The St. Louis Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol is embracing a “shirts optional” philosophy after witnessing an electrifying fan display during Friday evening’s victory.
A contingent of college baseball players seated in the right-field area stripped off their shirts and waved them enthusiastically while singing and chanting, inspiring other spectators to join their spirited demonstration.
The manager is eager to see this energy return to the ballpark.
“Last night’s atmosphere was electric. Let’s run it back this weekend,” Marmol wrote on social media. “I’ll buy tickets for fans who want to sit in the right field Loge and bring the energy.”
The spontaneous celebration originated when members of the Stephen F. Austin club baseball squad known as the Lumberjacks attended the game. These 17 players were visiting nearby Alton, Illinois, for the National Club Baseball Division II World Series when the Cardinals provided them with complimentary tickets.
When Yohel Pozo delivered the decisive RBI with a walk-off hit in the 11th inning, the Lumberjacks had successfully recruited additional supporters — including team mascot Fredbird — to participate in their topless celebration.
“Whoever started that in right field, I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure they come every game,” Marmol commented after Friday’s contest. “Because that was awesome. Not only them, but everybody that showed up today. That was a fun environment.”
While the “tarps off” celebration — removing and waving one’s shirt — has become common in various sports venues, it marked a first for Busch Stadium.
Friday evening’s supporters may have inadvertently established a fresh ballpark custom.
The visiting players performed soccer-style chants and called out individual player names. Stadium organist Dwayne Hilton provided musical accompaniment and encouraged broader participation in the festivities.
“It creates an environment where, it’s not only filling this place up, it’s making it a tough place for other teams to come in and play,” Marmol stated Friday. “That was pretty damn cool. I’ll sign up for that, any day.”
The second contest of the three-game matchup against the Kansas City Royals commenced Saturday following approximately 45 minutes of weather-related delays.
