Cardinals Players Visit UIS for Prairie Stars Basketball Doubleheader

Fans enjoy dual experience of MLB stars and Division II basketball action.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The St. Louis Cardinals Caravan visited the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) campus on January 17, 2026, collaborating with the Prairie Stars basketball teams for a special event. Cardinals players Yohel Pozo, Andre Pallante, Thomas Saggese, and Michael McGreevy, along with broadcasters Chip Caray, Brad Thompson, and Bengie Molina, met with fans, signed autographs, and participated in a relay race during the Prairie Stars' basketball doubleheader.

Why it matters

This event provided a unique opportunity for fans to interact with Major League Baseball players and experience Division II basketball action. It showcased the growing partnership between the Cardinals and UIS, while also generating excitement and engagement for both the baseball and basketball programs.

The details

The Cardinals players and broadcasters spent time with fans, signing autographs and sharing stories. Catcher Yohel Pozo was a fan favorite, discussing his journey to the majors and a memorable home run against the Cubs. Infielder Thomas Saggese, a young rookie, shared lessons he learned about humility from veteran Cardinals players. During halftime of the women's basketball game, Saggese and pitcher Michael McGreevy competed in a relay race, with Saggese's team emerging victorious.

  • The event took place on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
  • The Prairie Stars basketball doubleheader was held on the same day as the Cardinals visit.

The players

Yohel Pozo

A catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who shared his inspiring story of perseverance in the minor leagues before being called up to the majors.

Andre Pallante

A pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who participated in the event.

Thomas Saggese

An infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who competed in a relay race and shared lessons about humility from veteran players.

Michael McGreevy

A pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals who also participated in the relay race.

Chip Caray

The St. Louis Cardinals' play-by-play announcer since 2023, and the grandson of famous broadcaster Harry Caray.

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What they’re saying

“They were getting to me, and the after that, they just went quiet. It was nice.”

— Yohel Pozo, Catcher, St. Louis Cardinals

“A lot of fame and success comes with ego, I feel like Arenado and Goldschmidt were just really good about being good guys.”

— Thomas Saggese, Infielder, St. Louis Cardinals

What’s next

The Prairie Stars and Cardinals plan to continue this collaborative event in 2027, building on the success of this year's doubleheader.

The takeaway

This event showcased the growing partnership between the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Illinois Springfield, providing fans with a unique opportunity to interact with MLB players and enjoy Division II basketball action. The event highlighted the importance of community engagement and the value of cross-promotional efforts between professional and collegiate sports programs.