O’FALLON, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Three former St. Louis Cardinals are coaching the Gateway Gold this week in a two-game exhibition softball series at CarShield Field, with the goal of gauging interest in bringing a professional softball franchise to St. Louis.
Kyle McClellan, Matt Adams and Trevor Rosenthal will be in the dugout for both games. Former Mizzou All-American Julia Crenshaw will also coach.
McClellan, who grew up in Hazelwood and won a World Series with the Cardinals, said the exhibition is modeled after a similar effort in Kansas City.
“Kansas City did this last year — an exhibition game to gauge interest and see what it would look like to have a professional team there,” McClellan said. “They had a great response, and this year they’re a member of the PSL and have a franchise. We’re hoping that’s the case here in St. Louis.”
McClellan added that St. Louis has a history with the sport. “We used to have a team in Fenton and watch pro softball here — we need to bring that back,” he said.
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Outfielder Sofi Mazzola, a native of Eureka who played at the University of Washington, is among the players taking part in the series.
“Growing up, I always dreamed of going to the College World Series,” Mazzola said. “Now with the PSL and AUSL, it makes such a difference for young girls who are looking up to us.”
Adams said he wants St. Louis fans to have the same experience he has had in the city.
“I tell everybody I wish I would’ve made the move to stay here full-time sooner,” Adams said. “The people, the city — everything it has to offer. All the great memories, the fanbase being behind me — I want them to have the same opportunity.”
The first game was Wednesday, July 29. The second game is Thursday, with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. and gates opening at 5:35 p.m. at CarShield Field in O’Fallon, Missouri.
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