That's a winner

TJ Klipfel is not your average Cardinals fan. The 9-year-old Cape Girardeau resident and son of Laura and Travis Klipfel already has an impressive stockpile of photos of himself with Cardinals baseball players, which he has been collecting since earlier this summer.

Laura said this has been a great experience for both of them, "even though we've spent so many hours waiting to meet the players -- I don't even want to think about how much time we have in this. But it's been worth it to see how happy he is."

TJ's first autograph in 2013 ignited a real passion.

"We waited outside before a game, hoping the players would stop," Laura said. "People think every time a player comes by, they stop, but they don't always. Sometimes if there are a lot of adults waiting with the kid, the players are a little less likely to stop, but it really depends on the player, I think, and on how much time they have before the game."

She said she and TJ usually arrive at the ballpark as early as 8 a.m. before a 1 p.m. game, and even that much time spent waiting isn't a guarantee of getting the signature or photo TJ wants.

TJ Klipfel, left, poses with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.Submitted photo

"It's about patience," she said. "Patience, and making sure you're polite. That's important, too."

Laura said the idea to get pictures with the players really got going this summer, after she and TJ attended spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Florida.

They didn't get any autographs or photos there, but TJ's turn would come soon.

"A friend of mine and her daughter were going on a road trip to Cincinnatti and Pittsburgh, so I asked if TJ and I could go along," Laura said. "That's where we got some really good photos."

They waited outside the practice area as players arrived, then went down to the field during practice.

TJ Klipfel poses with Cardinals outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker.Submitted

"So far this year, we've been to at least 10 games," she said, "and we'll go to a lot more."

TJ said his favorite player is Adam Wainwright.

"He was really nice to me," he said.

They had an actual conversation, a consideration many players don't usually take, Laura added.

"He was very personable. I was happy to see it," she said.

TJ Klipfel poses with Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez.Submitted

TJ has a binder at home with a 5x7-inch print of each picture.

Eight of the pictures have been signed by the players in them, a testament to the persistence of one fan and his mother.

"He loves it," Laura said. "Baseball is his thing, and I'm right there with him. It's a good time."