Hours after becoming the third player in Cardinals history to hit his 300th career home run wearing the birds on the bat, Jim Edmonds returned to the clubhouse at Busch Stadium and discovered a voicemail from a man who had become synonymous with home run milestones – Mark McGwire. “He said, ‘Congratulations, you only need …
September 4, 2004: Jim Edmonds hits his 300th career home run Read More »
Just one day before the Cardinals and 24-year-old Albert Pujols were set to meet in Phoenix, Arizona, for an arbitration hearing, the two sides agreed to the richest contract in team history, one that would keep the young star in St. Louis through the 2011 season and two World Series championships. On February 19, 2004, Pujols …
When David Eckstein signed with the Cardinals on December 23, 2004, he couldn’t help but think of his last visit to St. Louis almost 2 ½ years earlier. The second-year major-league shortstop was leading off for the Angels on June 18, 2002, the same day the Cardinals were hosting a pregame memorial service in honor …
December 23, 2004: David Eckstein signs with the Cardinals Read More »
On the heels of the Cardinals’ loss to the Red Sox in the 2004 World Series, their offseason began with the departure of several prominent players. Shortstop Edgar Renteria signed with Boston. Catcher Mike Matheny went to the Giants, second baseman Tony Womack signed with the Yankees, and pitcher Woody Williams returned to the Padres …
December 18, 2004: Cardinals trade for Mark Mulder Read More »
One week after the 2004 trade deadline, the Cardinals added future Hall of Famer Larry Walker to a lineup that already included Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, and Jim Edmonds. The Cardinals received Walker and cash considerations in exchange for minor league pitcher Jason Burch and two players to be named later. In August, the Cardinals …
August 6, 2004: Cardinals trade for Larry Walker as they make World Series push Read More »
A muscle strain that literally took Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny’s breath away opened the door for 21-year-old Yadier Molina to make his major league debut and – as the third member of the catching Molina brothers to reach the majors – make a little history as well. On June 2, 2004, Matheny was removed in …
June 3, 2004: Yadier Molina gets two hits, throws out first baserunner in his debut game Read More »
Even before Chicago Cubs left-hander Glendon Rusch threw the game’s first pitch to St. Louis Cardinals leadoff batter Tony Womack, tensions were high in Wrigley Field. The previous night, the fireworks started when Jim Edmonds hit a two-run home run off Chicago’s Carlos Zambrano. The fiery Cubs right-hander felt that Edmonds spent too long admiring …
July 20, 2004: Albert Pujols goes 5-for-5 with three home runs in Cardinals’ comeback Read More »
