Christian Family Day at
Busch Set for July 16, 2005

By Angela Boen

This year’s 15th Annual Christian Family Day at Busch Stadium (CFD) is going Hollywood! Disney’s The Rookie, Jim Morris, will be this year's featured keynote speaker as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Houston Astros on July 16th with the first pitch scheduled to be thrown at 3:15 p.m.

For those not familiar with Jim Morris’ story, Morris’ baseball career came to a halt when he was faced with a career ending arm injury. He went on to teach high school and coach baseball. Although Morris had arm surgery, he was still able to pitch in the high 90’s to his high school team. This resulted in Morris’ team being one of the top teams in their division. The team challenged Morris with the agreement that if they won their district title, then he must attempt to try out for the Major Leagues. His team fulfilled their end of the bargain and, at age 35, Morris was awarded a major league contract after impressing scouts at his tryout. Morris’ true life story of God's faithfulness will inspire and motivate everyone to achieve their dreams.

Entertainment at this year’s CFD will be provided by 4Him’s Andy Chrisman who has recently ventured out on his own with a solo album that’s receiving rave reviews. Also performing will be former Cardinal All-Star pitcher, Kent Bottenfield who has just begun a career in Christian music. This year’s honorary chairman will be KMOX Radio’s Cardinal baseball announcer, Wayne Hagin. And, as in years past, Cardinal and Astros players will be sharing their personal testimonies.

This year’s CFD is being dedicated to Cory Selby a young boy whose life was un-expectantly ended by a congenital heart defect. Cory loved Jesus and enjoyed Cardinal baseball. Cory’s story made national news when his mother gave each student in his class a $10 bill and instructed the students to take the money and help someone in need. Many life-changing stories have resulted out of Cory’s mother’s request. Knowing Cory’s love for baseball a local church donated money to Christian Family Day in his honor to help other children in need.

Tickets this year are $22 a piece. Unfortunately, no part of the ticket price on tickets purchased through the St. Louis Cardinals on the day of the game will go to help children attend. So, it’s important to purchase your tickets through the Christian Family Day Committee if you want to help us help some 3,000 needy children to attend the ballgame. By purchasing tickets through the CFD Committee you’ll be providing lunch for each child (for many their first meal of the day) plus the baseball game and all the festivities that follow. An added feature this year is a free commemorative bracelet with the purchase of every ticket.

Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase your tickets, call Paul Freiert at (636) 227-9788 or visit CFD’s website at www.ChristianFamilyDay.com as soon as possible. If you can’t attend, you can personally send a child to the game by donating $17 per child.