On Sept. 4, 1987, Vicente Palacios stood on a big-league mound for the first time, a 24-year-old Pirates rookie from Mexico making his debut at Houston’s Astrodome. It must have felt to him like standing atop Mount Everest. He’d been rejected by two other organizations, White Sox and Brewers, making him wonder whether he’d lost his chance of ever reaching the majors, but here … [Read more...] about How Vicente Palacios shouldered his way to success
Dave Williams started out on right track with Cardinals
A hurdler in track, Dave Williams used those skills on the football field to spring above defenders and catch passes in a crowd. The NFL St. Louis Cardinals projected him to be the deep threat who would replace longtime standout Sonny Randle. Williams came through for St. Louis in his first three seasons, but couldn’t sustain the success. He was 78 when he died on June … [Read more...] about Dave Williams started out on right track with Cardinals
Ironman: 2 complete games, 2 wins, in 1 day for Herman Bell
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