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Author Topic: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
RX_Sith 
Title: Monopoly host
Forum Feud Winner
 Registered: Mar '06
42342_Star Wars Monopoly
Date Posted: 4/17 9:13am Subject: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds! - Date Edited: 4/17 9:15am (3 edits total) Edited By: RX_Sith
I am going to start a thread for my hometown team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

(from St. Louis Cardinals Official Site).



Here are the Cardinals Postseason Results (10 World Series Championships, Most in the National League):

2006 - World Series - Detroit Tigers - Won, 4-1
NL Championship Series - New York Mets - Won, 4-3
NL Division Series - San Diego Padres - Won, 3-1
2005 - NL Championship Series - Houston Astros - Lost, 4-2
NL Division Series - San Diego Padres - Won, 3-0
2004 - World Series - Boston Red Sox - Lost, 4-0
NL Championship Series - Houston Astros - Won, 4-3
NL Division Series - Los Angeles Dodgers - Won, 3-1
2002 - NL Championship Series - San Francisco Giants - Lost, 4-1
NL Division Series - Arizona Diamondbacks - Won, 3-0
2001 - NL Division Series - Arizona Diamondbacks - Lost, 3-2
2000 - NL Championship Series - New York Mets - Lost, 4-1
NL Division Series - Atlanta Braves - Won, 3-0
1996 - NL Championship Series - Atlanta Braves - Lost, 4-3
NL Division Series - San Diego Padres - Won, 3-0
1987 - World Series - Minnesota Twins - Lost, 4-3
NL Championship Series - San Francisco Giants - Won, 4-3
1985 - NL Championship Series - Los Angeles Dodgers - Won, 4-2
World Series - Kansas City Royals - Lost, 4-3
1982 - World Series - Milwaukee Brewers - Won, 4-3
NL Championship Series - Atlanta Braves - Won, 3-0
1968 - World Series - Detroit Tigers - Lost, 4-3
1967 - World Series - Boston Red Sox - Won, 4-3
1964 - World Series - New York Yankees - Won, 4-3
1946 - World Series - Boston Red Sox - Won, 4-3
1944 - World Series - St. Louis Browns - Won, 4-2
1943 - World Series - New York Yankees - Lost, 4-1
1942 - World Series - New York Yankees - Won, 4-1
1934 - World Series - Detroit Tigers - Won, 4-3
1931 - World Series - Philadelphia Athletics - Won, 4-3
1930 - World Series - Philadelphia Athletics - Lost, 4-2
1928 - World Series - New York Yankees - Lost, 4-0
1926 - World Series - New York Yankees - Won, 4-3

Retired Numbers:

In the 110-year history of the St. Louis Cardinals, 10 individuals have enjoyed such distinguished careers on the field, in the dugout or from the owners box that their uniform numbers have been retired by the organization. Only the New York Yankees (14) and Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (10) have retired more numbers, while the New York/San Francisco Giants also have retired 10. The 10 honored Redbirds are recognized on pennants located in the upper deck of right-center field at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals also honor Jackie Robinson, whose uniform No. 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his breaking the big-league color barrier. Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956. He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1947, the Most Valuable Player in 1949 and a five-time All-Star. Robinson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.

1: Ozzie Smith



Shortstop
Full Name: Osborne Earl Smith
Height: 5-10 || Weight: 180 || Bats: Both || Throws: Right
Born: 12/26/54 in Mobile, Ala.
Years with Cardinals: 1982-96.
Number retired: 1996

Inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, Ozzie Smith is widely regarded as the finest fielding shortstop of all time. But after being labeled as a good-field, no-hit performer early in his career, he developed into a bona fide offensive threat as well.

The Cardinals acquired Smith from the San Diego Padres in exchange for shortstop Garry Templeton on February 11, 1982. It proved to be one of the greatest trades in franchise history. Smith was a key element in St. Louis' success of the 1980s, and he became one of the city's most popular citizens.

A lifetime .231 batter when he arrived in St. Louis, Smith promptly hit .248 for the 1982 season as the Cardinals won the World Series over the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1985, Smith batted at a .276 clip with a career high of six home runs and 54 RBI. He subsequently stunned the baseball world with a game-winning homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The blast - on a 1-2 pitch from reliever Tom Niedenfuer - was Smith's first as a left-handed batter in 3,009 at-bats and prompted Cardinals' broadcaster Jack Buck to exclaim, "Go crazy, folks! Go crazy!" Smith put together his finest season at the plate in 1987, with career highs of a .303 average and 75 RBI, as the Cardinals captured their third N.L. pennant in six seasons. He finished as runner-up for the Most Valuable Player Award to Andre Dawson of the Chicago Cubs.

Throughout his offensive progression, Smith seemingly made every play defensively, both the routine and the spectacular. "The Wizard" won 13 consecutive Gold Gloves between 1980 and 1992, setting a major league record with an all-time low of eight errors in 1991. Smith's most eye-popping play came Aug. 5, 1986, against the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. He took off on a short fly ball to left field hit by Von Hayes and, with his back to the plate, flew parallel to the ground and completely stretched out to make the catch. Smith is baseball's career leader in assists (8,375), chances accepted (12,624) and double plays (1,590) by a shortstop. He led the N.L. in fielding percentage eight times and had a career .978 mark, fifth in baseball annals.

