We've loved our Cardinals for years
St. Louis team has long and colorful history
Published: Sunday, June 28, 2009
Updated: Sunday, June 28, 2009 7:43 AM CDT
Updated: Sunday, June 28, 2009 7:43 AM CDT
St. Louis has a storied sports history and a veritable “who's who” list of current and former athletes who called the city home.
Some of the most successful athletes in the world were raised and trained in the St. Louis area, including: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic track and field star; the NBA's Larry Hughes and "Easy Ed" Macauley; Yogi Berra, three-time American League MVP; Jimmy Connors, former Wimbledon and U.S. Open tennis champion; Michael and Leon Spinks, World Heavyweight Boxing champions; Hale Irwin, U.S. Open golf champion; and Craig Virgin, Olympic medalist in distance running.
However, baseball is believed to be the overwhelming favorite sport of most St. Louisans, and the proud tradition of Cardinals baseball attracts new generations of fans every year.
In addition to current and former Cardinals players, the Gateway City lays claim to such current MLB players as: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman; pitchers Max Scherzer (Arizona Diamondbacks), Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox), Zach Miner (Detroit Tigers), and Josh Outman (Oakland A's); and Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Boggs. In addition, St. Louis' own Fox Sports broadcaster Joe Buck still calls the Gateway City home.
On July 14, Major League Baseball's Mid-Summer Classic will be held in Busch Stadium. The 2009 MLB All-Star Game (http://www.allstargame.com/) will mark the fifth time the league's best players have met in St. Louis.
The St. Louis Cardinals have won more World Series championships (10) than any other National League team. St. Louis is known as such a savvy baseball town that The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, and Baseball America have named it "America's Best Baseball City." Because of the fans' knowledge of and appreciation for the game. Former Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire dubbed St. Louis "Baseball Heaven."
The Gateway City's baseball history started in Lafayette Square, St. Louis' Victorian neighborhood. The area features a collection of homes that have been called the finest and largest collection of Victorian-era architecture in the country. In addition, the neighborhood is home to Lafayette Park, the oldest public park west of the Mississippi River.
The St. Louis Perfectos baseball team hold its games here, which are played by 19th-century rules and include vintage equipment and uniforms. The Perfectos take their name from a page of St. Louis baseball history.
The St. Louis Browns re-joined the National League in 1892, and the St. Louis franchise has maintained continuous membership in the National League ever since. In 1899, the team became the Perfectos after the team was purchased by brothers Frank and Stanley Robison.
The St. Louis Walk of Fame in The Loop neighborhood sports more than 100 brass stars and informational plaques in the sidewalks along Delmar Boulevard that honor famous St. Louisans who have made contributions to American life and culture. Baseball is duly represented with stars for Stan Musial, Yogi Berra, Joe Garagiola, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, James "Cool Papa" Bell, Dizzy Dean, Rogers Hornsby, Branch Rickey, George Sisler, Ozzie Smith and Red Schoendienst.
Honorees also include sportscasters known for their work in St. Louis, such as Jack Buck, Harry Caray and Bob Costas.
The Hill neighborhood, St. Louis' own version of Little Italy, is where two of baseball's most well-known personalities grew up together. Legendary catcher Yogi Berra and broadcaster Joe Garagiola were childhood friends who lived on Elizabeth Avenue.
The street, which has been renamed Hall of Fame Place, was later home to Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck and his family. Today, the cozy, well-kept neighborhood still features a variety of family-owned Italian restaurants, delis, bakeries, and groceries, as well as at least two places to play a game of bocce-Italian lawn bowling.
One of baseball's all-time greats, Hall of Famer Stan "The Man" Musial, played his entire career for the Cardinals. Musial, who still lives in St. Louis, had a career batting average of .331, a career total of 3,630 hits, was named National League Most Valuable Player three times and played in the All-Star Game 19 times. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
A total of 37 Cardinals, plus the late broadcaster Jack Buck and former Cards' broadcaster Harry Caray, were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York.
In addition to Musial, there's a cadre of Cardinals Hall of Famers who live in St. Louis or who are frequently found at Busch Stadium including shortstop Ozzie Smith; second baseman Red Schoendienst; pitchers Bob Gibson and Bruce Sutter; and outfielder/legendary base stealer Lou Brock.
Highlights
Among St. Louis' more notable sports highlights in the 21st century is their most recent World Series Championship. In 2006, the Cardinals christened their new roost with a World Series win over the Detroit Tigers in five games. The newest Busch Stadium, which opened April 4, 2006, replaced the stadium-formerly-known-as-Busch, which opened in 1966.
In 2004, St. Louis hosted its first World Series since 1987, as the Cardinals won the National League pennant by posting 105 regular season victories wins - the most in the major leagues. Unfortunately, the team was swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, losing in four straight games.
The 1990s
Baseball history was made in Busch Stadium when St. Louis Cardinals' slugger Mark McGwire became the first player to hit 70 home runs during a single season. Phenomenal Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith, affectionately known as "The Wizard" retired in 1996, after a career that included winning 13 consecutive Gold Gloves. The 15-time All-Star steadily improved his offense after joining the Cardinals in 1982 and ended his 19-year career with 2,460 hits, 1,257 runs and 580 stolen bases.
