Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks’ Childhood Dream

Childhood Dreams of Playing at Busch Stadium

ST. LOUIS — Growing up within the western suburbs of St. Louis, Rays nearer Pete Fairbanks had the identical dream as many younger followers sitting within the stands at Cardinals video games — to sometime play on the sphere as a big-leaguer.

“Anybody that thinks they’re any good as a child needs to try this, proper?” Fairbanks mentioned. “So, that was one thing that I at all times wished to do. And I’m lucky sufficient to do it.”

Fairbanks attended many Cardinals video games, together with Game 2 of the 2011 World Series, and performed at Busch Stadium twice. He performed first base for his Webster Groves High School workforce (whereas rehabbing from Tommy John elbow surgical procedure) and pitched a school recreation for Missouri towards Illinois. Over the subsequent three video games, he has an opportunity to take action once more.

Excitement for Homecoming Games

Fairbanks and his spouse, Lydia, each have household within the space (plus some in rural Mexico, Missouri) and a number of buddies. He mentioned there will probably be huge crowds for all three video games, together with one for which they rented a 100-plus-person occasion suite.

“I’m fairly excited,” Fairbanks mentioned. “It must be a fairly good turnout for lots of people. I performed there in highschool, I performed there in faculty, and now hopefully get an inning there within the huge leagues.”

Kameron Misner’s Cardinals Connection

Outfielder Kameron Misner, known as up from Triple-A on Friday, watched the Cardinals as effectively whereas rising up in rural Poplar Bluff in southern Missouri.

“Where I’m from, everybody’s diehard Cardinals followers,” Misner mentioned. “Rural space, bunch of farmers that get off work and all of them drive their tractors round listening to the video games. It’s fairly cool. I’m actually wanting ahead to it. It’s going to be superior.”

Misner mentioned his household made the 2-hour-plus drive to see video games, often from the higher deck. Though he additionally performed at Missouri, he has by no means been on the Busch Stadium subject.

Family and Friends Support

Misner additionally could have a big group of kin and buddies available, together with his grandfather, Mike, who’s a cattle farmer with over 200 cows and different kin who develop crops.

“It’s going to be fairly a bit,” he mentioned. “I received known as up, and everybody’s like, ‘Oh man, subsequent week, St. Louis!’”

Conclusion

Both Fairbanks and Misner are set to satisfy their childhood desires of enjoying at Busch Stadium in entrance of household and buddies. The pleasure and anticipation for these video games showcase the deep connections that athletes should their hometowns and the assist they obtain from their family members.

FAQs

Q: How did Pete Fairbanks put together for his hometown video games?

A: Fairbanks performed at Busch Stadium throughout highschool and faculty, establishing a familiarity with the sphere and the environment. He additionally has a supportive community of household and buddies attending the video games.

Q: What is the importance of Kameron Misner’s Cardinals connection?

A: Misner’s roots in a rural space the place Cardinals fandom runs deep replicate the robust group ties that sports activities can foster. His household’s enthusiastic assist provides to the joy of his main league debut at Busch Stadium.