Cards Tip Caps to Kirkwood

Content originally published by sportscollectorsdaily.com on 29 February 2008

Three weeks after a shooting at a suburban government building, the St. Louis Cardinals honored those who lost their lives by wearing caps bearing the colors of Kirkwood (Mo.) High School during an exhibition game.

The caps were then signed by the players who wore them and are being sold in a special auction at StLCardinals.com.

Kirkwood Police Sgt. Bill Biggs, officer Tom Ballman, city public works director Ken Yost, and city council members Connie Karr and Mike Lynch were killed when a gunman entered Kirkwood City Hall February 7th and began firing.

Kirkwood city attorney John Hessel, who was at the meeting where the murders occurred, threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the game with St. Louis University at the club's spring training base in Jupiter, Florida on Wednesday.

The team's charity arm, Cardinals Care, is auctioning off the caps to benefit the families of those who were killed.

"It's a horrible incident," said manager Tony La Russa. "We know what happened to John. He discussed what it's like, and it's hard to imagine. [This was] just a little gesture. We can't make up much, but hopefully the community at some point can get some of that behind them. It's just terrible."

Fans and collectors have responded with enthusiasm. Bidding began Thursday with minimum bids of $40 each but it's clear most of the caps will sell for much more. The model worn by Albert Pujols and signed by the slugging first baseman, had reached $800, while rookie Colby Rasmus' gamer had been bid up to $260. Bidding continues through March 5.