Braves 400 Club members enjoyed another successful road trip over the weekend of August 22-24, 2008. Thirty-five 400 Club members met in St. Louis, Missouri to watch our Bravos play the Cardinals and take in some of the sights of the city. The trip was once again planned and coordinated by Rick Wheeler.
Those that traveled by air were carried to the hotel by private coach while others motored their way from various locations in private vehicles. The hotel selected for our stay, the Hilton -St. Louis At The Ballpark, was just steps away from Busch Stadium and centrally located for other visitor destinations.
After arrival and check-in, we met in the hotel lobby for the short walk to the ballpark and a private tour of Busch Stadium. After the tour and prior to the evening's game Club members walked (a short distance) to Charlie Gitto's (in town) restaurant for a group meal. The meal was great, much better than the game that followed. We (our team) lost by a HUGE margin.
Saturday began with a (short) walk to the Gateway Arch for a visit to this St. Louis attraction. The ball game on Saturday was a mid-afternoon game and the remainder of the day (after the ball game) had everyone "doing their own thing". Some visited Laclede's Landing, some visited casinos in the area while others just relaxed for the evening. Oh, by the way, the Braves won the Saturday game which was briefly interrupted by rain.
Sunday was get-away day and the teams completed the game in time for us to easily get back to the hotel and on our way to the airport for our return flight. Those that drove to St. Louis were able to depart during daylight hours on their return trip. St. Louis was a great destination. The fans, ball park staff, the hotel staff all made our trip a wonderful experience.
Sign made to announce our presence in the ballpark, look for it later
Air travelers were picked up and returned to the airport by private coach
The tour began in the Plaza area
A bust of August A. Busch is prominently displayed
Cardinal favorite Stan Musial is featured in a few locations
If you have any doubts about the location!
Our tour took us onto the field and to the dugouts
We found Bobby Cox was there already (speaking with Brad Hainje, Director of Media Relations)
Bobby came over to say a word
The location of our group meal (truly, just a short walk from the hotel)
Our private dining room provided a cozy atmosphere
Mary Lou attempts to get the attention of the cameraman (with the sign)
A view from our Friday night seats (among MANY St. Louis fans)
Arriving at the Gateway Arch after a short walk from the hotel
The tram ride (in very tight quarters) was an experience in itself
At 630 feet the views were awesome!
What's with the blue shirts?
The trip souvenir shirts are all over the place
A helpful Park Service Ranger poses with a Phyllis
Zooming in (from 630 ft) on Busch Stadium
Our hotel can be seen from the Gateway Arch
Looking East at a riverboat and Illinois
The Scott Joplin residence was visited during someone's free time
Look at who's "tickling the ivories"
The ever present Arch can be seen during a game
We received some heckling when wearing the souvenir shirts
Wayne, Is that lemonade you're drinking?
Everyone signed the "sign"
Rick presents the sign to the Johnson's (celebrating their 65th anniversary on the trip)
What a wonderful city to visit with great sights and great baseball