For Jim Schroeder, baseball has always been more than a game.
It is a lifelong passion that began when the St. Louis Browns folded and the Cardinals became the team to cheer for. Over the years, Jim remained a devoted Cardinals fan, following the team through countless seasons and unforgettable moments.
When asked about his Dream Come TRUE, Jim had a simple wish: return to Busch Stadium one more time and share the experience with the people who have supported him most.
On May 19, that dream became reality.
Before the game, Cedarhurst of Waterloo treated Jim to a shopping trip at Rally House, where he picked out new Cardinals gear to wear for the special occasion. Joined by family members and Cedarhurst team members, Jim then headed to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates from the all-inclusive 703 Club.
Walking into the ballpark again after so many years was emotional.
“It was an outstanding feeling,” Jim said. “It just felt good to be back.”
The evening was filled with surprises. One of the biggest came when Jim was invited to visit the KMOX broadcast booth, where he watched a few innings alongside Cardinals broadcasters John Rooney and Ricky Horton.
“Totally surprised,” Jim said. “Never thought in a million years I’d have the opportunity to experience that.”
The night ended in dramatic fashion as the Cardinals rallied for an extra-innings victory on a walk-off three-run home run.
While the exciting finish and broadcast booth visit stood out, Jim says what he will remember most is sharing the experience with family and Cedarhurst team members.
“They are the ones who look after me,” he said. “I wanted to thank them for everything they’ve done.”
For Jim, it was more than a baseball game. It was a celebration of gratitude, friendship, and a dream come true.
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Flourish magazine.
About the Author
Ryan Davis is the Corporate Communications Manager at Cedarhurst Senior Living and the writer behind every story in Flourish® magazine. He holds a Communications degree from Indiana University and brings 19 years of experience to his role, which he began in January 2024. Ryan is passionate about storytelling, especially sharing the meaningful lives of Cedarhurst residents, families, and staff. He hopes each published story becomes a treasured legacy for loved ones.
