Hazelwood A Sea of Red in Cardinals Nation

As the St. Louis Cardinals partake in , the home team fever has spread to the Hazelwood area that is rooting on the team for an 11th World Series title.

Sports and Education Mesh

Beyond the roadside stands setting up shop on a corner near you selling apparel, schools in the (HSD), as well residents and businesses are showing their pride.

HSD students and staff members are "blushing with red," which began Wednesday when all were allowed to wear St. Louis Cardinals gear in honor of the World Series trek. Teachers are also getting creative with curriculum using the Cardinals as a focus in subjects such as science, math and social studies.

Hazelwood in the House

From school spirit days to red carpet assemblies, the Redbirds are being shown love, and why not? Two HSD alum will be taking part in the World Series.

Of Course there's alumni , . The Cardinals drafted McClellan directly out of high school and he made his major league debut in 2008.

McClellan pitched in against the Milwaukee Brewers.

While in high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society and also played basketball and football, according to an HSD statement. He was named to 1st Team All-Conference in 2001 and 2002, and was he was the Suburban North Conference Player of the Year, and named to 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-Metro in 2002.

Another Hazelwood School District product appearing on the field is Ron Kulpa, a 1987 graduate of . Kulpa has been named as one of six umpires who will call the series. He served as third base umpire during Game 1 of the series will rotate throughout. He spoke to the district about this being his first time calling a baseball game in his hometown.

“I think I have the best job in the world, I really do,” he said. “It feels great to get a chance to umpire in St. Louis.

"I’m proud to do it and my family and friends are so proud that I am doing it.”