After trading Steve Carlton and Jerry Reuss, the Cardinals went two seasons without a prominent left-hander in their starting rotation. General manager Bing Devine sought to help fill the void by trying to acquire Jerry Koosman. Fifty years ago, after the 1973 season, Devine offered first baseman Joe Torre to the Mets for Koosman. A Brooklyn native who won a … [Read more...] about How Cardinals made a pitch to acquire Jerry Koosman
How Spud Davis mashed National League pitching
For a time, the battery of pitcher Dizzy Dean and catcher Spud Davis formed a dynamic duo for the Cardinals. Dizzy and Spud. Comic strip names. Gashouse Gang characters. Ninety years ago, on Nov. 15, 1933, the Cardinals got Davis and infielder Eddie Delker from the Phillies for catcher Jimmie Wilson. The trade was a reverse of one made five years earlier when the … [Read more...] about How Spud Davis mashed National League pitching
Both sides now: How Bob Knight took me for a walk
An encounter with Bob Knight at an NCAA Tournament showed me a side of him I hadn’t expected. Knight’s death at 83 on Nov. 1, 2023, prompted me to reflect on my experiences with him. We didn’t know one another, but as a sports reporter in Indiana in the late 1970s and early 1980s, I got to see him up close when I covered basketball games he coached for Indiana University and … [Read more...] about Both sides now: How Bob Knight took me for a walk
Texas two-step: How Walt Garrison lassoed Cardinals
In his nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, running back Walt Garrison scored three touchdowns in a game just once. He did it against the St. Louis Cardinals. Though used as the No. 2 running back behind the likes of Calvin Hill, Don Perkins and Duane Thomas during his NFL playing days, Garrison was an important member of the Cowboys’ offense. As Los Angeles Times columnist … [Read more...] about Texas two-step: How Walt Garrison lassoed Cardinals
Numbers add up to big years for Joe Christopher vs. Cards
Joe Christopher was from St. Croix, largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Once a port of call for pirates, it is known for its exquisite beaches and excellent rum. Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1493 and named it Santa Cruz (Holy Cross), and over the years, through multiple translations, it derived into St. Croix. Almost 500 years later, Christopher _ Joe, that is _ … [Read more...] about Numbers add up to big years for Joe Christopher vs. Cards