Retro Simba

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

There are many frustrating ways to lose a baseball game but perhaps none more so than this: Seventy years ago, on Aug. 20, 1954, the Cardinals turned six double plays, tying a National League record, and still were beaten, 3-2, at home against the Reds. Though they totaled 12 hits and eight walks, putting a runner on base in every inning, the Reds didn’t do much damage. They … [Read more...] about A bevy of double plays can’t save the day for Cardinals

May was indeed a merry month for Denny Lemaster when he pitched against the Cardinals. A left-hander, Lemaster hurled four shutouts versus the Cardinals, and all occurred in May during the 1960s. In 11 seasons in the majors with the Braves (1962-67), Astros (1968-71) and Expos (1972), Lemaster was on the cusp of becoming an ace until injuries set him back. His record … [Read more...] about Cardinals sent mayday call when facing Denny Lemaster

During the 18 seasons he performed in the majors, left-hander Claude Osteen pitched 40 regular-season shutouts, the same total as Sandy Koufax and more than Lefty Grove (35) and Lefty Gomez (28). That doesn’t count the unofficial shutout Osteen crafted for the Cardinals. Fifty years ago, on Aug. 15, 1974, the Cardinals acquired Osteen from the Astros for minor-league pitcher … [Read more...] about Claude Osteen: Marathon man in brief stay with Cardinals