August 19, 1942: Mort Swaps Uniforms With Walker

     On August 19, 1942, wearing his brother Walker's number 15, Mort Cooper won his 15th game of the season, as he went the distance in a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Sportsman's Park. The hurler usually wore the number 14, however, on this day he asked his little brother who would be catching him to swap him out jerseys, and Walker quickly obliged. The number change did not affect the backstop, as he joined Enos Slaughter in the home run department en route to victory. Mort scattered seven hits in the contest, and looked like he was gonna get a shutout until the Cubs plated a run in the eighth. The eventual 22 game winner settled for the 5-1 complete game win, as he helped the club march toward the National League pennant.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN194208190.shtml

August 18, 1983: Andy Van Slyke Ends It With a Big Fly In The 10th

   On August 18, 1983, rookie outfielder Andy Van Slyke treated the crowd of more than 27,000 at Busch to a 3 for 4 performance that was capped off with the first walk off blast of his career. Van Slyke singled, tripled, received a walk, and stole a base in the contest before connecting with the tenth inning blast off of Houston's Bill Dawley to give the Cardinals a 5-4 win.

     Joaquin Andujar started the game for the Birds, and struggled early, as he surrendered two runs right out of the gate. The same could be said for the Houston starter Joe Niekro who returned the favor by giving up two runs of his own to knot things right back up. The first of those two runs came with an RBI single by Van Slyke who was just getting started. The rookie drew his walk with one out in the third, and followed it up by stealing second , before Darrell Porter knocked him in with a single. The Birds were up 3-2, but they still had work to do. The 3-2 lead turned to a 4-3 deficit in the seventh, as former Cardinal Jose Cruz knocked in two runs with a two out single. While the wind had been taken out of the sails momentarily, there would be a mighty gust in the bottom of the eighth when Van Slyke opened up the inning a triple.

      There Van Slyke stood 90 feet away from tying things up, while Whitey Herzog was pulling out all of the stops as he called on George Hendrick, and Floyd Rayford to pinch hit in hopes of knocking in the equalizer. Both moves failed to produce the run, but Willie McGee did not let the triple go to waste. The Redbirds centerfielder rapped out a single, and just like that it was a whole new ballgame. The two teams sailed through the ninth, and Dave Rucker made quick work of the Astros in the tenth before Van Slyke stepped to the plate with one out on the bottom of the inning and belted the seventh home run of his career. It was the first walk off shot for the man who hit 164 career homers. He only hit one more walk off big fly in his career, which came in 1990 when he donned the uniform of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

     Van Slyke spent four seasons with the Birds on the Bat across his chest, and during that time he hit .259 with 41 home runs. He was a member of the 1985 pennant winning club, but was traded to Pittsburgh in the Spring of '87. He enjoyed his best years in the Steel City, as he snagged 5 Gold Glove awards, 2 Silver Slugger's, and made three trips to the All Star game.

     While Van Slyke's days in the Gateway City were limited he will forever be remembered as a part of Cardinal Nation. His four years in St. Louis were development years. He was just 22 when he put that one over the wall in 1983. It took him time to come into his own as a player. When he did he was wearing another uniform. Something to think about when we see one of the youngsters trying to find his way today. Baseball is a game of patience. Some might take a little longer than others to develop, and in reality some might develop at all, but in the end fans and management alike have to learn to be patient. Had that patience been exercised,Van Slyke would have had many more thrilling moments in a Redbirds uniform. Don't get me wrong, I do understand that his numbers were not Hall of Fame worthy, but he was a solid player for many years. Just a little food for thought.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN198308180.shtml

Andy Van Slyke's career numbers: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vanslan01.shtml?redir
   

August 17th: The Great Comeback of 1904

     On August 17, 1904, the Cardinals pulled off an epic comeback at the Baker Bowl in Philadelphia. The club from St. Louis came into the ninth down 7-3, and proceeded to knock out six runs off of Philadelphia's starter Tully Sparks who was saddled with the loss, as the Cardinals hung onto win 9-7.

     The Phillies looked good early, as they plated four runs in the first. From there the Cardinals starter Chappie McFarland settled down. The two clubs each plated a run in the fifth, and they both scored two in the sixth, which set the score at 7-3. Sparks looked to have it in the bag when the ninth frame opened up, the tide turned. The Philadelphia Record called the ninth inning Sparks' Waterloo. For those who do not get the reference, Waterloo was the famous battle in which Napoleon Bonaparte suffered defeat. The battle came after Bonaparte had been victorious time and time again, then he picked the wrong fight. That same paper laid blame on Philly's player/manager Harry Wolverton for not getting Sparks out of there when things began to unravel. Of course hindsight is 20/20. 