Smith was selected to 15 All-Star Games, and when he retired following the 1996 season, he had received more votes in fan balloting for the Mid-Summer Classic than any other player in N.L. history (27,597,904). On St. Louis' career lists, Smith ranks second in walks (876); third in games (1,990), at-bats (7,160) and stolen bases (433); sixth in runs (991) and hits (1,944); and eighth in doubles (338).

Since the conclusion of his playing days, Smith has done some television work for CNN and as host for "This Week In Baseball." He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot, receiving nearly 92 percent of the votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America. He will enter the Hall in Cooperstown, N.Y., as this year's lone inductee on July 28.

2: Red Schoendienst



Second baseman/Manager
Full Name: Albert Fred (Red) Schoendienst
Height: 6-0 || Weight: 170 || Bats: Both || Throws: Right
Born: 2/2/23 in Germantown, Ill.
Years with Cardinals: 1945-56, 1961-76, 1979-95
Number retired: 1996

The name Albert "Red" Schoendienst is synonymous with Cardinals' baseball. After all, he wore the uniform for some 45 seasons as a player, coach and manager and still is involved with the organization as special assistant to the general manager.

It all started in 1945, when Schoendienst joined the club to fill in for left fielder Stan Musial, who was serving in the U.S. Army. Schoendienst batted .278 with 47 RBI and a National League-leading 26 stolen bases. The following year, Musial returned to the Cardinals, and Schoendienst moved to third base and then shortstop before settling in at second base. St. Louis won the World Series over the Boston Red Sox as Schoendienst began to develop into one of the best hitting and fielding second basemen of all time.

In 1953, Schoendienst put together his finest season. He established career highs of a .342 batting average - second in the league to Carl Furrillo of the Brooklyn Dodgers at .344 - with 15 home runs and 79 RBI. On June 14, 1956, Schoendienst was involved in a surprising trade when he was sent to the New York Giants along with outfielder Jackie Brandt, pitcher Dick Littlefield, catcher Bill Sarni and shortstop Bobby Stephenson in exchange for shortstop Alvin Dark, catcher Ray Katt, pitcher Don Liddle and outfielder Whitey Lockman.

The following year, Schoendienst was traded to the Milwaukee Braves, who won the 1957 World Series and the 1958 N.L. pennant. He subsequently returned to St. Louis in 1961. On the Cardinals' career lists, Schoendienst ranks fourth in at-bats (6,841) and pinch hits (53); fifth in games (1,795), runs (1,025) and hits (1,980); sixth in doubles (352); and seventh in total bases (2,657). He led the N.L. with 200 hits in 1957 and seven times he either led or tied for the league lead in fielding percentage.

Schoendienst served as a coach on the 1964 World Championship team and was named manager when Johnny Keane resigned at the conclusion of the season. Schoendienst piloted St. Louis to a World Series victory in 1967 over the Red Sox and another N.L. pennant in 1968 en route to a 12-year tenure as skipper, the longest in franchise history.

A 10-time N.L. All-Star, Schoendienst socked a game-winning home run in the 14th inning of the 1950 Mid-Summer Classic off Ted Gray of the Detroit Tigers. It marked the switch-hitter's first career homer batting right-handed. Schoendienst later managed the Senior Circuit to victories in 1968 and 1969. After a stint as coach with the Oakland Athletics in 1977 and 1978, Schoendienst came back to St. Louis as a coach from 1979 to 1995. He filled in as interim manager in 1980 and 1990. Schoendienst was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989 by the Veterans Committee.

6: Stan Musial



Outfielder/First Baseman
Full Name: Stanley Frank Musial
Height: 6-0 || Weight: 175 || Bats: Left || Throws: Left
Born: 11/21/20 in Donora, Pa.
Years with Cardinals: 1941-44, 1946-63
Number retired: 1963

Simply stated, Stan Musial is "The Man." Not only is he the greatest player in Cardinals' history, he also is the most popular.

Musial played his entire 22-year career as an outfielder and first baseman in St. Louis. He is the franchise's career leader in virtually every batting category: games (3,026), at-bats (10,972), runs (1,949), hits (3,630), doubles (725), triples (177), home runs (475), RBI (1,951), walks (1,599) and total bases (6,134). His .331 average is fourth behind Rogers Hornsby (.359), Johnny Mize (.336) and Joe Medwick (.335). And, despite being an everyday player most of his career, Musial ranks seventh with 35 pinch-hits.

