Dressed in a dapper new sports coat that felt as unfamiliar as his newfound local fame, the man pulling the levers for the hottest team in baseball started his day by mingling with men he does not hesitate to say inspire in him a sense of awe.
During the festivities that preceded the Cardinals’ Hall of Fame ceremony, Shildt rapped with Tony La Russa. He congratulated Vince Coleman on behalf of the Kissell family, fulfilling the request of his late mentor’s family members. He talked ball with Whitey Herzog, soaking up some of the Hall of Famer’s wisdom.