Opening Day at Busch Stadium is, of course, a one-of-a-kind event — and yesterday was no exception.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights of Opening Day 2013 (the pre-game, mostly), which included our favorite traditions as well as a touching remembrance of the Greatest Cardinal of Them All. Photos are courtesy of Kelly and Nicole — thank you both for sharing!

It’s always that sea of red on Opening Day. (Photo by Kelly)

Clydesdales make any day better. (Photo by Nicole)

 

See? Look at everyone taking pictures and cheering. (Photo by Kelly)

 

The Hall of Famers in their matching blazers are always a part of Opening Day, and it’s always great to see Red Schoendienst. (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

The tribute to Stan Musial included a touching video. (Photo by Kelly)

 

 

Following the video, Stan’s children unveiled a memorial on the Busch Stadium outfield wall. (Photo by Kelly)

 

 

Nothing more needs to be said. (Photo by Kelly)

 

 

Chris Carpenter received quite the ovation yesterday, and it was great to see him there once again. (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

Jason Motte had a special guest riding with him yesterday — Brandt Ballenger, a little boy battling cancer. Read more about him and Team Brandt here. (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

Adam Wainwright saluted the soldiers from Scott Air Force Base who were in center field. (Photo by Nicole)

 

Look who was activated from the disabled list just in time for Opening Day: David Freese! (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

The National Anthem yesterday was another tribute to Stan — it was performed by the Gateway Harmonica Club of St. Louis, of which Stan was an honorary member. (Photo by Kelly)

 

 

Soldiers from Scott Air Force Base displayed the flag during the National Anthem. (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

The ceremonial first pitches were thrown by Jim Edmonds and Jason Isringhausen … and perhaps that wild throw by Izzy was a sign of things to come in the ninth inning. But at least Jason Motte got to relive his catching days, and Chris Carpenter had an official job. (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

The first official pitch of 2013 at Busch Stadium, thrown by Jaime Garcia, was a little better than those ceremonial ones. (Photo by Nicole)

 

 

Finally, it’s a sight we won’t be able to see all that much longer: the two Carpenters in the dugout, side by side. (Photo by Kelly)

 

In case you missed it from this morning, the fact the Cardinals lost during yesterday’s Opening Day at Busch might not be such a bad thing after all — at least given recent history. And there are just a couple more hours until the Cards retake the field to try to make us forget all about yesterday’s outcome.