The 1980s
During the 1980s, the Cardinals were the only team in baseball to win three pennants, but emerged with only one World Series championship. The Redbirds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in 1982, and returned to the championship in 1985 and 1987 against the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins, respectively.
1960s
St. Louis won its first National League pennant in 18 years in 1964, and the Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees to win the World Series. The team featured future Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Lou Brock, along with Ken Boyer, Mike Shannon, Tim McCarver and Roger Craig.
In 1967, the Cardinals won 101 games and were crowned World Champions by defeating the Boston Red Sox, four games to three. The '67 team featured Hall of Famers Steve Carlton, Orlando Cepeda, and manager Red Schoendienst. In 1968, the Cardinals returned to the World Series, but lost to the Detroit Tigers. Bob Gibson became the first Cardinal to ever win the Cy Young Award, and was named National League MVP.
1940s and ‘50s
In late 1952, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., led by its president, August A. Busch Jr. - known as Gussie - purchased the Cardinals from team owner Fred Saigh. As soon as the sale was announced, Bill Veeck, owner of the American League's St. Louis Browns, put his team up for sale. The Browns were sold to a group of Baltimore investors and the team became the Baltimore Orioles.
The Cardinals went to the World Series four times during the ‘40s, winning three out of four championships. St. Louis was victorious over the New York Yankees in 1942, then lost to the Bronx Bombers in 1943. They were back to their winning ways in 1944 during the St. Louis "Streetcar Series," which pitted the hometown Cardinals against cross-town rivals, the St. Louis Browns. In 1946, the Cardinals were world champs again, defeating the Boston Red Sox.
The 1920s and ‘30s
The Saint Louis Stars of the Negro League baseball league won the world championship title in 1928, 1930 and 1931, and the Cardinals won their first World Series title in 1926 against the Yankees. Led by player-manager Rogers Hornsby, St. Louis beat the Yanks in seven games.
The 1800s
The beloved tradition that is St. Louis baseball was born in 1892, as the St. Louis Browns re-joined the National League as part of the newly re-formed 12-team circuit. The St. Louis franchise has had continuous membership in the National League ever since, as the Browns soon became the Perfectos (1899) after the team was purchased by brothers Frank and Stanley Robison.
The Perfectos' uniforms featured red-striped stockings and red-trimmed uniforms, so when St. Louis Republic sportswriter Willie McHale, heard a lady fan remark, "What a lovely shade of cardinal," he used the new nickname in his column. The name struck a chord with fans, and the team officially changed its name to the Cardinals in 1900.
Some of the most successful athletes in the world were raised and trained in the St. Louis area, including: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic track and field star; the NBA's Larry Hughes and "Easy Ed" Macauley; Yogi Berra, three-time American League MVP; Jimmy Connors, former Wimbledon and U.S. Open tennis champion; Michael and Leon Spinks, World Heavyweight Boxing champions; Hale Irwin, U.S. Open golf champion; and Craig Virgin, Olympic medalist in distance running.
However, baseball is believed to be the overwhelming favorite sport of most St. Louisans, and the proud tradition of Cardinals baseball attracts new generations of fans every year.
In addition to current and former Cardinals players, the Gateway City lays claim to such current MLB players as: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman; pitchers Max Scherzer (Arizona Diamondbacks), Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox), Zach Miner (Detroit Tigers), and Josh Outman (Oakland A's); and Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Boggs. In addition, St. Louis' own Fox Sports broadcaster Joe Buck still calls the Gateway City home.
On July 14, Major League Baseball's Mid-Summer Classic will be held in Busch Stadium. The 2009 MLB All-Star Game (http://www.allstargame.com/) will mark the fifth time the league's best players have met in St. Louis.
The St. Louis Cardinals have won more World Series championships (10) than any other National League team. St. Louis is known as such a savvy baseball town that The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, and Baseball America have named it "America's Best Baseball City." Because of the fans' knowledge of and appreciation for the game. Former Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire dubbed St. Louis "Baseball Heaven."
The Gateway City's baseball history started in Lafayette Square, St. Louis' Victorian neighborhood. The area features a collection of homes that have been called the finest and largest collection of Victorian-era architecture in the country. In addition, the neighborhood is home to Lafayette Park, the oldest public park west of the Mississippi River.
The St. Louis Perfectos baseball team hold its games here, which are played by 19th-century rules and include vintage equipment and uniforms. The Perfectos take their name from a page of St. Louis baseball history.
The St. Louis Browns re-joined the National League in 1892, and the St. Louis franchise has maintained continuous membership in the National League ever since. In 1899, the team became the Perfectos after the team was purchased by brothers Frank and Stanley Robison.
The St. Louis Walk of Fame in The Loop neighborhood sports more than 100 brass stars and informational plaques in the sidewalks along Delmar Boulevard that honor famous St. Louisans who have made contributions to American life and culture. Baseball is duly represented with stars for Stan Musial, Yogi Berra, Joe Garagiola, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, James "Cool Papa" Bell, Dizzy Dean, Rogers Hornsby, Branch Rickey, George Sisler, Ozzie Smith and Red Schoendienst.
