Stepping Up to the Plate

Patch Picks highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more. 

 You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. 

Nothing says spring is here like the start of baseball season, and nowhere is this more true than in St. Louis. We pride ourselves as the best baseball town in America, and the size and scope of Cardinal Nation is a hearty testament to that claim.

With the 2011 Major League Baseball season officially kicking off Thursday, Patch Pick’s joins in the celebration as we suggest the best ways for the residents of Florissant to get out there and show their love for America’s favorite pastime.

1. This one is rather obvious, but everybody should go to at least one Cardinals home game a year. Busch Stadium is one of the country’s premier ballparks, and while it might be relatively new, it still contains within it the hallowed history of Cardinals' baseball. It has even seen the Cardinals win a World Series in its six-year history. And with 81 games to choose from, there’s no excuse for missing out.

2. The end of the school year brings the beginning of Little League Baseball. The Florissant Area Athletic Association (FAAA) is the area’s organizer for both baseball and softball. Children can start playing at Wiethaupt as young as five and as old as 18, giving them the chance to not only learn the game but also mature and master it into adulthood. Opening day is on April 30, and all of Florissant is encouraged to come out and cheer their kids on for the first or last time.

3. As for those older than the age of 18, Florissant has you covered with the city softball league. Registration started on March 14, and the city offers six different leagues, each lasting for 10 weeks. The first league starts on April 25 for co-ed and women’s. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a rookie, competitive and recreational leagues are all offered. Call Brendan Kane at 314-839-7669, extension 7258 with any questions or head here to register your team.

4. If you’re not quite feeling the competitive juices flowing but still want to enjoy a few swings at the plate, Florissant has a few batting cages for those looking to just hit a few dingers. North County Golf and Par-Tee Mini Golf and Batting Cages will be letting the pitches fly all summer. Slow-pitch and fast-pitch are both offered, so whether you’re bettering your swing for the next game or want to see how far you can hit, these batting cages offer fun for the whole family. Even if baseball isn’t your thing, stop by to drive a few golf balls or enjoy a game of mini-golf.

5. Finally, the best place to enjoy baseball is in your own backyard. It’s practically what backyards were designed for in the first place. A glove, a ball and a bat are all you need for a wonderful afternoon in the sun. Several remember playing catch with their dad or with siblings, and you could argue this is what baseball is all about -- an excuse to go out and have fun with your family. So next time a game is on TV, just take a look out your door, grab the kids and throw the ball around for an hour or two. There’s nothing else quite like it.