Angela Roewe

It's been an exciting year to be a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Not only are we headed for a "Red October," but all eyes were on St. Louis this past July as Busch Stadium hosted the 2009 All-Star Game.

It had been a long time since St. Louis had hosted the event, 43 years to be exact, with the last one taking place on July 12, 1966, at the old Busch Stadium.

Yes, I am spoiled...I was at the All-Star game as a fan and a St. Louis Cardinals employee.

As an event usher, I was extremely fortunate to get an up close and personal look at some of the details and preparation that went into making this ASG the most watched one in history. It was the experience of my lifetime, an honor, and a memory I will treasure forever.

My real involvement began two months before ASG week when a dozen ushers were selected to perform Fan Fest 2009 volunteer interviews on behalf of Major League Baseball. Then, just a few days before the big event, we returned to assist with Fan Fest orientation. Things were beginning to look like All-Star 2009 everywhere in the city. The now-infamous ASG arches were staggered throughout the city, ASG banners and flags were draped everywhere, Ballpark Village was taking shape for a massive festival, and electricity was in the air.

I can't begin to explain how charged the atmosphere felt, and it was still days before the crowds hit the streets. Several of the girls and myself working that day explored the near-empty stadium as signage in foreign languages was posted, and Secret Service agents prowled the area. We toured Ballpark Village as inflatable baseballs, arches, and makeshift stages were erected. We even had our photographs taken by State Farm's official Home Run Derby truck and an "official" Major League Baseball vehicle.

Then, the big day arrived, the first ASG 2009 event - the Futures Game and Legends & Celebrity Softball Game. Mother Nature decided she had other plans for the day, challenging us with a four-hour rain delay. The event lasted almost 12 hours.

That following afternoon, the gates opened for the Home Run Derby, which was almost as phenomenal as the actual ASG itself. American Idol David Cook opened the event with a concert from a stage that shot flames up, and players warmed up on the field, many with their young sons. Smiles and laughter were heard everywhere. I spotted "Captain Morgan" and his girls, as well as mascots from every team in both leagues. Even these characters were beyond themselves with excitement.

No matter which league one was a fan of, everyone was there for one reason - to see the best of the best swat them out. The players gladly distributed balls throughout the event to fans desperate to have their own personal Home Run Derby souvenir.

July 14 was THE big day - the All-Star Game. Most of us ignored that afternoon's report time, traveling downtown even earlier to take part in the festivities available. A group of us ushers stopped to take in the red carpet, which stretched along 8th Street waiting for its kings. We stopped for a group picture on it, and then made our way to Ballpark Village, where anything was possible - haircuts, free tacos, giveaways, batting clinics, and player autographs; I received Lou Brock's.

When it came time to clock in, I walked through metal detectors, and had my bags and pockets searched. I then ran to the second floor above Gate 3 for a glimpse of the parade. Even the players looked blown away by the excitement.

The lines outside the gates seemed to go on forever as game time approached. I was stationed in the bleachers - the best seats in the house with views of snipers positioned in high places. As the stealth bomber flew over, and the Budweiser Clydesdales marched below, tears came to my eyes. Once the U.S. Flag and Hometown Heroes presentation concluded, we heard a noise - the release of red, white, and blue foiled streamers from above. The streamers drifted slowly as the U.S. flag was adorned on the field - it was a breathtaking sight I will never forget.

During my break, I was able to chat briefly with "Red" Schoendienst. I returned to my section still on Cloud Nine only to have to run wild in pursuit of two beachballs before they hit the field. Imagine living that down after if it would have been captured on ESPN.

This year has been an experience I can't wait to recap to my two sons when they are old enough to understand its depth. I have actually saved more ASG memorabilia for them than they will know what to do with, including those famous beach balls, and we haven't even won the World Series yet, and you know we will, because we are St. Louis, and this is what we live for. Go Cards!