St. Louis ? The St. Louis Cardinals banned alcohol from the clubhouse on Friday, five days after the alcohol-related fatal accident of pitcher Josh Hancock.

Manager Tony La Russa said general manager Walt Jocketty did not consult players before making the decision before the team’s first home game since Hancock’s death. La Russa said it was a largely symbolic move since players don’t drink much in the clubhouse anyway.

The team also is considering an alcohol ban on the road.

“It’s meaningful,” La Russa said. “But it’s not a significant factor in our clubhouse because our guys don’t stay in the clubhouse to drink.”

Center fielder Jim Edmonds was unaware of the change when approached by reporters.

“I didn’t know anything about it. But if that’s what they want to do, fine with us,” said Edmonds, who has been with the team since 2000. “They’re our bosses, they’re the ones who make the big decisions. We just work here.”