ST. LOUIS – Have you seen this person around Busch Stadium and at Cardinals games? He is known to fans as the Cardinal Cowboy, but his name is Carter Rethwisch. His journey to becoming this St. Louis figure started with a life-threatening accident.
In 2004, Rethwisch began attending St. Louis Cardinals games donning a red cowboy hat, a replica of the one that former Cardinals owner August ‘Gussie’ Busch Jr. would wear at games.
In 1990, during his senior year of high school, Rethwisch earned the MVP title for his St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association (SLABA) team.
However, Rethwisch’s aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player came to an abrupt end when he was 19.
“I was hit by a drunk driver, which put me in a coma,” Rethwisch said. He said pulled a ventilator out of his throat and survived against the odds that the doctors gave him.
Rethwisch’s love for baseball drove his recovery. He channeled his competitive spirit into his new role as the Cardinal Cowboy.
Sporting a full baseball uniform, he started attending games, taking pictures with fans, and sharing his story online. His website, cardinalcowboy.com, quickly gained traction.
“I wanted to do something positive to help people,” he said. Rethwisch said that his mother was a teacher and this led him to use his platform to inspire others, particularly children battling severe illnesses.
Rethwisch has worked with several children who were given little hope by doctors. He said that he had worked with four kids who were near the end, and they lived longer because they believed they could fight. One notable case was a boy named Seth, who lived seven more years after being inspired by Rethwisch.
“Most of what you deal with in life is how you respond mentally,” he said. He said that if you set your mind to something, you can really accomplish anything as long as you don’t give up.
Despite the challenges and occasional negativity he faces, Rethwisch remains focused on his mission.
Rethwisch said there’s always someone who might try to bring you down, but it’s about overcoming that and continuing to help others.
While the Cardinal Cowboy persona is well-known, Rethwisch also runs a successful marketing business and hosts a TV show, “Your Little Castle,” where he highlights local community leaders. This venture, along with his motivational appearances, supports his philanthropic efforts.
