Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is St. Louis Cardinals Fantasy Camp?

A. Cardinals Fantasy Camp is a baseball camp for Cardinals fans of all ages (27 and up) who love the St. Louis Cardinals and the game of baseball! The camp takes place at the Cardinals Spring Training facility, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, in Jupiter, Florida; Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY; and Busch Stadium/CarShield Field in St. Louis, MO. Campers will play regular-season games and a postseason game, and will participate in other baseball activities and evening events highlighting great moments in Cardinals history. Cardinals Alumni will be among your teammates, and one of the Cardinals Alumni will be your manager. You will also hear stories and receive insight from Cardinals and National Baseball Hall of Famers. By the time you get ready to leave, you will have plenty of stories and memories to last a lifetime!

Q. What are the dates of Fantasy Camp?

A. The dates of our Fantasy Camps vary each year. A current list of camps is on the main page, and you can also click here to sign up for our emails to receive dates as they are finalized.

Q. What is the difference between a Big League Camper and a Bench Coach?

A. The only difference is that the Bench Coach will not play in games. This option is for those who are no longer able to participate in baseball activities, or do not wish to play. You will get the full camper experience, excluding actually being drafted/playing in games. You will work alongside the Manager on the team you are assigned to by helping keep score, manage the lineup, coach first or third base, and help create a team atmosphere - you will also be announced in the lineup when your team plays at Roger Dean Stadium main field/Busch Stadium/Doubleday Field. Bench coach positions are limited at each camp. If you choose this option, you will not be able to take at-bats or play the field.

Q. Who can participate?

A. Any adult, 27 years of age or older, who loves the St. Louis Cardinals!

Q. What is the average age?

A. The average age of participants is about 49 years old, but we see campers ranging from 27 years old all the way up to 91 years old.

Q. What is the ability of the participants?

A. There is a wide range of abilities from the campers who attend camp. Some have never picked up a bat, some played high school and college ball, and some pick up their gloves every summer to play in adult league softball/baseball. Skill is not a requirement; you just have to love the game! No camper has ever been asked to try out for the big league club, so just relax and have fun!

Q. What kind of physical shape must I be in to attend?

A. There are many levels of skill and ability at camp, but our main goal is for you to have a great time and create memories that will last you forever. We have our certified athletic trainers available to you all week long in case injury or other physical needs occur. Remember to take it easy and play to your ability.

Q. How many people attend camp?

A. Jupiter Camp will consist of 12 teams, with 10-12 campers per team. The maximum number of Bench Coaches is 12 (or 1 per team). Cooperstown & St. Louis Camp will consist of 4 teams, with 10-12 campers per team. The maximum number of Bench Coaches is 4 (or 1 per team).

Q. How are the teams formed?

A. On the first full day of each camp, you will participate in a workout and tryouts in the morning, where you will be evaluated by all of the former Cardinals, including the Hall of Famers. After the workout, the managers will hold an official draft where they will create their teams. In Jupiter, teams will be announced after the draft is held. At the St. Louis and Cooperstown camps, the teams will be announced at our Opening Banquet, and your jersey will be presented to you by your manager.

Q. What is the Fantasy Camp Game Schedule?

A. A detailed schedule will be given to campers upon registration. Generally, you will play one to two games each day. Other activities will also be taking place throughout camp.

Q. Which players will be in attendance?

A. Cardinals Alumni are asked throughout the year to attend. You can expect to see some players from all time periods. Alumni who have attended in the past have included the following:

National Baseball Hall of Famers: Ozzie Smith, Whitey Herzog, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker

Cardinals Hall of Famers: Ray Lankford, John Tudor, Tom Herr and Jason Isringhausen

Other Cardinals Alumni: David Freese, David Eckstein, Rick Horton, Scott Terry, Dave LaPoint, Al Hrabosky, John Costello, Danny Cox, Tom Lawless, Alan Benes, Bob Tewksbury, Tom Henke, Tito Landrum, Gene Roof, Todd Worrell, Kyle McClellan, Rick Ankiel, Tyler Greene, Brian Jordan, Woody Williams, Bo Hart, Gary Bennett, Jason Simontacchi, Scott Cooper, Mike Crudale, Ryan Ludwick, Cliff Politte, Ryan Franklin, Dave Veres, Jason Motte, Luis Alicea, Jake Westbrook, Josh Kinney, Kerry Robinson, Lonnie Maclin, Bernard Gilkey, Matt Pagnozzi, Marlon Anderson, Adron Chambers, John Frascatore, Jason Marquis, Brad Thompson, and Eli Marrero.

*All Legends are subject to change & vary at each camp.

Q. What is the cost?

A. Camp cost may differ depending on the specific camp (St. Louis, Cooperstown or Jupiter) and will vary each year. Jupiter Camp was $7,495 in 2023. Cooperstown and St. Louis Camps were $6,495 in 2022.

Q. Is a portion of Fantasy Camp tax-deductible?

A. Any donations to the Mercy Health Foundation Fund the Need or auction winning amounts are tax-deductible.

Q. How can I get a discounted rate?

A. Previous Campers who will bring back a uniform from a previous camp, as determined by the camp staff, will receive a discount. Campers who already have hotel or housing accommodations in Florida can also receive a discount. Please contact a Fantasy Camp staff member or [email protected] to inquire.

