Ted Simmons Was Grand Replacement For Reggie Smith

In one of the most unusual at-bats of his Hall of Fame career, Ted Simmons stepped in for the Cardinals’ cleanup hitter against a pitcher who didn’t expect to be used in relief and hit a grand slam, accounting for all the runs in the game.

RetroSimba

Bob Gibson & His Mighty Home Run Season

In 1972, at age 36, Bob Gibson lost his first five decisions, causing some to wonder whether he was finished as an effective player for the Cardinals. Instead, Gibson put together a remarkable season, leading Cardinals pitchers in wins and placing among the top five Cardinals hitters in home runs.

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Willie Crawford & His Super Season For Cardinals

Willie Crawford was acquired by the Cardinals from the Dodgers to strengthen the bench. Instead, he exceeded expectations and became their starting right fielder, giving a good performance for a bad team.

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How Tim McCarver Helped Fred Gladding Become A Coach

With one swing, Tim McCarver lifted the Cardinals to a victory and propelled Fred Gladding toward a long, productive coaching career.

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Cardinals Should Learn Lesson From Jose Cruz Mistake

Unable to supplant either Lou Brock, Bake McBride or Reggie Smith as an outfield starter, Jose Cruz left the Cardinals in 1974 and fulfilled his potential with the Astros. Forty years later, there appears to be parallels between Cruz and a highly touted 2014 Cardinals outfield prospect, Oscar Taveras.

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Reaching 3,000 Strikeouts Was A Low-Key Event For Bob Gibson

For Bob Gibson, a win was more important than a record.

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Tony Cruz Is Doing The Job

Notes on my Cardinals scorecard:

Bird Bytes

Cardinals Vs. Reds: Rich Tradition Of July 4 Showdowns

The Cardinals will renew a red-white-and-blue rivalry July 4 when they play the Reds.

Retro Simba

2011 Red Sox Can Learn Lessons From 1973 Cardinals

Taking a page from the 1973 Cardinals, the Red Sox this year have become the fifth team in big-league history to reach first place after having lost at least 10 of its opening 12 games.

Retro Simba

Colby Rasmus Among Youngest Cardinals With Four Hits In A Game

On Friday night, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus collected four hits at age 22, 312 days. That was not close to the record as it tied him with Joe Cunningham (1954) as the 15th youngest Cardinal since 1954 to do so.

The Cardinal Nation