Pre-1920s

July 11, 1911: Cardinals spring into action to save lives following horrific train crash

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In baseball, we often refer to players who come through in the clutch as heroes. In the early hours of July 11, 1911, however, the St. Louis Cardinals proved themselves true heroes, saving multiple passengers from the wreckage of a train accident that killed 14 people and injured 47 more.[1] The Cardinals had just completed …

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June 11, 1917: Bill Doak pitches 15 innings and Mike Gonzalez steals home in Cardinals’ extra-inning win

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With just two hits in his previous 38 at-bats, Mike Gonzalez was an unlikely hero when he stepped to the plate in the 15th inning of the Cardinals’ June 11, 1917, game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Even more unlikely was his two-out steal of home. Combined with “Spittin’” Bill Doak’s remarkable 15-inning performance, Gonzalez’s theft …

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Chris Von der Ahe

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Though largely forgotten in common baseball lore, the first owner of the St. Louis Cardinals franchise was the George Steinbrenner of early American baseball – brash, outspoken, innovative, and determined to field a championship club. Perhaps no one in baseball history can claim as much credit for bringing the sport to the masses and making …

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