February 13, 1996: Eckersley Joins The Cards

     On February 13, 1996, Walt Jocketty sent a minor league pitcher by the name of Steve Montgomery to Oakland in exchange for a 41-year-old future Hall of Famer by the name of Dennis Eckersley. The deal reunited Eckersley with Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan who had converted him into a one of the most dominant relievers in all of baseball while they were in Oakland. His resume included a no-hitter, a 20 win season, six All Star appearances, an MVP Award, a Cy Young Award, and he was a World Champion as well. A deal that sent him to Oakland in 1987 was a game changer, as Duncan and LaRussa convinced him to move to the bullpen. The move was one that would pave a road to Cooperstown, New York. While we in St. Louis did not get to see him play in his prime the deal was still a good one as Eckersley locked down 66 saves in two seasons. Montgomery appeared in just 72 games over four seasons, and 53 of those came in 1999 with the Phillies. The Birds definitely won that deal, and the fans won as well because they got to watch another Hall of Famer wear those two birds on the bat.

Stats of a legend: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eckerde01.shtml

January 29, 1971: Briles Heads To Pittsburgh; Matty Heads To The Lou

     On January 29, 1971, the Cardinals traded pitcher Nelson Briles and outfielder Vic Davalillo to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for outfielder Matty Alou and a lefty reliever by the name of George Brunet.

     The key pieces of this deal were Briles and Alou. The 27-year-old Briles had great deal of success with the Cardinals. He helped the club win the World Series in '67 by posting a 14-5 record in the regular season before locking down a complete game victory in Game 3 of the Fall Classic. The victory was a big one for the series that was destined to go seven games before the Birds celebrated their second title of the decade. Briles returned to the mound in '68 a champion, and he pitched like one by posting a career high 19 wins. After winning 15 more games in '69 things took a turn for the hurler; 1970 was just not his year. He fought through injury, and struggled to the finish line with a 6-7 record. Just like that Briles became expendable. Alou was 32-years-old, and he was a solid veteran hitter who hit .300 or better consistently. The deal seemed to be on that was a good one for both teams.

       To analyze this trade in hindsight I would say that Pittsburgh won the deal. Simply put Briles became part of a championship puzzle, as he helped the Pirates win the National League Crown. He went on to pitch a complete game winner in Game 5 of the Fall Classic that had the Bucs prevail over the Orioles in a hard fought seven game battle. Briles pitched three seasons in the Steel City, before being moved to the Royals in '74. While I do believe the Pirates won the deal, I do not think Cardinals completely lost on it either. Alou lived up to his expectations by cranking out a .315 average in '71. Then in August of '72 he was hitting .314 when he was traded to the A's. The trade that sent him packing amounted to virtually nothing for the Birds, while Matty helped the A's charge toward a title.

     Alou did wear the Birds on the Bat again. Just briefly in 1973 after he was purchased from the Yankees late in that season. On the other hand, Briles did not return to the Gateway City as a player, but he did pitch until 1978, and even though he left he remained one of  many heroes that wore a Cardinals uniform during the late sixties.

Couple sidenotes about the the other players involved in the deal: Davalillo was a platoon type player, and a good bat off the bench. He gave the Bucs two solid seasons before watching his numbers tail off. George Brunet spent 15 years in the big leagues. He made just seven appearances with the Birds before being released in May of that year. Interestingly enough Brunet's career in baseball extended all the way until 1989. His days on the diamond as a professional began in 1953. After the Cardinals released him he bounced around the minors before heading to Mexico where he set multiple records, and pitched until he was 50 years of age.  You can read a great piece about him here: http://www.hardballtimes.com/cooperstown-confidential-the-wild-life-of-george-brunet/

January 28, 1953: Cardinals Owner Fred Saigh Gets Sentenced To Prison

     On January 28, 1953, the owner of the Cardinals, Fred Saigh was convicted of tax evasion, and sentenced to 15 monthes in a Federal Penitentiary. The embattled owner became the talk of baseball. He soon realized that he would have to sell his stock in the team, and men with deep pockets stepped up in both Milwaukee and Houston with thoughts of moving the club. However, Saigh made a last minute deal with August Busch III to purchase the club. While Saigh made some bad choices, which led to the prison sentence, he was also a man who wanted to keep the Cardinals in the City of St. Louis. His time with the team was short, yet significant, and even today it has a continued impact on the club that calls St. Louis home.

