Recently Cromwell Media and 98.9 The Game took part in the annual St. Louis
Cardinals Radio Affiliate Day. The event, was held at Busch Stadium and gathered radio
professionals from across the expansive Cardinals Radio Network. It was a small
behind-the-scenes look of one of baseball’s most historic franchises and a
celebration of the affiliates that carry Cardinals baseball to fans far and wide.
The Cardinals Radio Network is one of the most expansive in all Major League
Baseball with over 100 affiliate radio stations (some even some carrying the
Spanish broadcasts as well) across nine states. The flagship KMOX and the
entirety of the network has been instrumental in bringing Cardinals games to
listeners spanning from Missouri and Illinois to Oklahoma, Iowa, and even
Alabama.
Cromwell Media was proudly represented by sports reporter Travis Sparks and
senior sales associate Bob Shields. Together, they joined an impressive roster of
broadcasters and media professionals.
Affiliate Day also gave Bob, Travis, and attendees unique access to ballpark amenities and a
special presentation from Cardinals front office personnel and the radio voices of
the team. The two front office executives on hand were President Bill DeWitt III
and President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. Bill and Mo fielded some burning
questions, one that was specifically for Mo about if he or others notice the noise
online. “I’ve been in this seat for 18 years and in terms of my skin thickness it
just keeps getting thicker. I don’t actually even have a Twitter account anymore,
so I don’t read it but I know what’s out there and I certainly understand
frustrations from time to time but we are trying to do our jobs as best we can.
What people say about us it’s almost like being a politician basically you’re
trying to like have 51% of the world to like you. We really do try to put a product
out there that we’re proud of that and you guys will be proud but it’s tricky it’s a
hard business right now.”
Mr DeWitt III was asked about reaching the younger demographic, gameday
experience and trying to get fans back into the ballpark “I don’t know if it’s so
much just research based. I think it’s the fact that as we began experiencing
some declines in attendance based on where we were on the field the last couple
of years. We just kind of said what is it that we can control on the business side
that would make it more likely that fans will come and enjoy themselves when
they’re here.”
“Anuk (Karunaratne, VP of Business Operations) and his crew led the charge… I
would call it a repetitiveness to perhaps our game day presentation, where every
game whether it was a Tuesday night in April versus a Friday night in June
might have felt the same. We still have ways to go there but we’re working on
having the field look different.”
And of course two popular names where bound to come up, Yadier Molina and
Albert Pujols.
When Mo was asked about those two turning up and trying to
help improve the on field product. “Obviously they are the two most
popular players we’ve had in the last two decades and will probably remain that
way for a very long time. I think the one thing is you have to admire is what
they’re currently doing to try to get themselves in a position to someday manage
or coach in the big leagues. Yadi, he’s coached in Winter Ball in Venezuela, he’s
coached in Puerto Rico, he managed in the WBC (World Baseball Classic)
and that’s great. Albert Pujols managed in the Dominican Winter League last
year and he’s going to be the WBC manager next year. In Major League Baseball,
we play over 187 days and we play 162 games. That’s a very different
commitment than Winter Ball or the WBC. That’s ultimately what they’re
going to have to decide what they want to do because that is a massive commitment.
They’ll always be welcome back to the St. Louis Cardinals organization. As the
fans are advocating for them, talking about them, just understand there is some
criteria that’s required to do these jobs and part of it is just the commitment to
the job. Being present. I admire those guys like they’re brothers, they’re
amazing. Doing these types of jobs, doing Ollie’s job is not easy and it requires
certain skills. So, in time they’ll get their opportunity, whether it’s here or
somewhere but I just admire that they’re starting to take those baby steps to get
there.
On the field the Cardinals opponents for Affiliate Day this year was the
Pittsburgh Pirates. Pitching was on full display starting on Tuesday, fans saw a
pitching matchup of Matthew Liberatore, once one of the best Cardinals
pitching prospects, going up against Pirates young phenom Paul Skenes. Both
carved threw the opposing batting order like the chef was carving threw the
pork loin in the UMB Champions Club. It was ultimately Libby and the
Cardinals getting the best of Skenes. An Alec Burleson go ahead double in the 6th was the difference.
The Lou would hold on to win 2-1 on Tuesday night. The dominate pitching
would continue the following day.
With Cardinals ace Sonny Gray toeing the rubber. Sonny proving why he is the
number one starter in the rotation by throwing seven innings of two hit ball
while striking out eight Pirate batters. Victor Scott II also showed off his Sonic
like speed, motoring around the base paths scoring two runs in the 5-0 victory.
The two wins followed up Monday night’s win to complete a three game series
sweep of Pittsburgh.
With Redbirds off to the nations capital to continue their season and another
successful Affiliate Day in the books, Travis and Bob returned home proud to be
part of the Cardinals’ legendary radio tradition. Continuing their commitment to
connecting baseball with communities throughout the country.
Keep those radios tuned in to 98.9 The Game all season long for all your
Cardinals baseball coverage in the area.
Mike Claiborne, the MC for Tuesday night festivities
John Rooney, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals
Ricky Horton, other half of the radio play by play, also pictured Anuk Karunaratne VP of Business Operations
Clabs with President Bill DeWitt III
John Mozeliak, President of Baseball Operations
View From the UMB Champions Club
Cardinals vs division foe Pittsburgh Pirates
Had to snap a photo of Paul Skenes
That’s a winner!! What a quick game due to both starting pitchers working very efficiently
Travis here with former St Louis Cardinals Closer and Cardinal Hall Of Famer Jason Isringhausen and the 2006 World Series Trophy
Left to Right Jacob Shield, Bob Shields & Travis Sparks enjoying their time in the Champions Club
Not a bad view as soon as you step out of the hotel this year
Travis with new Cardinals Hall Of Famer Al Hrabosky, who stopped by the legend suites on Wednesday
What would a Cardinal game be without a picture of Fred Bird, waving the That’s A Winner Flag
Another win for the Cardinals means that’s a sweep of the Pirates
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