TONY'S TROOPS

Manager Tony La Russa autographed T-shirts for Shaun Cothran,left, and Quentin Kelley.

Tyler Sanders, left, and David Goehman watched the Cardinals during batting practice.

Andrew Fornkhol, left, and Zack DeBoe watched as Alberto Castillo practiced batting.

David Goehman was excited when he spotted Home Run King Mark McGwire Saturday at Busch Stadium.

"There he is. There he is," Goehman shouted as he watched Cardinal first baseman McGwire during batting practice at the field.

Boy Scout Troop 17 from Nell Holcomb School were part of Tony's Troops Saturday during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

La Russa, Cardinals manager, started the program in Oakland, Calif., and brought it to St. Louis. Scouts came out to the baseball field for a game and a pizza party.

The children, who don't have to be Girl or Boy Scouts, are given a special pass and T-shirt to wear while they enjoy batting practice with the team. .

After the pizza party, the children stayed to watch the baseball game.

Dr. Edward M. Lewis, director of Cardinals Care, oversees the Tony's Troops program. He tries to invite children from all across the area to see a game.

"It's great that these kids get to go down into the dugout and have a chance to ask Tony questions about baseball or anything," Lewis said.

Cardinals Care is a two-year-old charitable foundation offering support programs and opportunities for children.