     Saigh made a fortune as a lawyer, an investor, and an owner of commercial property as well. In 1947, Saigh along with a well established businessman by the name of Robert Hannegan purchased the club from long time owner Sam Breadon whose health was in decline. Just two years later Hannegan suffered health issues of his own, which led to Saigh purchasing the team outright. Then came the tax trouble. In April of 1952, the 47-year-old Saigh was indicted on five counts of tax evasion. The indictment accused him of avoiding $49,620 between 1946 and 1949. Less than a year later the charges had been reduced to two charges that totaled nearly $20,000. At that point Saigh gave up the idea of fighting it anymore, so he plead no contest.

 

     The wheels were in motion immediately as Saigh had a short period of time to get his affairs in order. The sale would happen with haste. Two days after the conviction Saigh stood in front of Ford C. Frick where he made it be known that he would not embarrass baseball by fighting to keep his club. Busch purchased the club on February 20, 1953. Just two weeks before the announcement that Busch would be the new owner, the team employees had been told that if they wished to move with the club to Milwaukee the organization would pay the expenses. That is how close they were to a deal. Two weeks later the beer baron had saved the day. Fred Saigh had saved the day as well. If Saigh would have taken the higher offer Stan Musial would have had another city's name across his chest. The impact on the history of the club cannot be overstated when it comes to that decision. Just think of all the great games, accomplishments  , milestones, and Game 6 in 2011 moments that have happened since.

      Bill Veeck and the Browns organization had to see this legal battle as a way to take claim of sole proprietorship when it came to baseball in St. Louis. The fact of the matter is the city was not big enough for both teams and one of them would be heading for another city before too long. Once Gussie Busch stepped into the picture Veeck knew he was no match for the money that the brewery owner brought to the table. In 1954, Veeck decided to shift his club to Baltimore and sell the old ballpark to Busch. A new era had begun.

     While the pages were being turned to that next era in Cardinals ownership Saigh served five months of his 15 month sentence before being released. After several years of legal wrangling Saigh settled on some civil suit, and moved on from the tax issues. He was able to gain wealth once again with wise investments, which included a large portion of stock in Anhueser Busch. Saigh had his sites set on purchasing the Washington Senators in 1971 before pulling his name out of the hat due to his past. However, Saigh would go onto amass nearly $500 million before passing away in 1999 at the age of 94. He was one of the wealthiest people in St. Louis at the time. He donated a substantial amount of money to charity in his will, and established The Fred Saigh Foundation. To this day his contributions to his fellow man still go on. When mentioned among those who know their baseball history the first thing that may come up might be the tax case. It may have helped define his legacy, but in this fan's opinion it was unfortunate bump in the road of life. A life that turned out to be great. His character stood tall even after he heard a judgement come down against him in a court of law. If he were here today I would shake his hand before thanking him for helping keep the Birds right where they belong.

You can read a short bio about Saigh's life on here: http://thesaighfoundation.org/flash/saighflash.html   

January 7, 1985: Lou Brock Joins The Immortal Bunch

     On January 7, 1985, the news hit the wires that Lou Brock had been selected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It was his first time on the ballot. Brock's illustrious career took off after being traded to the Birds in the Summer of '64, as he quickly became one of the most feared runners in all of baseball.

     Brock's well documented achievements included 3,023 hits, 938 stolen bases, 900 RBI, and two World Championship rings as well. His induction came later that year, and during his speech he spoke of listening to Cardinals games on KMOX as a child in Louisiana. At that time the game was changing, and America was changing as well. Jackie Robinson had broke the color barrier, and Brock had found a dream. His dream became a reality, and that dream led to hallowed halls in Cooperstown, New York.

