During his time with the Cardinals, Juan Gonzalez lived up to his nickname, but not in the way he and the team hoped. Invited to try out for a spot as an outfielder on the 2008 Cardinals, Gonzalez was Juan Gone _ as in, headed home _ before spring training ended. In his heyday with the Rangers, Gonzalez was called Juan Gone because balls he hit frequently were sent into orbit … [Read more...] about Cardinals gave Juan Gonzalez chance for a comeback
Tony La Russa nearly got detoured before going to St. Louis
When he was ready to leave the Athletics, Tony La Russa was intending to manage the 1995 Red Sox. “At the end of nine years, the A’s had given me permission to interview with the Red Sox, and I was going to Boston,” La Russa recalled to Cardinals Yearbook in 2014. “We even had a discussion about free agents … The one free agent we wanted was Larry Walker.” If La Russa had gone … [Read more...] about Tony La Russa nearly got detoured before going to St. Louis
Pete Mazar: Slinging, singing southpaw in St. Louis system
While pitching in the Cardinals’ organization, Pete Mazar became known as much for his vocal cords as for his arm. Dubbed the “Frank Sinatra of baseball” for his singing, Mazar, like Ol’ Blue Eyes, was from New Jersey. Sinatra’s hometown was Hoboken, site of the first organized baseball game played in 1846 between the Knickerbocker Club and New York Nine. Mazar grew up in High … [Read more...] about Pete Mazar: Slinging, singing southpaw in St. Louis system
Dutch master: Cardinals made pitch for Brad Van Pelt
One year after they traded Steve Carlton because he wanted a $65,000 salary, the Cardinals offered a college pitcher a six-figure contract. Michigan State’s Brad Van Pelt, a right-hander with a 100 mph fastball, was the prospect who prompted the Cardinals to consider coughing up the cash. He also was a football talent, a recipient of the Maxwell Award presented to the most … [Read more...] about Dutch master: Cardinals made pitch for Brad Van Pelt
Lou Brock, Bob Gibson give their best in MLK tribute
In a fundraising game to honor the memory of slain civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., two of the top performers on a genuine field of dreams were Cardinals Lou Brock and Bob Gibson. On March 28, 1970, the East-West Major League Baseball Classic was played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Saturday afternoon … [Read more...] about Lou Brock, Bob Gibson give their best in MLK tribute