It was at this point that St. Louis finalized the purchase of the Memphis franchise and leased the stadium called AutoZone Park. I grew up in Arkansas and grew up a St. Louis Cardinals fan. I remember attending Arkansas Travelers games when the Travelers were minor league affiliates of my favorite team.
I remember attending autograph and photograph day in Busch Stadium II (have the pictures to prove it). But my memory is now clouded and filled with my love of the Memphis Redbirds.
Growing up in Arkansas so close to Memphis allowed me many opportunities to attend minor league games watching players of the future.