Q. Where are the hotel accommodations?

A. Accommodations are only applicable at the Jupiter, FL camp. For the Cooperstown & St. Louis Camps, hotel accommodations are not included, but a room block may be available. Information will be provided to registered campers.

Q. Is transportation provided?

A. Airfare is NOT included in Camp prices; this will be an additional cost for travel accommodations. Transportation will NOT be provided to or from the Airports to the hotel.
Daily bus transportation will be provided to/from Roger Dean Stadium for the Jupiter camps. Daily transportation is not available at the Cooperstown or St. Louis camps.

Q. Do I need a rental car?

A. Depending on the camp, a rental car might not be necessary. For the Jupiter camp, you will not need a car once you arrive to the hotel, as we provide daily bus transportation. For Cooperstown Camp, a rental car will be necessary, as Cooperstown is about 1.5 hours from Albany, NY. For the St. Louis Camp, it is up to you to decide what your needs are for a rental car based on your accommodations. If you wish to get a rental car, however, it is your decision and the cost will be the responsibility of the camper.

Q. Will there be a photographer to capture your moments of glory?

A. An official Fantasy Camp photographer will be capturing memories all week. These photos will be available for you to download for free after the camp.

Q. Can we take pictures and get autographs?

A. As stated above, an official camp photographer will be present and taking photos of the entire camp. However, if you wish to take photos, you may. Photos are allowed out on the fields and during the evening events. However, no video or photos are allowed in any of the camp meetings. Also, no video is allowed at the evening events at the hotel. If you have questions about the policy, please see a Fantasy Camp staff member.

You may ask for autographs from the former players, but we ask that you do not approach them for autographs during meals and please do not overwhelm them with requests. Please refrain from asking for Hall of Famer or World Series MVP autographs; each camper will have a Hall of Fame and World Series MVP autograph session in which they are allowed to get two items signed by each person. If you have any questions, please see a Fantasy Camp staff member.

Q. What do I need to bring?

A. You need to bring anything that you feel will be required to participate in baseball activities - glove, plastic cleats or turf shoes (no metal spikes), batting gloves, protective cup, shower shoes, and other personal items. We will provide all necessary baseball equipment - helmets, wooden bats, catchers gear, baseballs, rosin, etc. If you wish to bring your own wood bat, you may do so, but Fantasy Camp is not responsible for replacing your bats if they break. We will also provide the uniforms as needed for new campers (full Road Saturday Blue and Home White), shorts, short-sleeve t-shirt, Cardinals hat, belts, socks, and some other items. You will get to keep your entire uniform and all the goodies that you receive at camp!

If you are a returning camper bringing back your uniform, do not forget it! All other campers will receive new uniforms.

A detailed list of items needed will be sent to all campers in the weeks leading up to camp.

Q. What shoes are acceptable for games?

A. Participants can wear turf shoes with plastic spikes only. No metal cleats will be allowed at any camp.

Q. What is the dress code?

A. During the day, the dress is casual baseball attire. For some of the evening events, the dress code is more casual, for others it is a bit more business casual. Campers will be provided more details on dress depending on the camp they attend and what events are scheduled.

Q. What meals are provided?

A. In Jupiter, breakfast and lunch are provided daily for all campers at the Spring Training complex where all games are played. Breakfast and lunch at RDS is not provided for guests. Dinner is also provided three nights at Roger Dean Stadium for all campers, as well as registered guests. Dinner is provided two nights at the hotel during our banquets for all campers, as well as registered guests.

In Cooperstown & St. Louis, dinner meals are the only meals provided. You will need to arrive to the facilities having already had breakfast, and you should have time in-between games to get lunch on your own in both of these camps.

Q. Can I bring my family/friends?

A. Yes, families are welcome. Guest registration varies at each camp, and specific information is given to campers of each camp. Watching games at Roger Dean Stadium, Doubleday Field & Busch Stadium/CarShield Field is free - campers are allowed to invite as many guests as they'd like. Specific guest registration requirements for each different camp apply and will be communicated to campers leading up to each camp.

Q. What will there be for my family to do?

A. The Jupiter/West Palm Beach area has much to offer for family activities - shopping, beaches, parks, golf, and other attractions. Your family is also able to come out to Roger Dean Stadium to watch you play, free of charge throughout the week.

In Cooperstown & St. Louis, you are provided with a Hall of Fame (NBHOF for Cooperstown & Cardinals HOF for St. Louis) membership for you and your immediate family to visit on your down time.

Q. What if I need to cancel my camp slot?

A. Refund and Cancellation policy/dates will be communicated to campers upon registration. If you cancel after uniform orders are placed, you will lose the $1,000 deposit. Other cancellation policies will apply.

Q. What is the payment policy?

A. Your deposit must be made to reserve your camp slot. The full balance due date will be communicated when the camp goes on-sale. Fantasy Camp Staff may also work with you on a payment plan to pay gradually over time.

Q. When is Camp Check-In?

A. Camp Check-In will take place the first day of camp, and the location will be communicated on the full schedule you will receive by email. When you arrive at Check-In, we will give you a packet with a printed-out schedule, rules, helpful information, credentials and a goodie bag. You will also receive information and credentials for any registered guests.

Q. Who do the proceeds benefit?

A. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Mercy Cardinals Kids Cancer Center in St. Louis.

Q. Additional Questions?

A. Please contact Fantasy Camp staff at [email protected] and a staff member will reach out to you.