Mike Matheny fines players and himself for missing National Anthem

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny fines players fifty dollars for missing the National Anthem before a game and has even had to fine himself on two occasions. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Anytime a new manager takes over a team, they always have to implement their own rules, quirks, and guidelines in order to establish order and create culture and chemistry.

One of the things that St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny has implemented is that all Cardinals players must be on the the top step of the dugout for the National Anthem.

If a player misses the Anthem, Matheny fines the player $50 and the money goes directly to charity.

Not only does it show how patriotic the Cardinals and Matheny are, but Matheny's rule makes sure that the Cardinals are ready for the game and holds everyone accountable, including himself.

According to B.J. Rains of FoxSportsMidwest.com, Matheny has even had to fine himself on two occasions.

Matheny said the different start times have thrown him off and he's missed the Anthem twice and been fined by himself.
— B.J. Rains (@BJRains) May 13, 2012

As far as making sure the Cardinals are ready to play, the rule of being on the top step for the Anthem seems to be working.

The Cardinals have scored 29 first inning runs while allowing opponents just 20, giving them an edge early in the game more often than not.

Matheny's rule is working and players have to respect it, especially since he does not hesitate to fine himself.

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