February 2002 on a freezing day, from Saint Louis University's baseball field, while filming a straight baseball instructional video with Bing Devine. Creator Steve Church, called Cardinals President Mark Lamping, walked in his office 20 mins later, and the series was conceptualized (inspired by the Baseball Bunch) Lamping greenlit Church to produce for the 2003 season. Short list to host included Ozzie Smith, Andy Benes, Chuck Finely, Mark McGwire, Al Hrabosky.