ST. LOUIS – For the second time this summer, St. Louis-raised rapper Nelly cheered on his hometown team at Busch Stadium.
Winner of three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards over his decades-long career, Nelly has attended several Cardinals games over the years, including one where he hit a home run with Albert Pujols last month. He also enjoyed a front row view of Tuesday’s game, a 5-4 walk-off win for the Cardinals.
Since becoming one of the most successful musicians in the St. Louis area, Nelly even had the honor of throwing the first pitch before a game in 2013. And he’s arguably one of the most famous celebrities to express his love for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Above: Geomagnetic storm watch on display; Ejections from the sun could interfere with GPS and communications
When it comes to pop culture, there are quite a few celebrities who are declaring how much they enjoy the National League’s top title-winning team, including many with ties to their hometown of St. Louis. Here’s a closer look at 10 others you may have known are fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jon Hamm
The Mad Men star is a sports superfan from St. Louis. Hamm is better known as an ice hockey enthusiast with lucky charms on St. Louis Blues shows. However, he threw the first pitch at the Cardinals game in 2014 and enjoyed the 2017 WInter Classic at Busch Stadium. Hamm has won Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and more over the course of his successful acting career.
Chris Rock
The comedian proved his dedication as a Cardinals fan earlier this summer. With a day off between shows in St. Louis and Indianapolis on his summer tour, Rock made his way to Busch Stadium wearing a navy blue Cardinals cap. During a personal interview with Bally Sports Midwest, Rock said, “I love St. Louis. Great crowd, great food. Whenever I’m in town, I always catch a Cardinals game.” Professional accolades include three Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Nikki Glasses
The Kirkwood High School graduate has stayed true to her hometown of the Cardinals while making strides in her career as a comedian. In addition to promoting her Hollywood docu-series, Welcome Home Nikki Glaser?, she got the chance to return to St. Louis in April and pitch first pitch at a Cardinals game. “I’m so proud to be someone from St. Louis,” Glaser said on a Bally Sports Midwest program.
Billy Bob Thornton
Perhaps the Arkansas native is one of the most vocal celebrity Cardinals fans. He narrated the 2006 World Series film that chronicled the Cardinals’ rollercoaster ride to their 10th championship. According to Factinate.com, he has movie contracts that state he must always have access to a television so he can watch Cardinals games. Loved for Sling Blade, Friday Night Lights and several other classics, Billy Bob Thornton has won or been nominated for more than a dozen film industry awards.
John Gutman
Raised in Affton, a St. Louis suburb, John Goodman is so loved by Cardinals fans that he was even dedicated a night at Busch Stadium in 2016’s “A Dream Come True.” Goodman also narrated an MLB Network documentary from 2020 about the St. Louis Cardinals of the 1980s. His acting career includes Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Jenna Fischer
One of three with St. Louis ties on “The Office,” Fischer was also among the small handful of fans who represented the Cardinals at Busch Stadium during the pandemic-altered 2020 season. Fischer, along with The Office actresses Phyllis Smith and Ellie Kemper, all sat as cutouts two years ago. Fischer also had the opportunity to play in the 2009 Celebrity Softball Game at Busch Stadium while starring as Pam on the popular 2000 sitcom. Her awards include the Screen Actors Guild Awards and honors at the St. Louis Film Festival.
bill clinton
It might be harder to find a politician with high profile and Cardinal fan base than the 42nd US President Bill Clinton. The Arkansas native grew up watching Harry Caray’s Cardinals shows, according to Sports Broadcast Journal. Although he didn’t attend a Cardinals game during his presidency, he once helped the team keep some treasured Arkansas memorabilia in St. Louis Magazine.
ken bone
Another figure linked to politics, Ken Bone rose to fame during the 2016 US presidential debates, although his Cardinals fandom only became known weeks later. Bone, a Metro East resident, wore a red sweater that drew attention during debates online, perhaps symbolic of his loyalty to the cardinals. In a November 2016 interview with Sporting News, Bone said he would give up his notoriety for another Cardinals World Series title.
Randy Orton
WWE Superstar Randy Orton, who also grew up in St. Louis, joined the Cardinals in 2015 for batting practice. This was his first time at Busch Stadium since serving in the military and working his way up the WWE ranks, but he noticed how the St. Louis community is rallying behind their hometown favorites. Orton became the youngest world champion in WWE history, having won the World Heavyweight Championship in 2016, one of the most likely inspirations behind a WWE themed night that the Cardinals traditionally host each season.
I Morante
One of basketball’s youngest stars celebrated the Cardinals earlier this year with a fashion statement. While resting in the Memphis Grizzlies regular season finale, Morant wore a red Cardinals hat. While he hasn’t spoken publicly about his Cardinals fandom, given that the Cardinals’ triple-A affiliate is calling home in Memphis, it would matter.
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