For pitcher Pete Richert, fatigues became as much a part of his wardrobe as a baseball uniform in 1968. In April, he served with the National Guard, trying to quell riots in Washington, D.C. In the fall, he went to Vietnam, looking to boost the spirits of U.S. troops. In between, he pitched in relief for the Baltimore Orioles. Among those who accompanied Richert to … [Read more...] about How Pete Richert, Bing Devine bonded in Vietnam
Wild thing: Cardinals paved way for Johnny Klippstein
Johnny Klippstein was 16 when he pitched his first season of professional baseball in the Cardinals’ system. When he got to the big leagues at 22, it was with the Cubs, not the Cardinals. A right-hander who converted from starter to reliever, Klippstein spent 18 years in the majors and pitched in two World Series _ one for the Dodgers and the other against … [Read more...] about Wild thing: Cardinals paved way for Johnny Klippstein
How Cardinals fan Dennis Higgins became their pitcher
When Dennis Higgins first got to pitch for the Cardinals, it seemed like a dream come true. They’d been his favorite team when he was a youth in his hometown of Jefferson City, Mo. Recalling boyhood summers pitching in amateur leagues in central Missouri, Huggins told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “I’d have signed with the Cardinals and played for … [Read more...] about How Cardinals fan Dennis Higgins became their pitcher
An interview with author of book on 1982 Cardinals
The 1982 Cardinals had no player hit 20 home runs. One of their best relievers was 43 and had been in the majors since the 1950s. Only one of their pitchers struck out as many as 90 batters. Yet, the 1982 Cardinals may be the franchise’s greatest team since baseball went to a divisional alignment. Since 1969, the only Cardinals club to finish a regular season with the best … [Read more...] about An interview with author of book on 1982 Cardinals
Cardinals got early look at tower of power Frank Howard
The first time Frank Howard came to the plate against the Cardinals he did what came naturally to him. He hit a home run. Not just any home run. A tape-measure clout, befitting a giant who stood 6-foot-7 and weighed more than 250 pounds. As Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times noted, “He’s Gulliver in a baseball suit.” A right-handed batter capable of launching balls into … [Read more...] about Cardinals got early look at tower of power Frank Howard