Tommy Pham loves playing baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, but on Saturday, he said he treasures one aspect of the game above the rest.
"Fans love us," the 29-year-old outfielder said while visiting with fans at Westminster College's Mueller Leadership Hall.
This expression of gratitude led to an eruption of cheers and applause.
"Numerous fans are always on my side - that's something I'll always cherish," he said.
Pham's statement was made during a question-and-answer session with a half-dozen other current and former players. The group slid through town as part of the Cardinals Caravan, a multi-stop, meet and greet with fans.
"What's your favorite thing about playing for the Cardinals?" a young fan asked.
Patrick Wisdom, a panel member who plays third base, said his favorite thing about playing for the Cardinals is what he learns from former players.
"The alumni that we have and the wealth of knowledge that goes along with that," he said.
Former player Charlie James, 80, still smiles while recalling the 1964 World Series. The former outfielder helped defeat the New York Yankees to take that championship.
"Back in my day, playing for the Cardinals was a winning tradition that you always looked forward to," he said.
Fans packed the hall, eager to ask questions of the panel and gather autographs.
Mexico resident Camden Williams, 11, was among the excited fans. He said his favorite player is Yadier Molina. The popular catcher was not on the panel.
"I think it's great because I got to come out and get signatures from these players and see them all," he said. "I really love baseball because it's a sport where you can play as a team and have fun with everybody."
Owen Goff, 6, said he plays tee-ball with inspiration from the Cardinals. On Saturday, he arrived in full red and white Cardinal gear and couldn't wait to meet the lineup.
"I came to see my favorite players," he said.
Other audience questions included:
Did you play any other sports in high school?
"I think it's really beneficial to play multiple sports so you don't get burned out and you're well-rounded," Wisdom said.
Pitcher Jack Flaherty said he experimented with other sports, but found his passion.
"I fell in love with baseball when I was really young and I knew that one was the one for me."
James, who lives in Fulton, played football for the University of Missouri before turning to baseball.
Players were asked about their favorite music types, and most agreed on hip-hop.
When asked about how they would compare today's athleticism to the players of his era, James said, "I think today's players are faster on foot. The pitchers, in general, seem to throw the ball a little faster than they did in my day I'd say it compares favorably."
When not playing baseball, Pham said he plays laser tag with his nephew and his friends, and is active on Instagram. Flaherty said he likes to "hang out, watch some movies," but is limited because of training.
"There's not really much free time," he said. "In the offseason, it seems like there's always things you can do to get better for next season."
The Caravan is an annual event that includes 20 stops in six states.