Stitch N' Pitch event attracts knitters to Busch Stadium

By: Ann Rubin

KSDK -- There were plenty of runs scored at the baseball game tonight at Busch. That meant the fans were yelling, cheering, and knitting. That's right knitting. It was all part of the annual Stitch N' Pitch event.

Photo Gallery: Stitch n' Pitch at Busch Stadium

Tonight the national pastime, was intertwined with another kind of pastime.

A close-knit group of 400, filled the stands at Busch stadium. For these knitters, it's a chance to bond, chat and learn a few new tricks.

Knitter Reola Boyd says, "Oh yes I've already checked the lady out down there of course. And then you go and say what are you doing, where did you get the pattern?"

And for the Cardinals, it's an opportunity to get some new faces in the stands.

Maria Arvanitakis is working on a tablecloth for her son who is a military captain, serving in Afghanistan. She says, "It's my first time in the stadium. My sons tell me I should get out more."

For beginners, multitasking is hard. But many of these knitters are pros, able to knit one, purl two and watch strike three, all at the same time.

Knitter, Teresa Schroeder says, "You can knit and not watch your knitting so you can watch the game."

And really, this night isn't really about knitting at all. It's about community.

Susie Kinsella, co-owner of the Kirkwood Knittery, says, "We work together, we play together, we knit together."

There are those who crochet, and needlepoint and cross-stitch too. In fact there are all types here, young and old, female and male.

Steve Carr learned so he could spend more time with his wife. He says he doesn't mind being surrounded by so many women. He says, "Since I knit, we all speak the same language now."

Of course, there is one potential problem with knitting and baseball. Busy hands, make catching foul balls more difficult.

Stitch N' Pitch also raises money for mentoring and literacy programs for kids. This is the third year the Cardinals have hosted the event, which is put on by The National Needlearts Association.