After nine consecutive seasons (1975-83) with Keith Hernandez as their Opening Day first baseman, the Cardinals had a most unlikely successor: Art Howe. Though he’d been a productive infielder, mostly at second base and third for the Astros, Howe was unemployed at the start of 1984. He sat out the 1983 season because of elbow and ankle surgeries, then became a free agent and, … [Read more...] about How Art Howe took a final bow as player with Cardinals
How Golden Richards found Midas touch against Cardinals
Golden Richards was a NFL glamour boy with a glittery name and the look to match. A blonde mane flowed from beneath his helmet when he streaked down the field. As columnist Jim Murray noted, “He’s so golden from his hair on down that he glows in the daylight. He’s perfect for the part of Sir Galahad.” Richards could play, too. Few were faster than he was. A Dallas Cowboys … [Read more...] about How Golden Richards found Midas touch against Cardinals
Lots of great starts, sad endings for Jose DeLeon
Jose DeLeon had the talent, but not the won-loss record, to be an ace. Some of it was bad luck. Some of it was bad teams. Some of it was his own doing. DeLeon was the first Cardinals pitcher since Bob Gibson to lead the National League in strikeouts. He outdueled Roger Clemens twice in five days. Some of the game’s best hitters were helpless against him. Cal Ripken was hitless … [Read more...] about Lots of great starts, sad endings for Jose DeLeon
Cardinals gave Tom Qualters quite an initiation to majors
The number stands out from the stats line like a wart, ugly and embarrassing: 162.00. That’s the earned run average Tom Qualters had in his rookie season with the Phillies. The Cardinals were responsible for giving him that statistical shiner. Qualters, 18, made his big-league debut against them. He faced seven Cardinals and retired one. Six scored. His line: 0.1 … [Read more...] about Cardinals gave Tom Qualters quite an initiation to majors
An interview with author of Charlie Peete biography
If not for a tragic twist of fate, baseball fans today might be recalling Charlie Peete much like they do Lou Brock or Curt Flood as being an integral part of Cardinals championship clubs. An outfielder and minor league batting champion in the Cardinals system, Peete was on the cusp of becoming a prominent player in the majors. On Nov. 27, 1956, four months after he … [Read more...] about An interview with author of Charlie Peete biography