Almost 25 years after his playing career ended, Orlando Cepeda wept with joy when he learned that on March 2, 1999, that he finally had been elected the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. “It’s hard to explain the feeling … I’ve been ready for this for 17 years,” Cepeda said. “When they told […]
How Orlando Cepeda finally was elected to the Hall of Fame Read More »
When the Cardinals signed Mike Matheny on December 15, 1999, they were just looking for a veteran backstop to play alongside Eli Marrero. Instead, they found a future Gold Glove Award winner and the franchise’s next manager. General manager Walt Jocketty was seeking a veteran catcher to complement Marrero, who had hit just .192 the
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After more than a year, the Cardinals finally had their leadoff hitter. On December 20, 1999, the Cardinals finalized a trade to send pitcher Juan Acevedo and two minor league players to be named later to the Brewers for Fernando Vina. On June 13, 2000, they completed the trade by sending catcher Eliezer Alfonzo and
Cardinals finally get Fernando Vina in 1999 trade Read More »
Less than seven months after Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs to set a single-season home run record, Fernando Tatis set a home run mark that may never be broken. A third-year player from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Tatis hit two grand slams off Chan Ho Park in the third inning of a
April 23, 1999: Fernando Tatis hits two grand slams in the same inning Read More »
In November 1999, it was no secret that the Colorado Rockies were looking to shop Darryl Kile and his $8 million salary. In two seasons in Colorado, the former Astros ace had gone just 21-30 with a 5.84 ERA, including a career-high 17 losses in 1998. It was a far cry from the success Kile
November 16, 1999: Cardinals trade for Darryl Kile Read More »