After initially joining the Cardinals late in 1941, Musial arrived for good the following season. He immediately began a stretch of 16 straight years in which he batted .300 or better. In 1943, Musial led the National League with a .357 average, 220 hits, 48 doubles and 20 triples and earned the first of his three Most Valuable Player awards. Musial also was named MVP in 1946 (led league with .365 average, 124 runs, 228 hits, 50 doubles and 20 triples) and 1948 (topped N.L. with .376 average, 135 runs, 230 hits, 46 doubles, 18 triples and 131 RBI). All told, the sweet-swinging left-handed batter paced the Senior Circuit in batting seven times.

A member of three World Championship teams (1942, 1944 and 1946), Musial was chosen to play in 24 All-Star Games (tied for the most in major league history with Hank Aaron and Willie Mays). His six home runs are the most in Mid-Summer Classic annals. He won the 1955 game with a 12th-inning homer off Frank Sullivan of the Boston Red Sox at County Stadium in Milwaukee.

On May 13, 1958, Musial collected the 3,000th hit of his career with a pinch double off Moe Drabowsky of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Musial finished his career with 3,630 hits. At the time of his retirement, he held major league records for extra-base hits and total bases and N.L. marks for runs, hits, doubles and RBI. He has the fourth-most hits in baseball history - behind Pete Rose (4,256), Ty Cobb (4,190) and Hank Aaron (3,771).

Musial was the first player in Cardinals' history to have his uniform number retired, and he was a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection in 1969, being named on 93 percent of the ballots. Musial was a long-time senior vice-president with the organization and served as general manager in 1967, when the Cardinals won the World Series over the Boston Red Sox. More than anything else, the personable Musial has been a great emissary for all that is good about the game of baseball. A bronze statue of Musial stands outside Busch Stadium with the following words: "Here stands baseball's perfect warrior. Here stands baseball's perfect knight."

9: Enos Slaughter



Outfielder
Full Name: Enos Bradsher Slaughter
Height: 5-9 || Weight: 190 || Bats: Left || Throws: Right
Born: 4/27/16 in Roxboro, N.C.
Died: 8/12/02 in Durham, N.C.
Years with Cardinals: 1938-42, 1946-53
Number retired: 1996

He didn't have the nickname, but Enos Slaughter was a genuine "Charlie Hustle." Throughout his career, he was known for his all-out style of play.

Slaughter dashed into baseball immortality in Game 7 of the 1946 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. With the scored tied 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Slaughter led off with a single. He remained there as the next two batters were retired and then took off to steal second base with left fielder Harry Walker at the plate. Walker stroked a double into center field, and Boston's Leon Culberson threw the ball to shortstop Johnny Pesky. While Pesky hesitated on the relay, Slaughter kept on running, ignoring third base coach Mike Gonzalez's stop sign and scoring what proved to be the series-deciding run.

Long before his "Mad Dash," Slaughter was a bona fide all-star. He broke into the major leagues with the Cardinals in 1938 and the next year led the National League with 52 doubles while batting .320. It was the first of five straight seasons in which Slaughter batted at a .300 clip. In 1942, he had a .318 average - second in the N.L. to Ernie Lombardi of the Boston Braves at .330 - and league-leading totals of 188 hits and 17 triples. St. Louis' outfield cast of Slaughter in right, Terry Moore in center and Stan Musial in left is regarded as the best in franchise history, and helped lead the Redbirds to the 1942 World Championship over the New York Yankees.

After a three-year stint in the service, Slaughter returned to the Cardinals in 1946. All he did is top the league with 130 RBI to go with a .300 average and 18 home runs. In 1950 and 1952, Slaughter drove in 101 runs while hitting fewer than 15 home runs. No other player in major league history has accomplished that feat twice.

On April 11, 1954, Slaughter was traded to the Yankees for outfielder Bill Virdon, pitcher Mel Wright and minor league outfielder Emil Tellinger. Upon being told of the deal, Slaughter sat in front of his locker and cried. On St. Louis' career lists, he ranks second in RBI (1,148); third in triples (135) and walks (839); fourth in games (1,820), runs (1,071), hits (2,064) and total bases (3,138); fifth in at-bats (6,775) and doubles (366); and 10th in home runs (146). He batted .300 in eight of his 13 seasons with the Cardinals.

Slaughter subsequently played for the Kansas City Athletics (1955-56) before returning to the Yankees (1956-59) and finishing his career with the Milwaukee Braves (1959). The Veterans Committee elected the 10-time All-Star, who was nicknamed "Country," into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

14: Ken Boyer



Third Baseman/Manager
Full Name: Kenton Lloyd Boyer
Height: 6-2 || Weight: 200 || Bats: Right || Throws: Right
Born: 5/20/31 in Liberty, Mo.
Died: 9/7/82 in St. Louis, Mo.
Years with Cardinals: 1955-65, 1971-72, 1978-80
Number retired: 1984

Only one player in Cardinals' history has hit for the cycle on two occasions. It's Ken Boyer, who accomplished the feat Sept. 14, 1961, against the Chicago Cubs and June 16, 1964, against the Houston Colt .45s.

