Baseball in Missouri: A Show-Me State Pastime

Take me out to the ball game! No sport creates a sense of nostalgia quite like baseball. From the sound of the organ and the crack of the bat to the seventh inning stretch and snacking on Cracker Jack, baseball has long been a favorite pastime in Missouri.

Major League Baseball in Missouri

Missouri is one of only eight states with two major league teams – the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals. The Show-Me State ranks second in the total number of World Series wins and is among the top 10 states where Major League Baseball players were born.

St. Louis Cardinals

Professional baseball began in St. Louis in 1875 with a team called the Brown Stockings, later shortened to the Browns. In 1899, the team was briefly known as the Perfectos and wore uniforms with bright red trim. A sportswriter quoted a fan commenting on the uniforms’ “lovely shade of cardinal.” And that is how the beloved teams in baseball became the St. Louis Cardinals.

The team has become a treasured part of Missouri sports history. The Cardinals have appeared in 19 World Series matchups and won the championship 11 times – the most of any team from the National League and second in Major League Baseball. The team also has 19 National League pennants and holds 15 division titles in the East and Central divisions. Talk about knocking records out of the park!

Busch Stadium and Must-See Attractions

Upon arriving at Busch Stadium, where the team has played since 2006, fans will encounter a sea of red and white, a view of the towering Gateway Arch and a look at the legendary, humorous mascot – Fredbird. Treat your tastebuds to a variety of ballpark specialties including a St. Louis Slinger Dog or a Red Hot Sausage.

When visiting, be sure to check out nearby attractions for a full day of fun in St. Louis.

• Ballpark Village – Experience Ballpark Village before attending a game. Conveniently located next to the stadium, this buzzing, sports-themed district has a beer garden, rooftop deck and VIP lounge with a 40-foot LED TV. Choose from several dining options.
• Citygarden Sculpture Park – This urban sculpture park in downtown St. Louis is a 5-10 minute walk from Busch Stadium. It features 24 stunning sculptures, fountains, gardens and a children’s spray plaza.
• Gateway Arch – Discover stories as incredible as the views. The Gateway Arch’s tram will take you to the top of the tallest monument in the United States – 630 feet. The museum below the arch focuses on the country’s westward expansion.
• The Rawlings Experience – Visit The Rawlings Experience at the company’s world headquarters in St. Louis. Sports fans and athletes can swing the latest Rawlings bats, custom design a glove and explore artifacts from some of baseball’s greatest moments.

Kansas City Royals

Founded as an expansion franchise in 1969, the Kansas City Royals don royal blue, gold and white. The team’s name is in honor of Kansas City’s American Royal, a major livestock show that dates back to 1899.

The Royals have played in four World Series, winning in 1985 and 2015. They currently play at Kauffman Stadium, known as “The K.” With a 360-degree concourse, the stadium makes it easy for fans to keep their eyes on the game while they grab some of Kansas City’s famous barbecue or a burger from the concession stand.

Things To Do Near Kauffman Stadium

When planning for a grand-slam-of-a-day in Kansas City, be sure to check out nearby attractions.

• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum – Immerse yourself in an often-overlooked chapter of baseball history at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. A 15-minute drive from Kauffman Stadium, the museum honors the rich history of African-American baseball and its effect on society.
• Country Club Plaza Shopping & Dining District – The Plaza is one of Midwest’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment districts. With more than 150 upscale shops, 20-plus restaurants, nightclubs and hotels, there are plenty of places to explore.
• Union Station – This impressive architecture of this historic landmark is a sight to see. Visit Union Station to explore Science City, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, the Model Railroad Experience, and a selection of shops and restaurants.

Minor League Baseball

Springfield Cardinals

In addition to two MLB teams, the Show-Me State has a minor league team – the Springfield Cardinals. Originally dubbed the Springfield Highlanders back in 1931, the Double-A Affiliate has been a feeder team for the St. Louis Cardinals since 2005. Attend one of their famous “theme nights” at Route 66 Stadium (formerly Hammons Field) and try the ballpark’s tasty food offerings like Springfield-style cashew chicken.

Attractions Near Route 66 Stadium

Find a variety of things to see and do in Springfield.

• Dickerson Park Zoo – Dickerson Park Zoo’s 55 acres are home to hundreds of animals, representing habitats in Africa, Tropical Asia, South America, Australia and North America. Stand eye-to-eye with giraffes, walk among peacocks, ride the Titus Express or cool off in the Jumping Jewels water feature.
• Pineapple Whip – This frosty treat is a Springfield tradition. Sample the soft-serve concoction at five Pineapple Whip locations throughout the city. Each location serves the original pineapple flavor as well as additional rotating flavors including strawberrry-kiwi, orange, mango-peach and more.
• City Butcher and Barbecue – You can’t go wrong at a restaurant that calls its smoked pork belly “meat candy.” At City Butcher and Barbecue, choose from a variety of smoked meats including brisket, the most popular item on the menu, and a variety of sides.

Missouri College Baseball

Mizzou Baseball, Columbia

M-I-Z! Z-O-U! The University of Missouri Tigers have been playing baseball since 1891. The Tigers have made six appearances at the College World Series, winning the championship in 1954. The program has produced 53 MLB players. Watch the Tigers play at Taylor Stadium in Columbia.

Missouri State Baseball, Springfield

Established in 1964, the Missouri State University baseball program has had 24 players go on to play Major League Baseball. The MSU Bears made it to the College World Series in 2003 and have won the NCAA regional championship three times. See the Baseball Bears in action at the Route 66 Stadium in Springfield.

For more Show-Me State sports, check out professional men’s and women’s soccer in St. Louis and Kansas City.