Springfield, Mo. - Springtime in the Ozarks means warmer temperatures, storms, flowers blooming and the crack of the bat at Hammons Field.
The Springfield Cardinals are getting ready to throw out that first pitch of the season.
For some, a Springfield Cardinals game means...
"A lot of it is the atmosphere. A lot of good fans, a lot of loyal fans for the team," said Cardinals fan De Bizzell.
For others...
"Being there with friends and family, just hanging out watching the Cardinals beat up some people," said Andrew Klump, an avid Cardinals fan.
Whether it will be your first game or your seventh season watching Springfield Cardinals baseball, the club wants to keep you coming back.
"We've got Steve Carlton coming in for a first pitch, we've got a new concession stand with Buckingham's barbeque," said Matt Gifford, general manager of the Springfield Cardinals. "We've got a new hot dog area with different kinds of ballpark hot dogs. We've got a new nacho bar I think people are really going to enjoy."
There are also changes being made right now to the seating area down the right field line. Before first pitch, the Cardinals plan to have luxury seating and awnings here and the real winners of this area will be local organizations.
"The tickets are all going to go to charities to try and help them raise funds in this tough time in the economy," said Gifford.
One day before opening day, on the field, it's about getting the final touches put on to set up another winning season for the Redbirds and for fans.
"Just see some good baseball, some good clean fun," said Klump.
