Guilty verdict returned in Busch Stadium burglary

ST. LOUIS -- From Fredbird to Jailbird.

Donny Chilton, who worked in 2000 as a backup to the feathered St. Louis Cardinals' mascot, was found guilty Wednesday of first-degree burglary and misdemeanor stealing. Circuit Judge Robert Dierker Jr. revoked Chilton's bond and ordered him jailed pending sentencing Oct. 11.

Chilton, 21, of St. Louis, and two others entered Busch Stadium at 2 a.m. on May 9, 2000, and got into a storage area near the Cardinals' clubhouse, authorities said. They took a player's set of golf clubs, one yellow baseball used in batting practice and a batting helmet.

Authorities were unsure of the number of public appearances Chilton made as Fredbird. He began work for the Cardinals in early spring of 2000. He lost his Fredbird job shortly after the burglary.