Honorees also include sportscasters known for their work in St. Louis, such as Jack Buck, Harry Caray and Bob Costas.
The Hill neighborhood, St. Louis' own version of Little Italy, is where two of baseball's most well-known personalities grew up together. Legendary catcher Yogi Berra and broadcaster Joe Garagiola were childhood friends who lived on Elizabeth Avenue.
The street, which has been renamed Hall of Fame Place, was later home to Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck and his family. Today, the cozy, well-kept neighborhood still features a variety of family-owned Italian restaurants, delis, bakeries, and groceries, as well as at least two places to play a game of bocce-Italian lawn bowling.
One of baseball's all-time greats, Hall of Famer Stan "The Man" Musial, played his entire career for the Cardinals. Musial, who still lives in St. Louis, had a career batting average of .331, a career total of 3,630 hits, was named National League Most Valuable Player three times and played in the All-Star Game 19 times. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
A total of 37 Cardinals, plus the late broadcaster Jack Buck and former Cards' broadcaster Harry Caray, were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York.
In addition to Musial, there's a cadre of Cardinals Hall of Famers who live in St. Louis or who are frequently found at Busch Stadium including shortstop Ozzie Smith; second baseman Red Schoendienst; pitchers Bob Gibson and Bruce Sutter; and outfielder/legendary base stealer Lou Brock.
Highlights
Among St. Louis' more notable sports highlights in the 21st century is their most recent World Series Championship. In 2006, the Cardinals christened their new roost with a World Series win over the Detroit Tigers in five games. The newest Busch Stadium, which opened April 4, 2006, replaced the stadium-formerly-known-as-Busch, which opened in 1966.
In 2004, St. Louis hosted its first World Series since 1987, as the Cardinals won the National League pennant by posting 105 regular season victories wins - the most in the major leagues. Unfortunately, the team was swept by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, losing in four straight games.
The 1990s
Baseball history was made in Busch Stadium when St. Louis Cardinals' slugger Mark McGwire became the first player to hit 70 home runs during a single season. Phenomenal Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith, affectionately known as "The Wizard" retired in 1996, after a career that included winning 13 consecutive Gold Gloves. The 15-time All-Star steadily improved his offense after joining the Cardinals in 1982 and ended his 19-year career with 2,460 hits, 1,257 runs and 580 stolen bases.
The 1980s
During the 1980s, the Cardinals were the only team in baseball to win three pennants, but emerged with only one World Series championship. The Redbirds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in 1982, and returned to the championship in 1985 and 1987 against the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins, respectively.
1960s
St. Louis won its first National League pennant in 18 years in 1964, and the Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees to win the World Series. The team featured future Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Lou Brock, along with Ken Boyer, Mike Shannon, Tim McCarver and Roger Craig.
In 1967, the Cardinals won 101 games and were crowned World Champions by defeating the Boston Red Sox, four games to three. The '67 team featured Hall of Famers Steve Carlton, Orlando Cepeda, and manager Red Schoendienst. In 1968, the Cardinals returned to the World Series, but lost to the Detroit Tigers. Bob Gibson became the first Cardinal to ever win the Cy Young Award, and was named National League MVP.
1940s and ‘50s
In late 1952, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., led by its president, August A. Busch Jr. - known as Gussie - purchased the Cardinals from team owner Fred Saigh. As soon as the sale was announced, Bill Veeck, owner of the American League's St. Louis Browns, put his team up for sale. The Browns were sold to a group of Baltimore investors and the team became the Baltimore Orioles.
The Cardinals went to the World Series four times during the ‘40s, winning three out of four championships. St. Louis was victorious over the New York Yankees in 1942, then lost to the Bronx Bombers in 1943. They were back to their winning ways in 1944 during the St. Louis "Streetcar Series," which pitted the hometown Cardinals against cross-town rivals, the St. Louis Browns. In 1946, the Cardinals were world champs again, defeating the Boston Red Sox.
The 1920s and ‘30s
The Saint Louis Stars of the Negro League baseball league won the world championship title in 1928, 1930 and 1931, and the Cardinals won their first World Series title in 1926 against the Yankees. Led by player-manager Rogers Hornsby, St. Louis beat the Yanks in seven games.
The 1800s
The beloved tradition that is St. Louis baseball was born in 1892, as the St. Louis Browns re-joined the National League as part of the newly re-formed 12-team circuit. The St. Louis franchise has had continuous membership in the National League ever since, as the Browns soon became the Perfectos (1899) after the team was purchased by brothers Frank and Stanley Robison.
The Perfectos' uniforms featured red-striped stockings and red-trimmed uniforms, so when St. Louis Republic sportswriter Willie McHale, heard a lady fan remark, "What a lovely shade of cardinal," he used the new nickname in his column. The name struck a chord with fans, and the team officially changed its name to the Cardinals in 1900.
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