The “shirtless dudes” craze that swept its way through college football last fall made its way to Busch Stadium on Friday night. And Oliver Marmol hopes it’s here to stay.The St. Louis Cardinals manager made a plea on social media for more shirtless fans after a group of bare-chested spectators took over multiple sections of the right-field stands during Friday night’s interleague matchup against the Kansas City Royals. The Cardinals eventually won 5-4 in walk-off fashion in the 11th inning, with scores of fans waving shirts around their heads like a helicopter as Nathan Church scored from third on a Yohel Pozo single.“Last night’s atmosphere was electric. Let’s run it back this weekend,” Marmol posted on X. “I’ll buy tickets for fans who want to sit in the right field Loge and bring the energy.”
TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFFTWIST IT 'ROUND YOUR HEADSPIN IT LIKE A HELICOPTER pic.twitter.com/TyucFEOmS9
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 16, 2026Stephen F. Austin’s club baseball team took credit for starting the shirtless section in a story on its Instagram account. The team is competing in the National Club Baseball Division II World Series in nearby Alton, Ill., and several players attended Friday night’s game between the cross-state rival Cardinals and Royals.
