Given the chance to revive a playing career that appeared finished, Orlando Cepeda took advantage of a gimmick adopted by the American League and added to his Hall of Fame credentials with a productive season for the Red Sox. Fifty years ago, on Jan. 18, 1973, Cepeda, 35, became the first big-league player acquired to be a designated hitter. The Red Sox signed him one week … [Read more...] about A stroke of good luck for Orlando Cepeda
Dennis the Menace: How Denny Doyle foiled Cardinals
Denny Doyle was a baseball pixie, a Punch-and-Judy hitter who got to the big leagues because of his fielding at second base. Standing 5 feet 9, he swung a 32-ounce stick _ “Dick Allen cleans his teeth with bats like that,” Doyle told Stan Hochman of the Philadelphia Daily News _ but he clobbered the Cardinals and, most improbably, their ace, Bob Gibson. A .240 hitter in … [Read more...] about Dennis the Menace: How Denny Doyle foiled Cardinals
Board game: Paul Silas made right moves with Hawks
After following in the footsteps of Bob Gibson on the basketball court at Creighton University, Paul Silas launched his NBA career in the city where Gibson was pitching the Cardinals to championships. A 6-foot-7 power forward and relentless rebounder, Silas debuted in the NBA with the St. Louis Hawks in 1964. His first regular-season appearance with them came two days … [Read more...] about Board game: Paul Silas made right moves with Hawks
Why sun set on Jim Bottomley with Cardinals
Looking to cut costs during the Great Depression and open a spot at first base for the aptly named Rip Collins, the Cardinals decided the time was right to peddle a player who was popular and productive. Ninety years ago, on Dec. 17, 1932, the Cardinals traded their future Hall of Fame first baseman, Jim Bottomley, to the Reds for pitcher Ownie Carroll and outfielder Estel … [Read more...] about Why sun set on Jim Bottomley with Cardinals
Forsaken: An interview with Taylor Coleman
When Taylor Coleman was 8 years old, her father abandoned her, she said, cutting off all communication and shirking his parental responsibilities. Her father, Vince Coleman, was known to baseball fans as the stolen base specialist for the Cardinals, a player who created thrills with his speed and daring. Taylor saw a different side: a father in name only, unwilling … [Read more...] about Forsaken: An interview with Taylor Coleman