Ryan Ludwick got his first official All Star at bat in the 8th inning on Tuesday night. When he stepped to the plate, astute Cardinals fans noticed something out of the ordinary on the St. Louis slugger.

His head looked a *bit* brighter than usual. Since the game was hosted at an American League venue - all National League reps wore their respective road uniforms. On the road, the Cardinals wear navy blue helmets to match the navy blue hats they wear in the field.

However, Ludwick sported a red helmet. Odd.

(hat tip: Cracker and Cheese's photostream)

The Ludwick helmet also appeared to be a different shade of red - a brighter shade that exists throughout the Cardinals' logo. The helmet logo also looked a little, um, cheap. Many are guessing that he borrowed a Philadelphia helmet, and slapped a St. Louis logo on the front. Details are still pending, but we demand answers.

Albert Pujols wearing the standard navy blue helmet earlier in the game. Why didn't Mr. Ludwick borrow Mr. Pujols' helmet? We're not exactly sure. Pujols does have a massive head, so the mere geometry may have been a deciding factor.

Regardless, uniform blunders are intriguing - especially to resident uniform expert, Paul Lukas of ESPN.com, who points out that Ludwick's mishap isn't the first helmet catastrophe in All Star Game history.
1981: Frank White of the Royals wears a Brewers helmet while pinch running in the sixth inning, which is particularly odd considering he's wearing his Royals helmet when he bats in the ninth.
Damn All Star rookies forgetting their crap.