SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –  Missouri State baseball is proud to present Step Up to the Plate, a special holiday event presented by Reinhart Foodservice and Elaine and Loren Cook, featuring St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt, Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Shrine Mosque in Springfield.
 

Bears supporters and baseball fans alike will have the chance to be a part of the Bears' second annual fundraising dinner, which will also include a silent auction. Additionally, current and former Bears in attendance will be available to meet the public and sign autographs.

After being named interim manager in St. Louis this past July, Shildt led the Cardinals to a 40-28 mark during the second half of the season. Prior to joining the Cardinals' big league staff in 2017, Shildt logged eight seasons as a manager in the St. Louis organization, including three (2012-14) with the Double-A Cardinals in Springfield. He guided Springfield to its first Texas League Championship in 2012, when the Cardinals were recognized as Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year.

Shildt also served as manager at the Triple-A level with the Memphis Redbirds (2015-16), and compiled a career managerial record of 471-432 (.522) over his eight seasons in the minors, winning league championships in each of his three career playoff appearances.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Missouri State baseball program. Advance tickets for the event are available for $50 on an individual basis, or tables of eight for $350, through Missouri State baseball. No walk-up or day-of-event sales will be available. Cash or check (payable to the Missouri State Foundation) orders can be placed via phone at (417) 836-4497, or email (KeithGuttin@MissouriState.edu). Credit card purchases should be directed through Denise Kettering at (417) 836-4507.