Cardinals rookie Herman Bell seemed an unlikely candidate to accomplish one of the franchise’s most remarkable pitching feats. One hundred years ago, on July 19, 1924, Bell pitched two complete games in a doubleheader and won both against the Braves at St. Louis. Before joining the Cardinals, Bell primarily had been working as a cowpoke on a cattle ranch and pitching on … [Read more...] about Ironman: 2 complete games, 2 wins, in 1 day for Herman Bell
How Ernie Lombardi enabled Reds to win by a nose
In a game in which both catchers were perfect at bat, Ernie Lombardi won it for the Reds with his mitt. Ninety years ago, on July 6, 1934, the Reds edged the Cardinals, 16-15, at St. Louis. Lombardi, the Reds catcher and future Hall of Famer who was nicknamed “Schnozz” because of his big nose, produced five hits in five trips to the plate. Cardinals catcher Spud Davis, a … [Read more...] about How Ernie Lombardi enabled Reds to win by a nose
Chris Speier was in right place, right time for Cardinals
The Cardinals took out an insurance policy on their shortstop position and it turned out the timing was fortuitous. Forty years ago, on July 1, 1984, the Cardinals and Expos swapped utility infielders, with Chris Speier coming to St. Louis for Mike Ramsey. Though Ramsey, 30, had been a valuable backup for the World Series champion Cardinals in 1982, manager Whitey Herzog … [Read more...] about Chris Speier was in right place, right time for Cardinals
How Gee Walker got a wakeup call versus Browns
Gee Walker took a nap in St. Louis. Problem is, he did it on the base paths. Ninety years ago, on June 30, 1934, Walker was picked off base twice in the same inning while sleep-walking for the Tigers against the Browns at Sportsman’s Park. His blunders ruined a potential Tigers scoring threat, opening the door for the Browns to win in extra innings, and … [Read more...] about How Gee Walker got a wakeup call versus Browns
Say hey! Cardinals made a pitch for Willie Mays
Imagine Willie Mays and Stan Musial in the same Cardinals lineup. The Cardinals could. They tried to make it happen. In June 1957, the Cardinals offered the New York Giants a combination of cash and players for Mays, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported. In the authorized biography, “Willie Mays: The Life, The Legend,” author James S. Hirsch wrote that Giants owner Horace … [Read more...] about Say hey! Cardinals made a pitch for Willie Mays