     Brock was joined by the famed knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm, who had not thrown a pitch off a major league diamond until he was 28 years of age. Another legendary player from the Cardinals past would join Brock in the '85 Hall of Fame class would be Enos Slaughter. Slaughter was selected by a Veteran's Committee, who also selected the late Arky Vaughan also. On this day that we remember the day Lou heard the news I would like to congratulate the newest members of baseball's immortal bunch.  So here is a tip of the cap to Randy Johnson, Pedro Martiniez, Craig Biggio, and former Cardinal, John Smoltz. And last, but not least: Louuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!! Go Cards!!!

If you have the time I urge you to listen to Brock's Hall of Fame speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_k_nHvRmxo

Stats of a legend: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brocklo01.shtml

December 7, 1980: Porter Joins The Birds

     On December 7, 1980, the Cardinals came to terms with Darrell Porter. The backstop would be making his way across the state from Kansas City, and he would prove to be worth the $3.5 million five year deal that made him the highest paid catcher in all of baseball. He took home the World Series MVP award in 1982, and he also helped the club get to the Fall Classic in 1985.

     The move for Porter was just one of many that Whitey Herzog would make, as he retooled the organization in rapid fashion. The acquisition led to the departure of a fan favorite in Ted Simmons, and was a move that could be looked at as a domino being knocked down that sent the rest of the dominoes tumbling. The article featured in the picture was published a week after Porter came to terms with the Birds. It mentions some of the subsequent dominoes that fell, as the "White Rat" built himself a contender. The trades and acquisitions that Herzog made were just as important, as the decisions he made from the Cardinals dugout. He built more than a contender. He built a championship squad. The move for Porter was simply the beginning of something special.

     Something that I have hoped to touch on at some point is the substance abuse issues that Porter had later in life. It is something that ultimately took his life. For many years it looked like he was able to overcome his addiction issues, then he made a fateful choice to do cocaine in 2002. That choice killed him. He was just 50 years old at the time. While I do not know the majority of you, I will disclose that I too have had addiction issues in my life. In fact, I will be five years clean and sober this coming February. This page would not exist if I had not changed the way I was living. The reason I put this is because I believe that having an addiction issue is not something a person should be ashamed of. After all we are all human, and we all have our flaws. I am currently working toward obtaining a degree that will help me help others who are trying to beat addiction, so this very important to me.

     Darrell Porter should forever be celebrated in Cardinal Nation. Today is not a day to remember how it all ended, as much as it is a day to remember what he did while wearing the Birds on the Bat. With that said, if you or someone you know is trying to beat an addiction do not be afraid to reach out to those who will help. If you feel like you do not have someone to reach out to send the page a message, and I will do everything in my power to help you find the help that is needed.

https://www.facebook.com/OnThisDayInCardinalNation

November 16, 1932: Shortstop Charlie Gelbert Accidentally Shoots Himself While Hunting

     On November 16, 1932, Cardinals shortstop Charlie Gelbert accidentally shot himself in the leg while hunting in the mountains of Pennsylvania. The 26-year-old had tripped over a vine, and within an instant his life and major league career were forever changed. The accident sidelined him, but it did not end his career. He had a long road ahead, and by the time he got to the end of that road he had led a life worth remembering.

     Gelbert helped the Cardinals take the National League pennant in 1930, then in 1931 he helped the club win their second World Series title. His star was just beginning to shine before that gun went off. As we all know everything can change in the blink of an eye, and it did that day. The initial reports had the shortstop listed in "good" condition.  His spirits were high as he lay in a hospital bed recovering, and even as early as January of '33 he was talking about reporting for Spring Training. That was not going to be the case. In fact, he had setback after setback that required multiple surgeries.

      While Gelbert held onto optimism, Branch Rickey had to scramble to figure out who would man the position if things did not work out the way everyone involved wished. It led to a deal in the Spring of '33 that put the Birds on the Bat across the chest of Leo Durocher. The acquisition of Durocher was a move that had to be made, and it proved to be a good one, as held down short through 1936, and was a key member of the '34 Championship winning club.

