The St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals have built a strong, interconnected relationship over the years, bridging the gap between the two franchises and their players. Even a global pandemic couldn’t weaken their bond.

In the past, the connection between the two teams wasn’t as pronounced. Sure, Blues players might occasionally visit Busch Stadium, and Cardinals players would take in a Blues game, but it wasn’t as common or widely recognized. Now, whenever the seasons don’t overlap, it’s almost a given that players from one team will be spotted supporting the other.

Yadier Molina is one of the Blues' most dedicated fans, while Colton Parayko and Alex Pietrangelo have been regulars at Cardinals games. Despite baseball not being the primary sport in their home countries, many Blues players have embraced the electric atmosphere of Busch Stadium, rallying behind the city’s MLB team.

Keeping the Spirit Alive During the Pandemic

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Even when COVID-19 restrictions kept fans out of stadiums, the teams found a creative way to maintain their support for each other. The Cardinals launched "CardBOARD Nation", a program allowing fans to purchase cardboard cutouts of themselves to be placed in the stands at Busch Stadium.

To help promote the initiative—and to reinforce their cross-town camaraderie—the Blues participated by adding their own cutouts. On social media, the team showcased cardboard versions of Alex Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko, Alex Steen, Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn, Vladimir Tarasenko, Jordan Binnington, David Perron, Ryan O’Reilly, and even their mascot, Louie. Additional players may have joined later, but these were the most recognizable figures closely associated with baseball outings.

A Unique Keepsake for Fans

Cardinals supporters could purchase their cardboard likeness for $70, with proceeds benefiting the organization. Once the season ended, fans could keep their cutouts as a memento. While it's unlikely the Blues players’ cutouts will be saved, they could potentially be auctioned off for charity.

It would be great to see the Cardinals return the favor, but with the NHL opting for a digital canvas look, placing fan cutouts in hockey arenas wasn’t as feasible. Nonetheless, the unwavering support between St. Louis’ two beloved teams remains as strong as ever.