Retro Simba

In late July 1944, Allied troops were on the outskirts of Brest, a strategic seaport town in northwest France that the Germans occupied during World War II and turned into a submarine base. The Allies were determined to drive out the Nazis, and hoped to make the harbor a supply hub. Among the infantry advancing on Brest was a U.S. Army private, Eddie Kazak, a St. Louis … [Read more...] about Soldier’s story: How Eddie Kazak became Cardinals all-star

When Roman Gabriel was with the Los Angeles Rams, a strong performance versus the St. Louis Cardinals helped him emerge as a No. 1 quarterback. Later, when Gabriel went to the Philadelphia Eagles, he led them to a stirring comeback against the Cardinals for his first win, then never beat them again. In 12 games, including 10 starts, versus the Cardinals, Gabriel won four, lost … [Read more...] about The story of Roman Gabriel versus the Cardinals

While growing up in the St. Louis suburb of University City, Ken Holtzman rooted for the Cardinals and dreamed of pitching in the big leagues. Holtzman got to the majors, but not with the Cardinals. He went instead to their rivals, the Cubs. A left-hander, Holtzman was a starter for the Athletics when they won three consecutive World Series titles. He also pitched two … [Read more...] about Hometown boy Ken Holtzman: A Cardinal at heart

Lou Brock had the legs; Jerry Grote had the arm. What sometimes made the difference in their showdowns was their heads. During Brock’s prime years with the Cardinals, when he led the National League in stolen bases eight times, one of the most difficult catchers to steal against was Grote, who played for the Mets. “Grote has been hailed as the best defensive catcher in the … [Read more...] about Game within the game: Jerry Grote versus Lou Brock

Early in the 1934 season, if any pitcher looked like a candidate to get 30 wins, it was Lon Warneke, not Dizzy Dean. A Chicago Cubs right-hander, Warneke pitched a one-hitter on Opening Day versus the Reds and followed that with another one-hitter in his next start against Dean and the Cardinals. Warneke is the only big-league pitcher to follow a one-hitter on Opening Day … [Read more...] about The year Lon Warneke started out nearly unhittable