     The unraveling began with a free pass to Homer Smoot, then Sparks gave up a single to George Barclay, before he was able to record an out. Mike O'Neill hit for McFarland and ripped a double, that was followed by back-to-back-to-back singles. The lead was still intact, but two wild throws later the Birds were on top as six men had crossed the dish. The astonished crowd of 1,152 (when I looked at the attendance total I'll admit I laughed) then watched Jack Taylor end all hopes of a rally in the bottom of the inning, when he set down the side in order. 

     The funny thing about this fact is I was looking through a newspaper for a story about a no-hitter that was thrown by Boston's Jesse Tannehill that had occurred on the same day. As I was scrolling through I see a headline about a Cardinals rally. It's crazy how it works. One man is in Chicago tossing a no-hitter, while another man is in Philadelphia suffering his own Waterloo. In the words of Ron Washington "That's how baseball go." 

August 16, 1953: Dick Schofield Becomes The Youngest Cardinal To Hit a Big Blast

     On August 16, 1953, after dropping the first game of a doubleheader to the Reds in Cincinnati, the Cardinals bounced back with a 6-2 victory. The Birds got to work early in the second game by plating three runs in the first. the fifth run of the contest was a history maker, as shortstop Dick Schofield belted his first major league home run off of Frank Smith in the seventh. The solo shot made Schofield the youngest player in the history of the organization to put one past the fence, as he was exactly 18 years and 223 days old at when he took the cut. Stan Musial knocked in a run in the eighth, before the Cardinals starter Stu Miller locked down a complete game victory after surrendering back to back home runs in the ninth.

     Schofield was what they called a "bonus baby" which basically meant that any player that signed a contract that exceeded a certain number had to be placed on the major league roster, and could not take the time in the minors to develop. The idea was introduced to the game in an effort to keep the talent rich teams from buying up the best prospects, then hoard them in their farm systems. The Cardinals were one of those teams who were talent rich, so this had a direct effect on the franchise.

     Schofield was the first "bonus baby" signed by the team. He was kid right out of high school putting ink on a $35,000 contract that guaranteed him a roster spot with the big club. By today's standards that would equate to more than $300,000. Not bad coin for a youngster. There was the problem with the "bonus babies" though. Kids need to develop, and what happened the majority of the time is they would contribute off the bench, rather than get those at bats in the minors that helped season them for the big leagues. While there were exceptions, such as Sandy Koufax and Al Kaline, the majority of these kids had their career development severely stunted because of skipping the minors.

     Schofield was a prime example of the stunted growth. While he did make some history, he struggled at the plate for the Birds, as he hit a meager .147 over the course of five seasons with the club. He was shipped to the Pirates in 1958. While he never did turn into a premier major league hitter, he did have value, and he proved that in 1960 when Dick Groat went down with an injury during the stretch run in 1960. He stepped in and hit over .400 down the stretch, and even after Groat returned he was productive in the World Series that was won a walk off blast by Bill Mazeroski in Game 7 against the Yankees. Simply being in the house for that one had to be something that he never forgot.

     All in all Schofield spent 19 years on the big league diamond. He was just a .227 hitter, who hit 21 home runs, while wearing seven different uniforms as he forged a career as a utility infielder. He returned to the Cardinals organization twice, after his departure in '58. The first time came in 1968 as utility player for the pennant winners, and then again in 1971, but he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers mid season. That '71 season proved to be his last. He had come a long way since that day when he put one over the fence in Cincy. His career might not of been a career that ended with an induction ceremony, but even then it is career to be admired, and yeah you can admire a career .227 hitter. He lived a dream that many kids have the moment they pick up a stick on a sandlot. That dream started in St. Louis.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN195308162.shtml

This link is one of the best interpretations of the bonus baby rules I could find: http://www.hardballtimes.com/cash-in-the-cradle-the-bonus-babies/

One Man's Opinion About Being a Part of The Best Fans In Baseball

     I just saw someone refer to Mike Matheny as a cancer. When people refer to Cardinals fans as the best fans in baseball it is because we have a reputation as fans who understand and appreciate the game. When we see the opposition do something great on our home turf we will stand and applaud. It is an understanding and a love for the game as a whole. When I see someone refer to Matheny like that I think that fan is simply claiming to be one of the best fans in baseball, and that person has a lack of understanding that every manager wins and loses with his team. There is no doubt that Matheny has made some questionable decisions. The same can be said about every man who has ever filled out a lineup card. Matheny has managed the club to an LCS and a World Series, and the team is in the hunt once again. If he fails to be a model of perfection I think it is something that has to be accepted. There is no true model of perfection.

