About a month ago we were all asked to brainstorm ideas for a photo staff Cardinals project. The idea of the project was to show how Cardinals baseball has infiltrated every part of St. Louis society. Oddly, the first thing that popped into my head was my grandma. Now I should probably mention that my grandmother is not a Cardinals fan or even a sports fan. She is 90 years old and has lived her whole life in Akron Ohio. But a memory from last Christmas was the first thing I thought about when the project was announced.

My most recent photo of my grandma and I.

While in Ohio for the holidays we often visited my grandmother in her nursing home. She has Alzheimer’s disease and this was the first Christmas she was spending there. One Sunday we stopped by and the Cleveland Browns game was on. As you looked around the common room in her unit it was impossible to miss all the brown and orange hats and sweatshirts that the residents were wearing. People seemed transfixed by the television.

I found this to be true again on June 27 when I photographed the Cardinals game at Delmar Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Creve Coeur for our project. The residents were decked out in Cardinals red and excited for the game.  Some followed every play. I loved hearing the old memories of going to games at Sportsman’s Park and listening to who their favorite players were. Others didn’t appear to be as engaged with what was happening on the television screen but seemed comforted by the familiar logos, colors, and atmosphere that the game brought to the nursing home.

Its funny to think how little traditions and rituals can bring a person’s spirit up and bond a group together.  We might not remember who scored the winning run during last nights game or even the final score.  However, we do remember what it felt like  waiting in line with your dad on opening day, getting sun burned in the bleacher seats, taking family trips to see spring training, and ordering nachos with extra jalapenos at every game. Or at least I do (thanks dad). These are some of my memories. What are some of yours?

Here’s a sneak peek of some of my photos from my part of the project. To see more go the STLtoday.com/multimedia.