Retro Simba

Cubs rookie catcher Steve Swisher took the blame for a passed ball that cost the Cardinals a chance to reach the playoffs, but it might not have been his fault. Swisher may have been crossed up by his pitcher. Fifty years ago, on Oct. 2, 1974, the Pirates’ Bob Robertson swung and missed at strike three, a strikeout that should have ended the game. The Cubs’ victory would … [Read more...] about Hard to handle: Steve Swisher and the mystery pitch

Bobby Layne, who got an assist from the Cardinals in his development as a quarterback, returned the favor two decades later. In 1965, Layne joined the St. Louis Cardinals as quarterback coach, helping to refine Charley Johnson. During the 1950s, Layne was a savvy, swashbuckling quarterback who led the Detroit Lions to NFL championships. Before that, while at University of … [Read more...] about Passing fancy: Bobby Layne gave boost to NFL Cardinals

Ron Hunt, best known for getting hit by pitches, made his biggest contribution to the Cardinals just by standing still at the plate and watching a ball zip into the catcher’s mitt. Fifty years ago, on Sept. 5, 1974, the Cardinals acquired Hunt, a second baseman, after the Expos placed him on waivers. Born and raised in St. Louis, Hunt got to close out his playing career … [Read more...] about Welcome home: How Ron Hunt ended up with Cardinals

Duane Thomas was a valuable running back and non-conformist in a league that valued conformity more than it did talent. Thomas had two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and was their leading rusher in both. In his rookie season, they reached the Super Bowl for the first time. In his second season, they won it. The Cowboys traded Thomas after both title games because he wanted a … [Read more...] about Cardinals brought out the best in Duane Thomas

Imagine accomplishing a rare feat and doing it in the presence of the master of the craft. Davey Lopes knew the feeling. Fifty years ago, on Aug. 24, 1974, Lopes had five stolen bases for the Dodgers in a game against the Cardinals. Watching him perform was the National League’s all-time best base stealer, the Cardinals’ Lou Brock. Lopes became the first National … [Read more...] about The night Davey Lopes ran wild against Cardinals