     Some would say Matheny inherited a team, which is simply not true. Just look at the turnover the roster has had since 2011. He inherited some pieces to a championship team. Every team, and every year is different. Calling Matheny a cancer because of an underperforming offense is simply pointing a finger at one person, rather than understanding that all successes, and failures are part of a team effort. Some of those fans truly believe he should be fired. I do understand not being onboard with every decision, but  that is so damn ridiculous. If Sam Breadon was still the owner they might get their wish, but that is not how the organization works these days, and I for one am glad that is the case. I guarantee you that one of the reasons that players enjoy playing in St. Louis is a stable atmosphere that starts with the manager.

     The unreal expectations of some fans to win the trophy every year is so ludicrous it makes me wonder if they understand reality. Some of the people who call themselves the best fans are actually the most spoiled fans. They lack the appreciation for the game that it takes to be truly the best. I often refer to the baseball season as the greatest roller coaster rides in the word of sports. Highs and lows are part of the deal. When you can understand that and accept it the game becomes that much more enjoyable. I preach that you should enjoy each and every year win or lose, because in reality it is another year in your life that you will not get back. Enjoy the ride.

     I am a fan of my favorite teams no matter what the final score is. I will not claim to have all the answers. I will voice my opinion, but at the end of the day every single person within those organizations will have my unequivocal support. That is a part of being one of the best fans.

August 15, 1939: Terry Moore Day at The Ballpark

     On August 15, 1939, the Cardinals held "Terry Moore Day" at Sportsman's Park with a 7-6 ten inning win over the visiting Chicago Cubs. Before the game the Cardinals centerfielder was given a handful of gifts, that included a 20-gauge shotgun, a hunting dog, some hunting and fishing apparel, as well as a gold pin and some coupon for free shaves at a local barber. Once the game got going he rewarded those who rewarded him by going 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs scored.

     The Cardinals were up 6-4 headed into the eighth, before watching the Cubs inch closer with a run in that inning, then they tied it in the ninth. The late inning rally simply set up a thrilling finish for the Birds in the tenth. Jack Russell had pitched two scoreless innings for the Baby Bears before handing the ball to a familiar name in Dizzy Dean in the tenth. The first man Dean faced was the hot hitting Moore who singled. The base knock was followed by what was supposed to be a simple sacrifice by Don Gutteridge, but the Cubs first baseman Rip Russell overthrew second base trying to gun Moore down, which moved him 90 more feet over to third. Moments later, Cardinals pitcher Bob Bowman singled off of Dean, and Moore came into score the winning run.

     The RBI was the first of Bowman's short big league career. The '39 season was his rookie season, and he showed great promise by going 13-5 with an E.R.A. of 2.60. However, is record fell off to 7-5 in 1940, and his E.R.A. ballooned to 4.33. The club sold him to the New York Giants in December of that year. He struggled in 1941, which led to a shift to those Cubs he help beat on Terry Moore Day in 1939. Bowman appeared in just one game for the Cubbies before his days on the big league diamond came to an end. Over the course of the four years he had recorded 26 wins and dropped 17 decisions. His career batting line included a light .153 average, and four RBIs. I like to think that game winning RBI that came against Dizzy Dean was one he talked about for many years to come.

     Moore could arguably considered one of the most underrated Cardinals players of all time. I would like to see the club honor the former Redbird with a "Terry Moore Day" today. I think since this generation never got to watch him play his days on the diamond might be forgotten to some degree. He found himself on as a member of the defending champion Cardinals in 1935. While Moore missed out on the championship season of the year before, he did help the club win the World Series in 1942. He like many of the men across the ranks of Major League Baseball served his country during World War II. His service began in 1943 when he was 30 years old and in his prime. He returned to the club in 1946 and helped the club win the big prize once again.

     Moore's days on the diamond ended after the 1948 season. The four time All Star was solid hitter who carried a career .280 average that knocked in 513 runs. He was often overshadowed in that St. Louis outfield by Enos Slaughter and Stan Musial who manned each of the corners. With that said those who were in the Cardinals locker room had such great respect for his leadership and his great play in the field that they called him "Captain Terry." Speaking of that great play in the field, some said that only Willie Mays and Tris Speaker could cover more ground than St. Louis' Terry Moore. If the Gold Glove award had existed he would have had a shelf full of them.  He was a true student of the game who was always looking to improve, and he was one of those guys who made the men who stood around him better.

