Let’s talk about the fanbase which is as loyal as they come. This city literally and figuratively bleeds Cardinals red. For two solid decades, the Cardinals were the class of the National League. Not flashy, not reckless spenders—but consistent. Two World Series titles, four pennants, and just two losing seasons since Y2K. That’s not just impressive—that’s dynasty-level consistency without the New York or L.A. price tag. And yesterday, the St. Louis Cardinals fanbase sent a message with its lowest attendance at Busch Stadium III since it opened in 2006.
But something’s shifting under the Arch—and Cardinals fans, well, they’re not exactly quiet about it.
You see, the same front office that used to be praised for its player development, payroll management that was neither frugal nor ostentatious, as well as being a timely trade maker, seems to have forgotten what the “Cardinal Way” is. It feels like they’ve pulled the parking brake. The big acquisitions have dried up, the payroll’s not climbing like the competition, no trade partners are lining up and guess what? That perceived lack of effort by the front office has led to a lack of enthusiasm from the fanbase?
Busch Stadium
Look—this is a city where baseball isn’t just a pastime, it’s practically a religion. Busch Stadium has been jam-packed since it opened in April 4th 2006. We’re talking Top 4 attendance for years on end. But last year? Seventh. This year? Let’s just say other than the home opener, which should be a state holiday in Missouri, the attendance has been abysmal culminating in a record low on Monday. Sure it was a chilly game, but it was the fourth game of the season.
And let’s be real—the product on the field? It’s not inspiring confidence. Nolan Arenado, once a marquee name, looks like a shadow of his former self. Masyn Winn’s star is definitely on the rise. Victor Scott II is really fun to watch and Helsley is still red hot. Sure, there’s some young talent coming up through the ranks, and yeah, the NL Central isn’t exactly a gauntlet but the Cardinals aren’t scaring anyone right now other than the Minnesota Twins.
Now, to be fair, it’s still early. But fans are sending a message to the DeWitt family loud and clear: “We’ve shown up for you—now it’s time you show up for us.”
Attendance may still be decent by league standards—heck, they averaged 35,000 last year even during a rough stretch—but for this franchise, in this city? That’s a warning sign. The message from the bleachers is sharp and simple: stop pinching pennies and build a contender.
Oh, and in case you missed the score—the St. Louis Cardinals dropped a close one to the Angels, 5-4 in 10, following a sweep of the Twins. After the 3-0 start, one might think winning could solve the attendance problem, but that didn’t help on Monday. Maybe, just maybe, the Cardinals will drop ticket prices or stop asking for credit checks before ordering a beer at Busch Stadium.