Boyer was a solid all-around third baseman. He hit for average and power and earned five Gold Glove awards for his fielding prowess. From 1958 to 1963, he averaged 26 home runs and 98 RBI to go with a .304 batting average. Then in 1964, Boyer was named the National League Most Valuable Player after batting .295 with 24 homers and a league-leading 119 RBI. In the World Series against the New York Yankees, Boyer clubbed a grand slam in Game 4 to give the Cardinals a 4-3 victory, and he contributed three hits and three runs to help St. Louis win the seventh and deciding game by the score of 7-5.

An N.L. All-Star in 1956 and from 1959 to 1964, Boyer hit a two-run homer in the second 1960 game at Yankee Stadium and a solo blast in the 1964 contest at Shea Stadium. He was a .348 batter (8-for-23) in the Mid-Summer Classic.

"The Captain" was traded to the New York Mets on Oct. 20, 1965, in exchange for pitcher Al Jackson and third baseman Charley Smith. On the Cardinals' career lists, Boyer ranks second in home runs (255); fifth in RBI (1,001) and total bases (3,011); sixth in at-bats (6,334); and seventh in games (1,667), runs (988), hits (1,855) and walks (631). His seven grand slams are tied for the second most in club history behind Stan Musial's nine.

Being a native Missourian, Boyer was always a Cardinal at heart. He returned to the organization as a minor league manager in 1970 and again from 1973 to 1976 and served as a major league coach in 1971 and 1972. He replaced Vern Rapp as manager of the big league club April 29, 1978, and piloted the Cardinals to an 86-76 record and third-place finish in the N.L. East Division the following year. But in 1980, with expectations high, the Cardinals never got untracked, and Boyer was dismissed June 8 after a 6-4 loss in the first game of a double-header against the Montreal Expos dropped their record to 18-33.

Boyer was diagnosed with lung cancer in the early 1980s, and the disease ultimately took his life in 1982 at just 51 years of age.

17: Dizzy Dean



Pitcher
Full Name: Jay Hanna (Dizzy) Dean
Height: 6-2 || Weight: 182 || Bats: Right || Throws: Right
Born: 1/16/10 in Lucas, Ark.
Died: 7/17/74 in Reno, Nev.
Years with Cardinals: 1930, 1932-37
Number retired: 1974

Dizzy Dean was the prototypical member of the "Gas House Gang." The right-handed pitcher was one of baseball's zaniest characters. He also was a warrior and a winner.

After a cup of coffee with the Cardinals in 1930, Dean became a mainstay two years later. He put together his best season in 1934, going 30-7 with a 2.66 ERA and 195 strikeouts. Dean led the National League in wins and strikeouts and ranked second in ERA en route to being named the Most Valuable Player. He is the only pitcher in Cardinals' history to win 30 games and the last N.L. hurler to accomplish the feat. St. Louis won the World Series that year over the Detroit Tigers four games to three, with Dean and his brother, Paul, accounting for all four victories. Dizzy fired a six-hit shutout to win Game 7 by the score of 11-0.

Dean, who led the league with 28 wins in 1935, was selected to four consecutive All-Star Games from 1934 to 1937. He was the winning pitcher in 1936 and the loser in 1937. But Dean lost more than the game in 1937. A line drive off the bat of Cleveland Indians' outfielder Earl Averill in the third inning broke one of Dean's toes. Dean refused to take time off to let the injury heal, and he began utilizing an unnatural pitching delivery that led to an arm injury from which he never fully recovered.

On April 16, 1938, the Cardinals traded Dean to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitchers Clyde Shoun and Curt Davis, outfielder Tuck Stainback and $185,000. On St. Louis' career lists, Dean ranks second in strikeouts (1,087); third in winning percentage (.641); sixth in wins (134), complete games (141) and shutouts (23); and ninth in innings pitched (1,736).

Dean was known for his fun-loving lifestyle and story telling as much as his success. In a double-header against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Sportsman's Park on Sept. 21, 1934, Dizzy authored a three-hit shutout in the opener and Paul followed with a no-hitter. "Gee whiz," Dizzy said afterwards. "If I'd a known Paul was gonna do it, I'd a thrown one, too."

Following his playing days, Dean was a colorful broadcaster who became an ambassador for baseball. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1953.

20: Lou Brock



Outfielder
Full Name: Louis Clark Brock
Height: 5-11 || Weight: 170 || Bats: Left || Throws: Left
Born: 6/18/39 in El Dorado, Ark.
Years with Cardinals: 1964-79
Number retired: 1979

If it's been said once, it's been said a million times. The Cardinals' acquisition of outfielder Lou Brock from the Chicago Cubs on June 15, 1964, ranks as perhaps the greatest steal in baseball history. St. Louis traded pitchers Ernie Broglio and Bobby Shantz and outfielder Doug Clemens in exchange for Brock and pitchers Jack Spring and Paul Toth.

