Game 4 of the 2004 World Series was remarkable for more than the obvious reason. It was the game the Red Sox won to become World Series champions for the first time in 86 years. The magnitude of that achievement overshadowed another facet of that game: a drama that underscored the fortitude of the Cardinals’ rookie catcher, Yadier Molina. Ever since his unplanned ascension … [Read more...] about Yadier Molina to Manny Ramirez: Don’t tread on me
How a young Curt Flood tried muscling up with Cardinals
Early in his big-league playing career, Curt Flood had a tendency to try hitting home runs, which wasn’t a good idea for someone his size. In 1958, his first season with the Cardinals, Flood, 20, clouted 10 homers. Those are the most home runs of any Cardinals player 20 or younger, according to researcher Tom Orf. The long balls caused Flood to overswing. It wasn’t … [Read more...] about How a young Curt Flood tried muscling up with Cardinals
How Hal McRae showed the way to improved hitting
As a pinch-hitter in 1985, Hal McRae helped the Royals emerge from the brink of elimination against the Cardinals and advance to their first World Series championship. As a hitting coach two decades later, McRae helped the Cardinals become World Series champions for the first time in 24 years. McRae spent more than 40 years in the big leagues _ 19 as a player, 15 as a coach, … [Read more...] about How Hal McRae showed the way to improved hitting
Goose Goslin almost chickened out in bid for batting title
As Goose Goslin of the Washington Senators readied for his last plate appearance in the final game of the 1928 season at St. Louis, he thought about how the outcome would determine the American League batting champion. Entering the ninth inning, Goslin was tied with Heinie Manush of the St. Louis Browns for the league’s top batting average. If Goslin got a hit, he’d win the … [Read more...] about Goose Goslin almost chickened out in bid for batting title
Lou Brock facing Bob Veale was some sight to see
A big man with poor eyesight, left-hander Bob Veale threw as hard as any pitcher in baseball. He had one of the best sliders in the game and a fastball, as Sports Illustrated put it, “that leaves a vapor trail.” Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 to 280 pounds, Veale made some of the National League’s best hitters look inept. Lou Brock (.194 in 93 at-bats), Willie McCovey … [Read more...] about Lou Brock facing Bob Veale was some sight to see