Dan McGinn didn’t sign with the Cardinals when they drafted him, but they got to know one another quite well. A left-handed pitcher, McGinn did some of his best work against the Cardinals during his first full season in the majors with the 1969 Expos, a National League expansion team. McGinn was 2-1 with a save and a 1.29 ERA in six relief appearances versus the 1969 … [Read more...] about Why Dan McGinn was dangerous versus Cardinals
All or nothing for baseball’s strong boy, Dave Nicholson
Born and raised in St. Louis, Dave Nicholson was one of baseball’s all-time best power-hitting prospects, but the Cardinals were unwilling to pay the price it took to sign the hometown slugger. In January 1958, Nicholson was 18 when he signed with the Orioles for more than $100,000, a shocking sum for an amateur at that time. A right-handed batter, he was … [Read more...] about All or nothing for baseball’s strong boy, Dave Nicholson
Roman Mejias: Latino pioneer and crusher of Cardinals
Prevented by racism from playing in the minors in 1955, Roman Mejias opened the season in the majors as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting right fielder ahead of another rookie, Roberto Clemente. That season, Mejias (of Cuba), Clemente (Puerto Rico) and Felipe Montemayor (Mexico) formed the first all-Latino starting outfield in the big leagues. Though Mejias didn’t … [Read more...] about Roman Mejias: Latino pioneer and crusher of Cardinals
Why folks in Milwaukee became Mets fans for a night
About the same time that fans of Milwaukee baseball learned the Braves planned to abandon them, the club’s most prominent pitcher, Warren Spahn, got cast aside, too. So, when Spahn returned to Milwaukee for the first time as a member of the Mets, the fans there came out to cheer for him and against the Braves. The drama didn’t end there. Spahn was matched that night against … [Read more...] about Why folks in Milwaukee became Mets fans for a night
Lovestruck: Jamie Quirk, Cardinals seemed perfect match
Manager Whitey Herzog had a major influence on Jamie Quirk. Even on his honeymoon, Quirk had Herzog on his mind. Forty years ago, in February 1983, Quirk reported to spring training with the Cardinals after eight seasons in the American League, mostly with the Royals. The Cardinals signed the free agent to be a backup to catcher Darrell Porter, a former … [Read more...] about Lovestruck: Jamie Quirk, Cardinals seemed perfect match