Ricky Horton says: Cardinal Caravan creates a rooting interest

The Cardinal Caravan is coming to Missouri Southern State University this Saturday morning.

Doors open at 10 a.m. with events starting at 11:30 in Taylor Performing Arts Center.

Ricky Horton is a former player and a longtime member of the Cardinal organization. 

He says the Caravan is a vital part of the Cardinal nation.

"I think the Cardinal fans really want to connect with players, they want to know players. They don't want them to just to be mercenaries that come out of nowhere and you root for them. They want to know a little bit about them," he says.

"I think the Caravan has become that," Horton adds. "It creates a rooting interest. It really is critical. Sometimes you just need to remember that every year you get to start over again."

The session will include a question-and-answer segment with the players and alum, along with highlight reels and corn hole games. The Cardinals' mascot Fredbird will be on hand to entertain younger fans.

Opportunities for autographs will be available, prioritized for children 15 and under who receive a special ticket. Those kids will also get a rally towel courtesy of sponsor Missouri Farm Bureau. Attendees 16 and older will receive a voucher for two tickets to a future Cardinals game.

A raffle featuring Cardinals tickets and memorabilia will benefit the United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas.

United Way volunteers will sell baseballs for the autograph session.