BENTON — At one time or another, most American kids have dreamed about getting to dig their cleats into a big league batter’s box, or hurl a fastball down through the zone from the pitcher’s mound of a Major League ballpark. It’s the stuff of movies and fantasies for all but a select few who make it to “The Show.”
For Coach Brett Blondi’s Benton Rangers, those dreams have a chance to come true on July 17, as for the second year in a row, the Rangers will get the prestigious opportunity to play ball inside Busch Stadium, and experience all of the sights, sounds, and smells of what is like to play professional baseball.
However, in order for that to happen, the Rangers need some help from their community. Blondi noted that the Rangers have to sell 900 tickets this year to be able to play. Blondi added that his players have been out selling packets and raising money for this event, entitled “Battle at Busch Stadium 2016” since the beginning of the season.
If the team meet their quota, then on Sunday, July 17, after the St. Louis Cardinals play a 1:15 p.m. home game against the Miami Marlins, the Benton Rangers will get to face off on the very same turf against the South Calloway County Bulldogs of Missouri.
"It's a good experience for them. They really enjoy it," said Blondi. "The St. Louis Cardinals really take care of us. Their announcer announces the game for us. The kids get an opportunity to play on a really nice field in a big stadium, so it's a lot of fun for them."
Last year the Rangers took on the Hamilton County Foxes at the first annual Busch Stadium game. The Foxes' coach Ron Smith said of that experience, “It's just a win-win situation. These boys dream of playing on a field like this and we sell the tickets, and we add something to it and make a little money for our program to buy a few balls and bats.”
Smith said no score was kept during the 2015 game, and no stats or books were kept for the game. It was all just for fun. “This was all just for fun, we didn't even keep the score,” Smith said. “Everybody played two innings and I did my best to get everyone out there fairly and get everyone at bats.”
Tickets are on sale now, and are reasonably priced at $25. They can be purchased from any Varsity or Jr. Varsity Ranger baseball player. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Tammy Head by email at Tmmyhd@gmail.com or via telephone at 618-927-5863. For more information about the event or Ranger Athletics, contact BCHS Athletic Director Ryan Miller at 618-439-3103 ext.317.
