On June 12, 2010, people gathered at Hammons Field to be part of Sifford Day at the Ballpark. Sifford Day at the Ballpark began several years ago as a walk/run to raise money for the Chris Sifford Memorial Scholarship which is given to students pursuing a degree in Communication or Journalism at Missouri State University.
It has evolved into much more than a walk/run race. It is a day filled with family and fun. Trophies are given to racers in several divisions and, Sifford Day at the Ballpark t-shirts and a ticket to the evening’s Springfield Cardinals game are given to all participants. Complimentary Andy’s Frozen Custard is at the finish line for participants and their families, and Hammons Field is opened up just for attendees to walk around and explore the stadium. There is also a guest appearance by Louie, the Springfield Cardinals mascot. Chris Sifford Day at the Ballpark was and will continue to be a “don’t miss” event that celebrates the life of an amazing Missouri State alumnus, Chris Sifford, who never forgot where he came from.
On October 16, 2000, Missouri governor and Senate candidate Mel Carnahan, 66, was killed along with his son Roger, 44, and the governor’s campaign adviser Chris Sifford, 36, when the Cessna 335 they were in crashed in Goldman, Missouri. The three had been in route to a rally for Carnahan’s U.S. Senate campaign when the plane went down about 25 miles south of St. Louis in a hilly, wooded area. Chris Sifford was from Puxico, Missouri, a southeastern Missouri town of about 800 residents. He went to Missouri State University and worked as a sportswriter for the Springfield News Leader before joining the governor’s staff.
The Chris Sifford Memorial Foundation was established by Chris’ family and friends as a tribute to Chris and a way to keep his memory alive while changing the lives of students pursuing careers in journalism or public service. To date, the Chris Sifford Memorial Foundation has contributed over $67,000 toward the Chris Sifford Memorial Scholarship at Missouri State University.
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