Retro Simba

While learning to be a California cowboy, 11-year-old Bill Howerton vaulted from a horse, landed awkwardly and injured an ankle. His left leg was never the same. Howerton walked with a limp, earning the nickname Hopalong, but eventually developed into a baseball talent, reaching the big leagues with the Cardinals. A left-handed batter with power, Howerton got the most starts in … [Read more...] about How Bill Howerton lassoed a role with Cardinals

Ted Simmons was feeling groovy during the summer of 1975. Long mane flowing, he swung free and easy from both sides of the plate, hitting for high average, driving in runs and making consistent contact. Big-league baseball, though, wasn’t hip to the grooves Simmons made in his bats, even though the Cardinals catcher claimed the alterations were done to preserve the lumber, not … [Read more...] about Going batty: How Ted Simmons home run turned into out

After he was graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Walter Alston was ready to become a high school teacher. A knock on his door altered those plans. Ninety years ago, in June 1935, Alston grabbed an opportunity to play professional baseball, signing a minor-league contract with the Cardinals. The offer came from Frank Rickey, a Cardinals scout and brother of the … [Read more...] about How Cardinals came calling on Walter Alston

Known for their rowdy behavior, the Gashouse Gang Cardinals had the tables turned on them during an exhibition at Bridgeport, Connecticut, in June 1935. Confronted by spectators who stormed the field “snatching caps, gloves and even trying to hold the players while attempts were made to steal their shoes from their feet,” the reigning World Series champions “were thankful to … [Read more...] about Rough stuff: How Cardinals got mugged at the ballpark

Ticked off with his Cardinals teammates and the plate umpire, Dizzy Dean threw a tantrum instead of his fastball. On June 4, 1935, at Pittsburgh, the St. Louis ace experienced an unlucky inning against the Pirates. Dean blamed the umpire and the Cardinals fielders. An argument ensued in the dugout and it nearly led to a fight. When he returned to the mound, a petulant Dean … [Read more...] about Why Dizzy Dean let Pirates take batting practice in game