Cards to recognize past, present before home opener

Striking at the heart of their "Tradition Meets Today" season theme, the Cardinals will introduce their 2015 roster and recognize the organization's Hall of Famers during a ceremony prior to the team's home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.

Gates at Busch Stadium will open two hours prior to the scheduled 3:15 p.m. CT first pitch, though a pregame pep rally will begin at 11 a.m. across the street at Ballpark Village.

The Budweiser Clydesdales will make their Busch Stadium entrance at 2:30 p.m., after which the organization's Hall of Famers will be introduced during a convertible motorcade. Members of the 2014 Cardinals Hall of Fame class (Jim Edmonds, Willie McGee and Mike Shannon) will be introduced separately near the St. Louis dugout. Cardinals players and coaches will then enter the field on Ford F-150s.

The Cardinals have planned a tribute for outfielder Oscar Taveras, who died in an October car accident, and the team will also hold a moment of silence for longtime Post-Dispatch writer Bryan Burwell, who died of cancer in December.

Video: STL@CHC: Taveras remembered prior to Opening Night

After retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson performs the national anthem, McGee will deliver the ceremonial first pitch to Ozzie Smith.

Fans attending the home opener and any game thereafter are urged to allow additional time to enter the stadium. As part of a Major League Baseball-wide initiative, metal detectors have been installed at every gate. The Cardinals increased event staffing by 20 percent to try and minimize any delays for fans entering the park.