Over the course of his career with the Cardinals, Brock established himself as the most prolific base stealer in baseball history to that time. His 938 stolen bases stood as the major league record until Rickey Henderson bettered the mark in 1991. Brock's total remains the National League standard, and he holds the major league record with 12 seasons of 50 or more steals. Brock led the N.L. in thefts on eight occasions (1966 to 1969 and 1971 to 1974). He set the season record with 118 in 1974, bettering the mark of 104 by Maury Wills during the 1962 campaign. In 1978, the N.L. announced that its annual stolen base leader would receive the Lou Brock Award, making Brock the first active player to have an award named after him.

But Brock was more than a base burglar. He was a career .293 batter with 3,023 hits. Seven times he batted at a .300 or better clip. In 1967, Brock slugged 21 home runs and had 76 RBI from the leadoff spot. He also had 52 stolen bases to become the first player in baseball history with 20 homers and 50 steals. The following year, Brock topped the N.L. in doubles (46), triples (14) and stolen bases (62), the first player in the Senior Circuit to do so since Honus Wagner of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1908. Brock joined the 3,000-hit club Aug. 13, 1979, with a fourth-inning single off Dennis Lamp of the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.

Brock paid immediate dividends in St. Louis, batting .348 for the balance of the 1964 season and propelling the Cardinals from eighth place in the N.L. to a World Championship over the New York Yankees. The Cardinals won the World Series again in 1967 over the Boston Red Sox and were N.L. champions in 1968. Brock was at his best in postseason play. His .391 career batting average (34-for-87) is a World Series record, while his 14 stolen bases are tied for the most all time with Eddie Collins of the Philadelphia Athletics and Chicago White Sox.

On the Cardinals' career lists, Brock ranks first in stolen bases (888 - Vince Coleman is second with 549); second in games (2,289), at-bats (9,125), runs (1,427), hits (2,713), doubles (434) and total bases (3,776); fourth in triples (121); fifth in walks (681); and eighth in RBI (814). He was a six-time N.L. All-Star.

Brock has remained active in baseball since retiring as a player following the 1979 season. He worked in the Cardinals' broadcast booth from 1981 to 1984; was a baserunning consultant for the Minnesota Twins in 1987, Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988 and Montreal Expos in 1993; and has served as a special instructor for the Cardinals (baserunning and outfield play) since 1995. He was a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 1985.

42: Jackie Robinson



• In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to play in the Major Leagues.
• Number retired throughout baseball in 1997.
• Played for Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-56.
From his Baseball of Hame Plaque:
"Leading NL batter in 1949. Holds fielding mark for second baseman playing in 150 or more games with .992. Led NL in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. Most Valuable Player in 1949. Lifetime batting average .311. Joint record holder for most double plays by second baseman, 137 in 1951. Led second baseman in double plays 1949-50-51-52."

42: Bruce Sutter



Pitcher
Full Name: Howard Bruce Sutter
Height: 6-21 || Weight: 190 || Bats: Right || Throws: Right
Born: 1/8/53 in Lancaster, Pa.
Years with Cardinals: 1981-1984
Number retired: 2006

Technically, Bruce Sutter's number was already retired, since he wore the same 42 that has been taken out of service MLB-wide in honor of Jackie Robinson. But in the retired-number displays in left field and above right-center field at Busch Stadium, Sutter's name was added to Robinson's, and his image now appears alongside other Cardinals greats on the left-field wall.

Sutter pitched through shoulder pain for much of his career, but was always willing to take the mound to close out a win. He racked up 300 saves, including 127 in four seasons with the Redbirds. He closed out the 1982 World Series, the last title won by St. Louis.

In a career that spanned from 1976-1988, Sutter pitched 1,042 1/3 innings. Five times he topped 100 innings in a season while also recording at least 28 saves, and in another year, he had 99 innings and 27 saves.

Sutter won the National League Cy Young Award as a Cub in 1979 and was four times named the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year. The right-hander is the 14th man to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after pitching for St. Louis. He's the ninth Cardinals player to have his number retired -- along with Ozzie Smith, Red Schoendienst, Stan Musial, Enos Slaughter, Ken Boyer, Dizzy Dean, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson.

The number does not count Robinson, former owner Gussie Busch (for whom No. 85 is retired) or Rogers Hornsby. The latter's name hangs with a Cardinals logo -- for Hornsby didn't wear a number when he played.

45: Bob Gibson



Pitcher
Full Name: Robert Gibson
Height: 6-1 || Weight: 195 || Bats: Right || Throws: Right
Born: 11/9/35 in Omaha, Neb.
Years with Cardinals: 1959-75
Number retired: 1975

Bob Gibson ranks as the greatest pitcher in Cardinals' history. A glance at the record book supports the claim. On the franchise's career lists, the right-hander is first in wins (251), complete games (255), shutouts (56), innings pitched (3,884.1) and strikeouts (3,117). He is second in games pitched (528) and tied for ninth in ERA (2.91).

An outstanding athlete, Gibson played with the Harlem Globetrotters before arriving in St. Louis to stay in 1961. Three years later, he posted a 19-12 record with a 3.01 ERA in helping the Cardinals win the National League pennant. After losing Game 2 of the World Series to the New York Yankees, Gibson posted complete-game victories in Game 5 (5-2 in 10 innings) and Game 7 (7-5) and earned Series Most Valuable Player honors.

