The sight of the Budweiser Clydesdales parading around Busch Stadium is an iconic moment that marks the return of baseball season in St. Louis. On April 4, 2019, as the St. Louis Cardinals prepared to play their home opener against the San Diego Padres, the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales made their traditional appearance, much to the delight of fans. The home opener in St. Louis is always a special event, steeped in history, tradition, and pageantry, and the inclusion of the Clydesdales adds to the excitement and grandeur of the day.
The Budweiser Clydesdales, one of the most recognizable symbols of Anheuser-Busch and the city of St. Louis, have been a staple of Cardinals’ home openers for decades. With their majestic presence, these powerful horses embody grace and strength, captivating baseball fans with their grandeur and elegance. Each year, their entrance into Busch Stadium serves as a reminder of the deep connection between the Cardinals, the city, and the brewing company that has been a part of St. Louis culture since the 1800s.
The pregame festivities on that bright April afternoon were filled with energy as thousands of fans packed Busch Stadium to witness the grand procession. The Clydesdales, hitched to a traditional red Budweiser beer wagon, were led onto the field by their expert handlers, clad in classic red and white uniforms. The horses, meticulously groomed and adorned with gleaming brass fittings, moved in unison as they made their way along the warning track, eliciting cheers from the excited crowd.
The presence of the Budweiser Clydesdales at the Cardinals’ home opener dates back many years, with their history in St. Louis spanning back to 1933, when August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III gifted their father a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Since then, the Clydesdales have become synonymous with Anheuser-Busch and its brewing legacy. Their association with the Cardinals has only strengthened over the years, making their annual appearance a beloved tradition for fans and players alike.
As the Clydesdales made their way around the field, fans rose to their feet, capturing the moment with their smartphones and cameras. The clip-clop of their massive hooves against the dirt, combined with the rhythmic jingling of the harnesses, created an almost musical accompaniment to the festivities. The towering horses, each standing at least 18 hands high and weighing around 2,000 pounds, moved with a regal presence that left spectators in awe.
Alongside the Clydesdales, the Dalmatian mascot, perched atop the Budweiser beer wagon, added to the charm of the procession. This tradition harkens back to the days when Dalmatians were used as carriage dogs to guard the horses and wagons as beer deliveries were made. As the spotted dog wagged its tail and took in the roaring crowd, fans delighted in the nostalgic spectacle, which perfectly captured the spirit of the home opener.
For many Cardinals fans, the appearance of the Budweiser Clydesdales is as much a part of the home opener as the ceremonial first pitch, the introduction of the team roster, and the playing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” The sight of these magnificent horses trotting around the ballpark symbolizes the return of spring, baseball, and a sense of renewed hope for another thrilling season.
The Clydesdales’ parade around Busch Stadium was just one part of an exciting day filled with festivities. The Cardinals players were introduced to thunderous applause, and the national anthem was performed with great fanfare. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown, signifying the official start of another exciting season of baseball in St. Louis. But for many, it was the Clydesdales that stole the show, bringing an unmatched level of grandeur to the proceedings.
Beyond their role at the home opener, the Budweiser Clydesdales remain a cherished symbol of American heritage and tradition. These horses are part of an elite team that travels across the country, participating in parades, commercials, and special events. They have appeared in numerous Super Bowl commercials, their regal stature and undeniable charm making them a favorite among viewers. Whether at a football game, a beer festival, or a baseball opener, the Clydesdales command attention and admiration wherever they go.
Each Clydesdale chosen to be part of the hitch must meet strict criteria to ensure that only the most magnificent horses represent Budweiser. To qualify, a horse must be a gelding, stand at least 18 hands tall, weigh approximately 2,000 pounds, and have a bay coat with four white socks and a distinctive white blaze. These horses receive the highest level of care, with expert handlers ensuring they are in prime condition for every appearance. Their presence at Busch Stadium is the culmination of years of meticulous training and grooming, all designed to maintain the legacy of excellence that the Budweiser Clydesdales represent.
The tradition of the Budweiser Clydesdales at Busch Stadium serves as a testament to the deep roots of baseball and beer culture in St. Louis. Anheuser-Busch has long been a major part of the city’s identity, and its connection to the Cardinals extends beyond the Clydesdales’ appearance at the home opener. The brewery has been a sponsor of the team for decades, and Busch Stadium itself carries the name of the brewing family, reinforcing the longstanding relationship between baseball and beer in St. Louis.
As the Budweiser Clydesdales completed their lap around the field and exited the stadium, fans erupted into applause, recognizing the significance of their presence. It was a moment that encapsulated the spirit of tradition, nostalgia, and community—values that define both the Cardinals and their passionate supporters. While the game itself was the centerpiece of the day, the Clydesdales provided a touch of grandeur that elevated the occasion, making the 2019 home opener a truly unforgettable experience.
The return of baseball season in St. Louis is always met with great enthusiasm, and the inclusion of the Budweiser Clydesdales in the home opener celebrations only enhances the excitement. Their presence is a cherished part of Cardinals history, and their parade around Busch Stadium is a moment that fans look forward to year after year. As the horses made their way out of the stadium, leaving behind the echoes of cheers and applause, one thing was certain—the tradition of the Budweiser Clydesdales at Busch Stadium would continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