     Before Jim Edmonds, Willie McGee, or Curt Flood, there was man named Terry Moore who patrolled centerfield for the Cardinals. He was truly one of the greats, and if his name appears on the balloting for selection into the Cardinals Hall of Fame next season I hope that the fans click on his name. From my perspective there are a handful of players that should have been inducted immediately Terry Moore and Ted Simmons are on top of that list.That is simply an opinion, but it is an opinion I stand by with conviction. The tale of "Terry Moore Day" that happened 75 years ago today is simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what he did as a Cardinal. His name is one that each and every Cardinal fan should know.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN193908150.shtml

You can look at Moore's career numbers here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/moorete01.shtml

August 14, 1971: Bob Gibson No-Hits The Buccos

     On August 14, 1971, 30,678 souls stood and cheered for Bob Gibson at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, as they realized they had just witnessed history when the Cardinals legend struck out their own legend,Willie Stargell for the 27th out of a no-hit performance against their hometown Pirates. The Birds offense provided plenty of punch by knocking out 11 runs, while the dominant Gibson struck out 10 men on his way to becoming the sixth man in the history of the franchise to capture a no-no.

     The no-hitter was something that Gibson had come to accept was not in his deck of cards. He said that "I'm always getting the ball high." It was something that eluded him, and it was something he accepted. When you consider that he had 200 wins under his belt before he achieved the feat, it is easy to understand why he might not think it was going to happen at the age of 35.

     While Gibby might not have believed, but that belief changed before that day he stepped on the bump. Gibson said that he had told Joe Torre that he was going to throw a no-hitter. However, he said "I've said it a thousand times before though." This time it came true. His battery mate, Ted Simmons had a premonition two nights earlier while breaking some bread with  pitcher Chris Zachary. Simmons said to him "Gibson is going to throw a no-hitter Saturday night." He would later say "I don't know why, I just said it."

     The offense did all they needed to do in the first inning, which was highlighted by a three run homer by Joe Hague. In the innings that followed Joe Torre and Ted Simmons each picked up four hits. Gibson got in on what ended up being a 16 hit parade with an RBI sac fly in the fifth, and a single that scored two in the eighth.

     While the offense provided plenty of excitement, the story of the day was Gibson's. Red Schoendienst said the performance reminded him of Gibby's 17 strikeout game in the '68 World Series. It was truly the game of a lifetime. While most would never acknowledge the thought of a no-hitter running through their brain, the fireballer said he was thinking about it in the first inning. As the game progressed he said nobody talked about it, but in his mind it did not matter. He was locked in.

     Gibby did walk three men, and had a man reach on one of his 10 strikeouts, while the defense played great behind him. There were only two balls that raised the eyebrow, with the first coming when Milt May drove one deep to center that was tracked down by Jose Cruz 400 feet away, and in the eighth Dave Cash hit a hot shot to Torre at third who gunned him down at first base for the third out of the inning.

     With the Pittsburgh crowd buzzing Gibson stepped on the mound in the ninth and retired Vic Davalillo with a ground ball to Dal Maxvill at short. Maxvill fired to Matty Alou at first. The next man up, Al Oliver hit one to second baseman Ted Kubiak who fired over to Alou for the second out of the inning, then came Stargell. If there was a man who could break up the historic event it was the man who wore the number 8 in Pittsburgh. Not today. Today was Bob Gibson's day. Bob Prince called the game for the fans in Pittsburgh, and he spoke of Stargell's pursuit of his 40th home run, Gibson was in pursuit of a no-hitter, and he was going to get it.  He got Stargell to swing at the first pitch, before throwing one inside to even the count. Stargell swung and missed at the next one, then moments later he stood there looking when strike three hit the mitt of Ted Simmons who threw his mask off and ran toward the hurler who had just painted a masterpiece. As the crowd stood and cheered, all of his teammates mobbed Gibson in celebration of one of the greatest accomplishments during his storied career.

     The no-hitter was the first one thrown in the Steel City since 1907 when Nick Maddox painted his own masterpiece against the Brooklyn Dodgers. The no-hitter by Gibson proved to be the only one he would add to a resume that is littered with greatness. That greatness included 2 Cy Young Awards,  9 All Star appearances, an NL MVP award, 2 World Championships, which were accompanied by 2 World Series MVPs, and one badass no-hitter. That resume is one that has had its place in Cooperstown since 1981. Generations to come will know the name Bob Gibson.

Check out the box score here: http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT197108140.shtml

Listen to Prince make the call here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igUJqxKcCMM STRIKE 3!! He got him!!!