Expectations were high for Willard baseball entering the 2020 season before it was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic and word of those expectations apparently reached St. Louis.
St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt recorded a video of encouragement for the team that was expected to challenge for a state title this season.
Willard baseball posted Monday night to its Twitter page a video of the former Springfield Cardinals' skipper's message to the team.
More: Willard baseball was supposed to win state this year. Now its season is canceled.
"I just wanted to reach out because I know expectations with national rankings were high this year for Willard baseball," Shildt said.