Retro Simba

As Tom Murphy felt his pitching career sliding downhill, the Cardinals pulled him back into the big leagues. Fifty years ago, on May 8, 1973, the Cardinals rescued Murphy from the Royals’ farm system, acquiring him for pitcher Al Santorini. A right-hander who had been in the Angels’ starting rotation for four years, Murphy used his season in St. Louis to show he … [Read more...] about Cardinals were bridge between roles for Tom Murphy

Russ Van Atta, a left-handed pitcher fresh off a promising start in the majors, earned a noble, but costly, save. Ninety years ago, after an impressive rookie season with the 1933 Yankees, Van Atta injured his pitching hand when he rescued his dog from a house fire. No longer able to control a curveball, his performance waned and he got sent from the Yankees … [Read more...] about Doggone it: Pitcher Russ Van Atta was pet’s best friend

Hobie Landrith was an undersized catcher with big desire. At 5-foot-8, according to the Associated Press and his Topps baseball card, Landrith stood “about as tall as the bat boy,” the Baltimore Sun noted, but he played in the majors for 14 seasons, including two with the Cardinals. A left-handed batter, he had many good games at St. Louis, both for and against the … [Read more...] about Hobie Landrith measured up with ample skills

As a teen, Alan Foster was a pitching prospect being compared with Sandy Koufax. At 26, he was a pitching project hoping to get another chance to stick in the majors. Fifty years ago, in 1973, the Cardinals threw a lifeline to Foster, inviting him to spring training as a non-roster pitcher. He made the most of the opportunity, earning a spot on the Opening Day pitching … [Read more...] about How Alan Foster finally found a fit with Cardinals

Bob Uecker’s speed, whatever there was of it, was no match for the arm of Jesus Alou. A perfect throw by Alou in a game against the Cardinals nailed Uecker at the plate, aiding a win for the Giants that moved them into sole possession of first place in the 1964 National League pennant race. Alou, youngest of three brothers to play in the majors, was an outfielder … [Read more...] about Name of the game: Amen and hallelujah for Jesus Alou