According to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), the first baseball reminiscence program in the US was the Cardinals Reminiscence League (CRL). Begun in 2011, [CRL] was a joint effort by the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis University, the Veteran’s Administration, and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum.”
The program was designed to offer a unique form of “sports reminiscence therapy,” welcoming all Cardinals enthusiasts eager to share their baseball memories and explore the rich history of their beloved hometown team.
By 2015, The St. Louis Jewish Community Center, was among nearly a dozen such sites to host the CRL. Now, in 2024, the J is the only one still offering the program.
The Cardinals Reminiscence League is back
As anticipation builds for the return of the St. Louis Cardinals to the field in just two weeks, The CLR is gearing up for its own Opening Day, aimed at bringing joy and connection to baseball fans living with dementia. Through engaging activities and heartfelt discussions, the program uses baseball to stimulate cognition and foster a sense of belonging among its participants.
“Each session, from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to playing Baseball Lingo, is carefully designed to evoke cherished memories and spark lively conversations about America’s favorite pastime,” shared Alan Spector, discussion group leader of CRL and author of “Baseball: Never Too Old to Play the Game.”
Reminiscence therapy
Reminiscence therapy has consistently been shown to make a positive difference in participants’ quality of life, including among those living with mild to moderate dementia.
“Everything we do is intended to stimulate cognition among our participants. One way we do this is to strive to engage each of the five senses throughout each session,” said Spector.
Sight
Using PowerPoint slides and videos, the sessions are filled with images from the game. Local memorabilia collector, Howard Bly, also brings items from his vast collection for participants to see.
Hearing
During each session, participants sing the National Anthem and Take Me Out to the Ball Game, each accompanied by its music. Each session concludes with the music from the Budweiser Clydesdale theme.
Touch and Smell
Demonstrations are planned utilizing all aspects of baseball equipment so that participants can relive the feeling of baseballs, gloves, bats, and catcher’s equipment, in their hands. They emphasize the scents of the game with that same baseball equipment.
Taste
Before the last session of the season, the J arranges for a baseball luncheon featuring ballpark food for all participants before we begin talking baseball.
History and nicknames
