Retro Simba

Known for their rowdy behavior, the Gashouse Gang Cardinals had the tables turned on them during an exhibition at Bridgeport, Connecticut, in June 1935. Confronted by spectators who stormed the field “snatching caps, gloves and even trying to hold the players while attempts were made to steal their shoes from their feet,” the reigning World Series champions “were thankful to … [Read more...] about Rough stuff: How Cardinals got mugged at the ballpark

Ticked off with his Cardinals teammates and the plate umpire, Dizzy Dean threw a tantrum instead of his fastball. On June 4, 1935, at Pittsburgh, the St. Louis ace experienced an unlucky inning against the Pirates. Dean blamed the umpire and the Cardinals fielders. An argument ensued in the dugout and it nearly led to a fight. When he returned to the mound, a petulant Dean … [Read more...] about Why Dizzy Dean let Pirates take batting practice in game

As Cardinals manager, Branch Rickey either was ahead of his time or hopelessly out of step with the times. Take your pick. Either way, Cardinals owner and president Sam Breadon decided Rickey no longer should be manager. One hundred years ago, on May 30, 1925, Breadon changed managers, replacing Rickey with Rogers Hornsby. Rickey remained with the club in a front-office … [Read more...] about Why Cardinals preferred Rogers Hornsby to Branch Rickey

In a move more desperate than daring, the Cardinals attempted to bolster their starting rotation by acquiring a retired pitcher who’d been through a bankruptcy, admitted to having been a problem drinker and was thought to have lost velocity on his pitches. Ron Bryant, a left-hander who followed a 24-12 record for the 1973 Giants with a 3-15 mark in 1974, then went on baseball’s … [Read more...] about Stay with Cardinals did not go swimmingly for Ron Bryant

Yogi Berra wasn’t kidding when he said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” Berra’s playing days certainly appeared to be over in October 1963 when he became manager of the Yankees. “I’ll have enough trouble managing,” he said to the Associated Press in explaining why he was done playing. More than a year later, though, the St. Louisan was behind the plate, catching for the 1965 … [Read more...] about How Yogi Berra performed an encore against Cardinals