As a teen, Alan Foster was a pitching prospect being compared with Sandy Koufax. At 26, he was a pitching project hoping to get another chance to stick in the majors. Fifty years ago, in 1973, the Cardinals threw a lifeline to Foster, inviting him to spring training as a non-roster pitcher. He made the most of the opportunity, earning a spot on the Opening Day pitching … [Read more...] about How Alan Foster finally found a fit with Cardinals
Name of the game: Amen and hallelujah for Jesus Alou
Bob Uecker’s speed, whatever there was of it, was no match for the arm of Jesus Alou. A perfect throw by Alou in a game against the Cardinals nailed Uecker at the plate, aiding a win for the Giants that moved them into sole possession of first place in the 1964 National League pennant race. Alou, youngest of three brothers to play in the majors, was an outfielder … [Read more...] about Name of the game: Amen and hallelujah for Jesus Alou
An interview with the author of “Holy Cow St. Louis!”
Harry Caray became a popular baseball broadcaster, in part, because he seemed so familiar to listeners and viewers. It’s not until someone digs under the surface that a much fuller, sometimes surprising, version of him emerges. Mike Mitchell has written the definitive Harry Caray biography, “Holy Cow St. Louis!” An entertaining and informative read, the book is available on … [Read more...] about An interview with the author of “Holy Cow St. Louis!”
Joe Pepitone ruffled Cardinals feathers in World Series
For a guy who hit .154 in the 1964 World Series, Yankees first baseman Joe Pepitone was at the center of several significant plays against the Cardinals. Pepitone got hit by a Bob Gibson pitch at a key moment in Game 2, lined a ball that struck Gibson in Game 5, and belted a grand slam in Game 6. The Cardinals prevailed in seven games, but Pepitone wasn’t done with them. … [Read more...] about Joe Pepitone ruffled Cardinals feathers in World Series
Linked: Dave Duncan, George Hendrick traded together
Getting dealt by a World Series champion put Dave Duncan and George Hendrick on a course toward helping the Cardinals win three World Series titles. Fifty years ago, on March 24, 1973, the Athletics traded Duncan and Hendrick to the Indians for Ray Fosse and Jack Heidemann. Duncan, a catcher, and Hendrick, an outfielder, played in the 1972 World Series for … [Read more...] about Linked: Dave Duncan, George Hendrick traded together