GODFREY - Students at St. Ambrose Catholic School welcomed two exciting visitors from the St. Louis Cardinals.
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On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, Cardinals announcer and former player Brad Thompson and mascot Fredbird stopped by St. Ambrose to teach students how to be good teammates. Students learned the importance of being active, being responsible, and being themselves. Principal Bob Baird noted the value of these lessons.
“There’s excitement for that, but more importantly, it’s messages of working hard in school and doing the right thing,” Baird said. “That connection with our local sports team makes it really special and fun for the kids. And, of course, everybody loves Fredbird.”
Thompson encouraged the students to take care of their bodies and make responsible choices. He also explained the value of being true to yourself and building friendships. All of these actions, he said, make you a better teammate.
Fredbird demonstrated these qualities while dancing and teasing. The students, from kindergarten through middle school, enjoyed his antics.
The program is part of the Cardinals’ Fredbird and Friends Elementary School Program. Fredbird and a former Cardinals player travel to elementary schools across the Greater St. Louis area to talk about character traits.
Baird noted that these lessons are important at their school. St. Ambrose emphasizes character-building principles every day. Kids engage with the Character Counts program to learn more about becoming “a person of character,” Baird said. The presence of Thompson and Fredbird made the learning experience even more fun.
“Any program that’s going to kind of help reinforce those or reinstill those is wonderful,” he added. “When it’s something like the St. Louis Cardinals, of course it’s a win-win.”
St. Ambrose Catholic School participates in many fun initiatives and programs that aim to boost students and teach them how to be successful, healthy, and happy members of society. For more information about St. Ambrose, visit their official website. Registration opens on March 1, 2026.
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