Gibson was on his way to another banner season in 1967 when a line drive off the bat of Pittsburgh Pirates' outfielder Roberto Clemente broke Gibson's right leg July 15. He was sidelined 52 days but returned to pitch the N.L. pennant clincher against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sept. 18 and then go 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA, three complete games and 26 strikeouts in the Cardinals' World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox.

The postseason dominance was an indicator of things to come. In 1968, Gibson authored the greatest season by a pitcher in modern history. His 1.12 ERA established an all-time record for 300 or more innings. Gibson posted a 22-9 record with league-leading totals of 13 shutouts and 268 strikeouts. During one stretch, he surrendered two earned runs over 95 innings. Gibson was named the N.L. Cy Young Award winner and MVP. For an encore, Gibson set a record with 17 strikeouts in Game 1 of the World Series against the Detroit Tigers (a 4-0 victory). He pitched two more complete games (winning Game 4 by the score of 10-1 before losing Game 7 by a 4-1 margin) to run his streak to a record eight straight complete-game starts in Series play. Gibson, the series MVP, totaled 35 strikeouts in the three games to establish a Fall Classic standard.

Gibson won his second Cy Young Award in 1970 on the strength of a 23-7 record and 3.12 ERA. He fired a no-hitter against Pittsburgh on Aug. 14, 1971, winning 11-0 at Three Rivers Stadium, and became the second pitcher in baseball history to record 3,000 career strikeouts July 17, 1974 (following Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators).

Accompanying his blazing fastball and pinpoint control was an intense demeanor. Gibson was a complete pitcher, clouting 24 home runs and winning nine Gold Gloves. The nine-time N.L. All-Star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981, his first year of eligibility. "Gibby" served as pitching coach for the New York Mets (1981) and Atlanta Braves (1982-84) and bullpen coach for St. Louis (1995). He also has done some broadcasting and has been a special instructor for the Cardinals since 1996.

85: August Busch



President
Born: 3/28/1899
Died: 9/29/89
Years with Cardinals: 1953-89
Number retired: 1984

August A. Busch Jr.'s reign as president of the Cardinals was marked by success on and off the field. Between 1953 and 1989, the Cardinals won three World Championships (1964, 1967 and 1982) and three additional National League pennants (1968, 1985 and 1987). They also forged the reputation of having the classiest organization in Major League Baseball.

Busch purchased the franchise from Fred Saigh on Feb. 20, 1953. Busch was president of Anheuser-Busch brewery, which benefited from the acquisition of the ball club. Although he didn't devote a tremendous amount of time to baseball-related matters early on, by the 1960s, Busch had grown tired of the Cardinals routinely finishing no higher than the middle of the pack in the N.L.

After winning the 1964 World Series over the New York Yankees, Busch was instrumental in the building of "new" Busch Stadium. The $26 million ballpark opened May 12, 1966, with a 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves in 12 innings and became the foundation of a rejuvenated downtown. In 1967, the Cardinals surpassed 2,000,000 in home attendance for the first time in franchise history.

Busch retired as leader of the brewery in 1975, handing over control to his son, August III. The Cardinals failed to win during the decade of the 1970s, leaving Busch anxious to return to prominence. He made arguably his best baseball decision June 9, 1980, when he hired Whitey Herzog as manager. Busch and Herzog enjoyed a sterling relationship that played a major role in the Cardinals' renewed success. Home attendance soared, with the club drawing 3,000,000-plus fans in both 1987 and 1989.

Throughout his ownership of the Cardinals, "Gussie" was one of the City of St. Louis' most popular citizens. He was a regular at home games, and on special occasions would ride around the stadium atop a Budweiser wagon pulled by a team of signature Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.

The Cardinals retired the number 85 in Busch's honor in conjunction with his 85th birthday in 1984. He died Sept. 29, 1989, at the age of 90. August III subsequently served as chief executive until Anheuser-Busch sold the club to the current ownership group March 21, 1996.



Discuss.

 

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RX_Sith 
Title: Monopoly host
Forum Feud Winner
 Registered: Mar '06
42342_Star Wars Monopoly
Date Posted: 4/18 9:26pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds! - Date Edited: 4/18 9:28pm (1 edits total) Edited By: RX_Sith
Cardinals Rock Cain in 11-1 victory over Giants.

(from yahoo.com)

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Matt Cain absorbed the worst beating of his career from the same team he held hitless for six innings last weekend.

Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer to cap a six-run fourth inning, Skip Schumaker and Chris Duncan each had two hits and two RBIs with a walk in their first three at-bats, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Francisco Giants 11-1 on Friday night.

“Sometimes you’re going to have those nights,” Pujols said. “When you have a guy with such good stuff as Cain, you can’t make him feel too comfortable out there. We wanted to make sure we got the jump.”

