Retro Simba

In Montreal, where the predominant language is French, he’s “Un Dominicain Coriace.” In his homeland, where Spanish is spoken, it’s “Un Dominicano Duro.” Regardless of the locale, Joaquin Andjuar, the self-proclaimed “One Tough Dominican” pitcher, could back up his image with astonishing results. One such instance occurred 40 years ago, on April 27, 1984, for the Cardinals … [Read more...] about Ooh la la: Joaquin Andujar and a Canadian clout

In high school at suburban St. Louis and in college at the University of Missouri, Andy Russell helped make every football team he played for a winner and was at his best in the most important games. A hometown standout would seem a natural choice for the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, Russell played his entire NFL career as an outside linebacker with the Pittsburgh … [Read more...] about Cardinals fumbled chance to land local lad Andy Russell

Picture this: You’re a rookie starting pitcher from a hamlet in Iowa, making your big-league debut on the road against the reigning World Series champions. The opposing starter is a future Hall of Famer who rarely has allowed a run during a winning streak on his way to a Cy Young Award. That’s the challenge Mets right-hander Jim McAndrew faced when he got the start in … [Read more...] about Cardinals gave Jim McAndrew big-league baptism by fire

After nine consecutive seasons (1975-83) with Keith Hernandez as their Opening Day first baseman, the Cardinals had a most unlikely successor: Art Howe. Though he’d been a productive infielder, mostly at second base and third for the Astros, Howe was unemployed at the start of 1984. He sat out the 1983 season because of elbow and ankle surgeries, then became a free agent and, … [Read more...] about How Art Howe took a final bow as player with Cardinals

Golden Richards was a NFL glamour boy with a glittery name and the look to match. A blonde mane flowed from beneath his helmet when he streaked down the field. As columnist Jim Murray noted, “He’s so golden from his hair on down that he glows in the daylight. He’s perfect for the part of Sir Galahad.” Richards could play, too. Few were faster than he was. A Dallas Cowboys … [Read more...] about How Golden Richards found Midas touch against Cardinals