Cardinals return to Brownstown

There was excitement and anticipation in the air at the Brownstown Elementary School last Tuesday as one walked down the hallway lined with red. That is, red in the form of brightly colored pictures and drawings of Fredbird and other St. Louis Cardinals-related pictures, all drawn and colored by BES students.

Walking on back to the gym, one was greeted (amazingly, by one’s own name) by Fredbird, which proved that a “bird brain” holds an amazing memory, intelligence and thoughtfulness within.
Fredbird was busily setting up colorful signs, table of prizes and sound and visual equipment for the Cardinals’ “Doin’ It Right” program that they present to elementary schools.
The students filed into the gym, with the younger ones looking endearing with their handmade construction paper and crayon hats resembling Fredbird.
The presentation of the program includes colorful banners proclaiming the Cardinal’s message “Say No To Drugs,” “Stay In School” and “Participate In Sports.”
Retired Cardinals pitcher Al Hrabosky presents the information in a no-nonsense fashion, encouraging the kids to go by these rules for their lives … while Fredbird acts up outrageously, causing Al to continually try to control him, with no success, much to the delight of the kids.
Al stresses the important points of the program and includes the kids by asking them what drugs can do to their lives, while Fredbird’s antics (behind Al’s back) kept the kids laughing.
It was obvious, however, by the kids’ expressions and attentiveness to Al’s words that his message was getting through to them, as they demonstrated by having the right answers when questioned. When asked by Al, “What can drugs do to you?” the answers were given without hesitation of the ways drugs can ruin lives and even cause death.
The Cardinals organization, Al Hrabosky and Fredbird have a great way to reach the elementary students of all ages as they travel to the schools and present these “Doin’ It Right” programs.
Hrabosky was famous and effective as a Cardinals’ relief pitcher, known as “The Mad Hungarian”.
Al reaches them through his obvious concern and caring about the kids, giving them good advice and also adding humor to the program.
They also show a video and hand out numerous prizes to the kids, all Cardinals’ items (bats, balls, backpack, etc.)
Hrabosky also shared some information about his original country, Hungary, and asked the kids to join in singing what he said is the Hungarian national anthem, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Al and Fredbird also recognized the BES essay winners and gave them each an award.
Al Hrabosky also encouraged the students to have good manners and attitudes toward their teachers and their principal, Adam Bussard, in a humorous way. He also told the kids that their families, school staff and other people cared about their lives, their potential and their futures.
As the kids left the gym when the program was over, even their exit was fun – FREDBIRD held a limbo pole across the doorway and the kids were laughing as they went under the stick to return to their classrooms.
 

Fredbird and retired pitcher Al Hrabosky of the St. Louis Cardinals pose with winners of the Brownstown Elementary School essay contest and Superintendent/BES Principal Adam Bussard.

Retired Cardinals pitcher Al Hrabosky and Fredbird are pictured with retired American League umpire Bill Haller (left) and Brownstown Superintendent Adam Bussard (second from right).