Today, July 30, there is a palpable buzz in the baseball world. That’s because 5 p.m. St. Louis time is the deadline for teams to make trades to bolster their World Series hopes, presenting a prime opportunity for the Cardinals to create new unforgettable memories for their legions of fans.

At about that time, thousands of fans will be crowding Ballpark Village to see the Cardinals take on the Texas Rangers. Many of these dedicated fans may decide to visit the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum. Here, amidst the display cases brimming with Cardinals memories, they might meet Jay Dubinsky, a lifelong fan with his own rich stories to share.

For most St. Louisans, life here is deeply intertwined with the Cardinals, a bond that spans generations filled with joy and heartbreak. Jay Dubinsky, an 87-year-old native, epitomizes this enduring passion. To this day, his love for the game has remained a constant.

Growing up with baseball

Dubinsky’s baseball journey began well before he even went to Sunday or Hebrew school at Congregation B’nai Amoona in University City where his family attended synagogue.

“My dad started taking me to games when I was three years old. And so, I ate, slept and drank baseball,” remembers Dubinsky. “I mean, I liked all sports, but I guess baseball was always my favorite. So, I started going to more Browns than Cardinals games.”

He remembers pivotal moments like attending the last game of the 1944 regular season when the Browns clinched their spot in the World Series by defeating the Yankees. They would go on to face the Cardinals in a city showdown.

“I remember every detail of that game,” said Dubinsky. “For a 7-year-old kid to go to a World Series game where the whole series was played in your hometown, that was pretty exciting.”

Becoming a part of the Cardinals family

In 2006, Dubinsky took his grandsons on a tour of the new Busch Stadium, an experience that inspired him to become a tour guide himself.

“I happened to be downtown and thought, ‘I either do it or I don’t,'” said Dubinsky. “So, I walked into the Cardinals’ office and asked the receptionist, ‘Who do I talk to about being a tour guide?’ The receptionist, a man, replied, ‘The lady in charge is right behind you.’ It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. The lady, who was the curator of the museum at the time, helped me get the job. Back then, the museum wasn’t where it is now but was located across the street with the Bowling Hall of Fame.”

He joined the Cardinals’ tour staff in December 2007, initially balancing this role with his job as a sales representative. Over the years, Dubinsky transitioned from leading stadium tours to working primarily in the museum, particularly enjoying the interaction with visitors and sharing the rich history of the Cardinals and Browns.
Dubinsky highlights several favorite exhibits in the museum, including the display on the St. Louis Browns and the interactive broadcast booth where visitors can record their own commentary on famous Cardinals moments. He also enjoys the rotating exhibits currently featuring the Hispanic influence on the Cardinals.

In addition to his work at the museum, Dubinsky participates in the Cardinals Academic Program (CAP), which combines baseball with educational elements for students in grades 3 through 8. The program offers classes on math, social studies and science, all related to baseball, followed by a tour of the stadium.

“It’s been an important part of my life,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed getting my grandsons involved and it’s been a way to connect with my family and my community.”

Memories of Stan ‘The Man’

In the late 1940s, when Dubinsky was around 10 years old, his father’s job was marketing baseball games and arranging for ballplayers to make appearances at department stores. One evening, his father mentioned a meeting with Stan Musial, the young Cardinals star. Excited, Dubinsky accompanied his father to Musial’s house in south St. Louis.

“When we arrived, Musial, gracious and apologetic, greeted us at the door. ‘I have a problem. My daughter is very sick. The doctor is examining her now. If you don’t mind waiting 20 minutes or so, we’ll have our meeting,’ said Musial to the Dubinskys. We waited, and 20 minutes later, he returned, assuring us, ‘The doctor gave her a shot. She’s going to be fine.'”

The meeting proceeded, leaving a lasting impression on young Dubinsky.
“Musial’s kindness and humility made him my hero not just for his athletic prowess but for his genuine character,” said Dubinsky.

Although he felt a profound sense of loss when the Browns left St. Louis, Dubinsky’s commitment to baseball has never wavered. “I was mortified. It was terrible,” he recalled. “But that was the start of all the teams moving and you had to accept it.”

Through his work, Dubinsky ensures that the rich history of baseball in St. Louis is not only remembered but celebrated. His story is a vivid chapter in the tapestry of American baseball, marked by a profound love for the game that has lasted over eight decades.

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