CHAMPAIGN — Brady Schanuel grew up just a short drive across the Mississippi River from the home of his favorite MLB team.
The Belleville native is a Cardinals fan. Obviously.
Trips to Busch Stadium were frequent. The fact his grandfather worked at the stadium meant Schanuel had a good look — he’d sit in his grandfather’s section behind home plate — at one of his dreams.
Perfectly manicured grass. Infield dirt tended just so. Crisp, clean uniforms.
Playing professional baseball was, and is, Schanuel’s dream. But it’s a dream the Parkland College freshman admits wasn’t always realistic.