St. Louis reached a season best for runs and extra-base hits (6) while tying its high with 13 hits, also against the Giants a week ago, in a game that began in 53-degree chill. Cain said as the rout progressed he just wanted to get the day over.

“It’s just one start,” Cain said. “You can’t let that kill you for the rest of the year. I just wasn’t able to put balls where I wanted to, and it cost me a ton.”

The 23-year-old Cain (0-2), whose 3.65 ERA was 10th in the National League last year, allowed a personal-high nine runs on eight hits in 3 2-3 innings. The outing, which included Duncan’s two-run homer in the third, surpassed the eight runs he allowed the Cubs in 5 1-3 innings on May 10, 2006.

Todd Wellemeyer (2-0) matched his career high with seven strong innings for the Cardinals, who have won five of seven and are 8-2 at home, scoring first in every game. Their current run includes Cain’s previous start, when they rallied from a five-run deficit to win 8-7 in 10 innings at San Francisco last Saturday.

Fred Lewis had an RBI single in the third, a comebacker that deflected off Wellemeyer’s posterior when he turned after the pitch. The Giants have lost five of seven and are 1-6 on the road, and the NL’s worst offense mustered two or fewer runs for the ninth time in 17 games.

Duncan’s second homer made it 3-1 and the Cardinals had 12 at-bats in the six-run fourth, their biggest inning of the year. Pujols’ fourth homer reached the third deck in left field, a drive estimated at 424 feet, for an 8-1 cushion, while Schumaker had a two-run single and Adam Kennedy added an RBI double off Erick Threets.

Pujols is 15-for-39 (.385) with four homers during a 10-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in all 17 games. He added a fourth RBI on a groundout in the first.

“That’s part of his amazingness, just how locked in he is every game he plays,” manager Tony La Russa said. “That at-bat against Cain, that really wasn’t a bad pitch and he got to it. That’s Hall of Fame stuff.”
St. Louis Cardinals' Cesar Izturis (3) celebrates with teammate Aaron Miles getting San Francisco Giants' John Bowker out at second for the first half of the game ending double play in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Friday, April 18, 2008 in St. Louis. The cardinals beat the Giants 11-1.

Cain claimed an assist on Pujols’ homer, saying, “It was up and in and it was supposed to be away.”

Wellemeyer faced the Giants for the second straight start and allowed one run on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks. He tired at San Francisco last Saturday after giving up only one hit the first five innings, surrendering four runs in the sixth.

“Staying focused is the big thing,” Wellemeyer said. “Don’t think too far ahead, and every inning is a new inning.”

John Bowker, the first player in Giants history to homer in his first two career games and the first in 52 years with three opening multihit efforts, was 0-for-3 with a walk. Bowker was 4-for-6 with two homers and seven RBIs last weekend against the Cardinals in San Francisco.

Notes

Bowker got his first career start at first base, a position he’s unfamiliar with, in an attempt to get more offense in the Giants’ lineup. Manager Bruce Bochy said Rich Aurilia would start there on Saturday. … Cardinals RHP Russ Springer (elbow) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday and could be activated early next week. … Schumaker is 17-for-38 (.447) the last 11 games with 14 runs. … Wellemeyer also worked seven innings on April 7 at Houston. … Lewis is 13-for-30 (.433) during an eight-game hitting streak.

St. Louis Cardinals: 12-5, First place in NL Central.

 

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Rogue...Jedi 
Title: Arena Manager
 Registered: Jan '00
6341_Rogue Squadron Seal
Date Posted: 4/18 9:34pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
The Cardinals have been one of the few teams that have really started the season well. I still question whether they can keep this up, but time will tell.

 

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BobaFrank 
Registered: Jul '01
13598_Luke
Date Posted: 4/18 9:45pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds! - Date Edited: 4/18 9:50pm (1 edits total) Edited By: BobaFrank
I would love to be the first to join up. I was born in St. Louis, and have been a fan my whole life. I've seen them play in 5 WS and win 2 since 1982. Go CARDS!!!!!



You forgot Rogers Hornsby. He still holds the single season record for the highest batting average. .424.

 

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Obese_1_Ka-Blooey 
Registered: Jan '06
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Date Posted: 4/19 2:35pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
Tough luck for the Cards against the Giants' Tim Lincecum today. wink

 

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RX_Sith 
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Date Posted: 4/19 7:45pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds! - Date Edited: 4/19 7:46pm (1 edits total) Edited By: RX_Sith
Yes, the Cards were shut out 3-0 today by the Giants. Still, St. Louis Cardinals: 12-6, First place in NL Central.


BobaFrank posted:
You forgot Rogers Hornsby. He still holds the single season record for the highest batting average. .424.



And yes, I know I forgot Rogers Hornsby, but he did not have a specific number retired, it is his name only, and as both a player and a manager.

Here is him information:

Rogers Hornsby was honored alongside the retired numbers of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1937. In addition to his success on the field, he was one of baseball's more successful player-managers, guiding his Cardinals to a World Series victory over Babe Ruth's New York Yankees in 1926. He himself tagged out Ruth trying to steal, thus ending that Series.

