Shirtless Cardinals fans turn Busch Stadium into October atmosphere during wild extra-innings win

The Cardinals themselves leaned into it almost immediately. After St. Louis extended the game in the 10th inning, the team’s official X account posted “NO SHIRT, NO PROBLEM.” Minutes later, after Yohel Pozo delivered the walk-off single in the 11th inning, the Cardinals doubled down with a reference to the famous “helicopter” song lyric while celebrating the crowd online.

That only added to the chaos already unfolding inside Busch Stadium.

Oliver Marmol loved every second of the madness

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol didn’t wait long to acknowledge the crowd after the game. In fact, before even taking his first postgame question, Marmol made it clear just how much the atmosphere mattered.

“Whoever started that in right field, I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure they come every game,” Marmol said. “Because that was awesome.”

That wasn’t just a throwaway quote, either. Marmol repeatedly emphasized that the energy from the fans created a legitimate home-field advantage during the late innings. The Cardinals dugout noticed it. The players noticed it. Busch Stadium suddenly became loud, uncomfortable, and chaotic for the Royals in a way that hasn’t consistently happened over the last few seasons.

That type of energy matters for a young Cardinals team that suddenly looks far more exciting than many expected entering 2026.

The Cardinals are becoming must-watch again

Friday night had everything. Jordan Walker crushed his 13th home run of the season. Pedro Pagés added a homer of his own. Yohel Pozo became the unexpected walk-off hero. Fans turned an ordinary May game into a viral baseball moment.

MORE: Jordan Walker does it all as Cardinals stun Athletics with late comeback

Most importantly, though, the atmosphere reflected something bigger happening around this Cardinals team. St. Louis is fun again.

The Cardinals improved to 26-18 with Friday’s win and continued building momentum in what has become one of the more surprising starts in baseball. But beyond the standings, the energy around the organization feels different. Younger players are emerging. The crowd is engaged again. Busch Stadium suddenly has personality.

And now apparently, it also has a shirtless section in right field. If Friday night was any indication, Cardinals fans may have accidentally created the team’s newest tradition during one unforgettable extra-innings win.

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