     Before that Gashouse Gang got together in '34, Gelbert had hopes of joining them. However, gangrene set in, and for a short while there was fear that he would lose his leg. By March of '34 the news hit the wires that Gelbert would be lost for yet another season. Through it all Gelbert remained optimistic. He was determined to return to the diamond, and his determination did pay off.

     When the calendar turned to 1935 the rest of Charlie Gelbert's life began. He had turned a page on a dark chapter in life. The team announced he would be on the roster in the coming year. Finally some good news. Gelbert ended up playing in 62 games for the in '35, and cranked out a .292 average. He returned in '36, and played in 93 games, but his average dipped to .229. That proved to be his last year with the Birds, as the club sold him to the Reds in December of that year. He bounced as utility man until the end of the 1940 season, then hung up his baseball cleats.

     As mentioned before the accident did not define the man that Charlie Gelbert was. His days on the diamond were far from over. In 1946, Gelbert joined the ranks of college coaching when he took a job managing the Lafayette Leopards in Easton, Pennsylvania. The ole ballplayer turned coach had been a multi-talented athlete in his youth, and helped coach the school's football and basketball teams as well. He made his true mark on the diamond though as he led the team to five Division II World Series appearances. He coached the Leopards until he passed away suddenly in at the age of 60 in 1967. The impact he made at that school will never be forgotten, they honored his legacy in 2004 by retiring his number 20. The man who had suffered an unfortunate accident in he Fall of '32 would forever be remembered as a great coach, and today I look at him with great admiration as someone who would not give up after being knocked down time and time again.

You can view Charlie Gelbert's career numbers here:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gelbech01.shtml?redir

November 10, 2005: Carpenter Wins The Cy Young

     On November 10, 2005, Chris Carpenter was named the National League's Cy Young Award winner. Carpenter was the just second Cardinal to lay claim to the prize, as he joined a club that was occupied by one man. That man's name was Bob Gibson. Gibby claimed the prize twice, with the first coming in 1968 and the second coming in 1970. Gibson found some company in the club 35 years later, as Carpenter posted a 21-5 record with a 2.83 earned run average.

    Carpenter had fierce competition for the award, as Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins posted a 22-10 record with a 2.63 earned run average. However, it was Carpenter that had 19 of the 32 first place votes going to him. Willis had 11, and Roger Clemens followed them up with two. The article featured in the picture today documents the road that Carpenter traveled to get to that point. It was a road that involved pain, rehab, and even the questioning of a career that had hardly started before an injury looked like it may have ended it. He had showed promise early in his career in Toronto, as he posted double digits in the win column during three different seasons. However, 2002 proved to be a year that tested Carpenter's will. He had suffered an arm injury, and setbacks thereafter that raised the question if he should go on. The answer was yes, he should go on.

     Things got worse before they got better. The Blue Jays brass wanted him to consider working through his issues at the minor league level. It was not something he embraced, so he tested the market, and in December of 2002 Chris Carpenter put ink on a contract that made him a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. The organization was well aware of the road he had traveled, and they were well aware that there would be a long road ahead of him before he was ready to pitch for his new club. Together, they traveled that road, and were rewarded with a triumphant return to the mound in 2004. The hurler posted a 15-5 record for the National League Champions, and was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year at season's end.

     The 21-5 season the next year kept the awards coming for the man who came oh so close to calling it quits. He was a Cy Young Award winner who showed that hard work and determination can push you through. He did not give up, and because of that he is the last Cardinal to take home the coveted award. The 2005 season was Carpenter's finest season from a personal standpoint. However, he did win 15 or more games three more times. What he did on the diamond, and in the clubhouse helped bring the Cardinals the title in 2006 and 2011. As we all know Carpenter did fight through injury throughout the rest of his career. The key word to that last sentence is "fight". He kept fighting right up until he could fight no more. From this fan's perspective he is one of the greatest pitchers I have seen on the diamond. His battle to stay on that diamond is quite inspiring as well. When you consider what he went though that Cy Young Award had to mean so much to the man who wore the 29 over the course of nine years in St. Louis.