And here are his records:

Career highlights and awards

* Holds the NL record for career batting average at .358.
* Hit better than .300 15 times and better than .400 three times.
* Won seven batting titles, two HR titles and four RBI crowns.
* Won triple crowns in 1922 and 1925.
* Rogers is the only right-handed hitter in the 20th century to hit .400 in three seasons.
* In 1922, Hornsby became the first National Leaguer ever to hit 40 home runs in a season.
* In only his second season as the player/manager, Rogers led the Cardinals to defeat the New York Yankees four games to three in the 1926 World Series.
* Rogers’ career .358 batting average is the highest by a right-handed hitter in the history of Major League Baseball.
* Hornsby is the only player in history to average a .400 batting average over a 5 year span (1921-25).
* Rogers’ .424 batting average in 1924 is the highest mark in the National League in the 20th century.

 

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Drac39 
Registered: Jul '02
39869_Aragon
Date Posted: 4/20 10:36am Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds! - Date Edited: 4/20 10:37am (1 edits total) Edited By: Drac39
As a huge Cubs fan I do not approve of this thread but I do have to say that I love the Cards fans and our rivalry. I have to compliment the redbird fans because you truly are some of the most dedicated group in baseball and the Cards/Cubs series is something I all ways look forward to. Every Cards fan I have met has been very fun loving with this rivalry and unlike the White Sox or Brewers fans I've met who really think it is a do or die type thing.

 

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RX_Sith 
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Date Posted: 4/20 5:03pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
Cardinals again lose to the Giants 8-2 and drop to St. Louis Cardinals: 12-7, Second place in NL Central.

 

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RX_Sith 
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Date Posted: 5/11 3:44pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
Ok. Sorry to neglect my Cardinals, but some interesting needs are now occurring:

Isringhausen taken out of closer role (from ESPN.com)

After blowing his fifth save Friday night -- tying Milwaukee's Eric Gagne for most in the major leagues -- in a 4-3 loss to the Brewers, the Cardinals' embattled reliever will no longer close games, manager Tony La Russa said Saturday.

"He's still prepared to pitch important innings, but for a while we'll try to keep him out of the ninth inning," La Russa said. "There's still going to be games where you can't cherry-pick his situations because if we're playing well, you need your bullpen."

La Russa said the closing duties will be split between Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer, and that he wouldn't shy from using a left-hander in the role against certain lineups.

"We'll mix and match," La Russa said. "I think all things, everyone rested, Franklin and Springer are the guys that match up the best."

Franklin, who had been the setup man, said he hadn't been told what his new role might be, but the right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA in 19 appearances this season.

"He gets righties and lefties out, he's very quick off the mound, so he's tough to run on," La Russa said. "He gives you a lot as a guy that's pitching important innings in games."

Isringhausen, who has four blown save opportunities in his last seven appearances and is 1-4 with a 7.47 ERA, said Saturday he met with La Russa and agreed he needed to be pulled from the role.

"It needed to be done," Isringhausen said. "It's a mental break more than anything."

Isringhausen, who leads the National League with 11 saves and is eight saves shy of 300 for his career, was clearly upset after Friday's game, putting all the blame on himself.

"I'm just getting sick of embarrassing myself and letting my team down," he said Friday night. "We should be five more wins in the win column in my mind, so we should be ahead in first place even more. But they can't keep sending me out there when I'm pitching the way I'm pitching.

"We're going to have to figure out some kind of remedy. I'm sure that remedy will give me some time off and get somebody in there that can do a better job right now. ... I'm just pitching like a second-grader."

La Russa told Isringhausen on Saturday that it's no different from when a top hitter is struggling in the lineup. La Russa's only options would be to shuffle the lineup or give a player a few days on the bench.

In Isringhausen's case, La Russa wants to keep him active and fresh, but still give him a mental break from the taxing role of being the closer.

"He's not hurting, he's just pressing and lost his confidence," La Russa said. "You go back to the drawing board a little bit on his delivery so he can locate better, and you give him some appearances and hopefully he gets people out and his confidence goes back up."

Both Isringhausen, who is 23rd on the career saves list, and La Russa believe he'll return to the closer's role once he has time to refocus.

"The last three outs are different, the most difficult," La Russa said. "It takes a special guy to do that. It's true that he's that guy, but we've just got to do what it takes to get him right."



Still, even with Isringhausen having his problems, the St. Louis Cardinals are 23-16, Tied for First place in NL Central.

 

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RX_Sith 
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Date Posted: 5/16 9:45pm Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
Cards Isringhausen put on DL with cut hand.

(from foxsports.com)

Things just keep getting worse and worse for Isringhausen right now. He is really is trouble and I would be almost surprised now to see him come back as the Cards closer again this season.

 

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JediJeffro 
Registered: Jun '01
Date Posted: 5/27 9:09am Subject: RE: St. Louis Cardinals Fan Club: Go Redbirds!
Your retired and honored list is missing Hornsby and Buck.

 
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