thing you know about pitching is that you can't hit it." Bob Gibson to Tim McCarver

by player2bnamedl8r on Nov 29, 2007 9:22 AM EST reply actions

Great Idea

I won't vote for now but I am interested if a date is picked and since I live on the East side of the river I should be able to make any date you listed. Party rooms are expensive but if we had enough that might be a good idea, there is information about 2008 party rooms available from the website now but you have to request it, maybe try to find out how much it would cost to do one of those, that way we would have a place to congregate. Otherwise somehow groups get large clumps of seats in the top rows all the time, I know it wouldn't be the best view but it would be cheaper and I think we could swing a group section. The only way to handle it would be to call the Cards and see what they typically do for groups to see if you can "block" of a bunch and then we have to buy our own tickets or if we would have to mail you the money and have you buy the block.

Also I have a feeling that the Cards PR staff would love to know that a group of VEB people were going to be there, especially if the bloggers were in that group (including the FR guys). Not sure what they would do but it would be very cool if we could get a tour of the clubhouse or something as a group.

by StLHugo on Nov 29, 2007 9:53 AM EST reply actions

where at east of the

river???
out of curiosity????

BLaw.

by Dttl89 on Nov 29, 2007 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

TB

I haven't been commenting too much in the offseason but I would definitely be down for something like this. I voted TB simply because it probably won't be too hot then and I really like alot of the Rays players. I hope that if we do lose whatever game we go to, at least we'll get to watch Kazmir pitch.

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together...it's Arrested Development.

by Bowen on Nov 29, 2007 10:55 AM EST reply actions

Good choice of opponent

Rays would be a fun opponent to see and tix should be easy. I really look forward to going to an event where I can discuss baseball with people who have a clue.

by indakind on Nov 29, 2007 10:58 AM EST reply actions

All Right...

...the poll popped up on my screen this morning, and then when I logged in to leave a comment...disappeared. Stupid computers.

I'd love to make a trip to Busch III for a game; my schedule is flexible, so whichever date is best for the majority...summer is better, damn the heat!

by glennrwordman on Nov 29, 2007 11:07 AM EST reply actions

Cool

It would be fun to chat with other card fans. I have never seen the Rays.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." --Bob Gibson

by casie1143 on Nov 29, 2007 11:07 AM EST reply actions

Great idea!

I'll sure try to come although I'm going to be more limited next summer than most. I had to vote for May 31 vs. Pitt. since that's the only one I'm pretty sure I could make, but might be able to get there on the 17th also. (Youngest daughter graduates from HS on the 23rd but I think she's through w/ classes earlier)

Party rooms are a bit high. We did a family trip last summer and most folks balked at the $80 price tag. We ended up with seats all over but one game everyone was in 450 (or maybe it was 451) and the view of the game was better than I expected.

by ArkansasTravs on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 AM EST reply actions

I wont vote

becuase id rather have u guys pick the day since im not sure il make it ( live in puerto rico)

BUT i do have a great suggestion

you all need to go with t-shirts with a VEB LOGO AND YOUR username. hehe

by samael88 on Nov 29, 2007 11:29 AM EST reply actions

Good Idea

I like the t-shirt idea, but I think a more temporary "hello my name is" sticker with username would make the shirts less nerdy for use beyond the game, if you know what I mean.

Also, I think this meet & greet is a great idea. I'm another infrequent poster/frequent reader and it would be cool to meet the faces behind the usernames.

by Handsome B Wonderful on Nov 29, 2007 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

I'll probably have to wait for the series in SF

I'd love to do this and meet the VEB community, but with a new house and three kids under 5, my wife might not approve.

But I would love to meet up with other NorCal VEB people before one of the games in SF this next year.

Getting a little winded on the 2007 victory lap

by BozCardsFanSF on Nov 29, 2007 1:38 PM EST reply actions

Any date would probably work for me

My vote was for the 6/14 contest vs the Phightin' Phils (me & my Evil Twin have a birthday two days before), but I wouldn't have much of a problem with any game on the docket.

It's hard to believe I still haven't made a pilgrimage from Chicago to the new shrine in St. Louis.

(And I can be a reliable wheelman for the Kazmir/Crawford abduction. Although I would need to borrow an unmarked Chevy van from somebody.)

That said, the Cubs do deserve my pity, but never my support.

by Solanus on Nov 29, 2007 1:53 PM EST reply actions

I'm down with the clown

Good Idea. I'm in AZ, but was planning a trip to the Lou now that I got some dough. I haven't been to a game at Busch and would love to go. Although, I was looking at the Padres games just because I think they would be some good games. I'm also down to go to SoCal, much shorter of a trip.

by BigdJC on Nov 29, 2007 2:30 PM EST reply actions

number of attendees

lb or anyone else,

anyway we can get a count on the number of people who want to attend? I have a front office contact and if i had an approximate number i may be able to get a deal worked out. not a sure thing but i would give it a shot if i have a number.

by indakind on Nov 29, 2007 9:20 PM EST reply actions

I am also in

I am also in if I can make it any of those dates. It would be best for me if it were June/July/August since I teach and am not out of school until the 1st week of June and go back the 3rd/4th week of August. I live in KC, MO...but can get across the state fairly quickly to get to a game.

stlfan

by stlfan on Nov 29, 2007 9:23 PM EST reply actions

I'm in....

The Devil Rays game sounds good, likely to be easy to get tickets to.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Nov 29, 2007 11:39 PM EST reply actions

I'm interested, but it looks like my favorite date

(April 26th vs. Houston) has no chance. That's unfortunate since I was going to be in the MO area anyway that week for professional reasons at my alma mater -- and it certainly helps to combine the two things into one trip from my financial point of view.

This is a great idea, Alxfritz, and I would like to suggest that VEB participants strongly consider the Coca-Cola "patio-ish" thing you mentioned so that everyone can meet/greet and enjoy the game as an enthusiastic group. Besides that, it might also lend itself to the "kidnap Scott Kazmir" plan.

"Requiescat In Pace - 2007 Zombie Cardinals"

by AustinBOB on Dec 2, 2007 8:48 PM EST reply actions

I'm in

Sounds like fun and I might should be able to make it. What if we got some of the other red birds blogs to go to, and see if we can get a "cardinals blog night at the ballpark" thing worked out. I know the cards do like five diffrent things like that a home game so it might work.

Save the Kipper don't make him go back out there.

by gibbyfan on Dec 3, 2007 11:03 AM EST reply actions