As it turned out, Javier was the man who would hold down the St. Louis second base job for the next dozen years, making two All-Star Games and winning three National League pennants over that span. At the time of the trade, however, Javier was a little-known prospect batting .288 for Pittsburgh’s Triple-A affiliate in Columbus, Ohio.

Nonetheless, the Cardinals had taken note of the speedy infielder.

“He’s one of the fastest right-handed batters I’ve ever seen,” Cardinals scout Eddie Stanky said, adding that he considered Javier one of the top three infielders in all the minor leagues.[2]

Stanky went on to describe Javier: “Good range. Arm adequate. Line-drive hitter. Not a finished hitter, but quite a few present major leaguers still aren’t finished hitters. Could be a very exciting player.”[3]

“We have been following the progress of Javier for some time and all sources state that Javier is a player with great potential,” Cardinals general manager Bing Devine said. “He is one of the fastest runners in baseball, comparing favorably with Vada Pinson of the Cincinnati Reds, and is an outstanding glove man as well as an improving fielder. We consider this a major addition to the Cardinal regular lineup now and for the future.”[4]

In response to Broeg’s question as to how the Cardinals were unable to acquire more for the veteran Mizell than a player who was about to make his major league debut, Clyde King, the manager of the Cardinals’ affiliate in Rochester, suggested that Pittsburgh likely wouldn’t have traded Javier for Mizell in a one-for-one deal.[5]

“When Bill Mazeroski was going bad last season, all the talk was about bringing up Javier, but they decided he’d be better off getting more experience in the minors,” said pitcher Ron Kline, who had come from Pittsburgh to St. Louis in a recent trade.[6]

Javier signed with the Pirates as a 19-year-old in 1956 but saw his first two seasons limited by injury. After batting .231 for Class A Lincoln in 1958, Javier hit .274 in 1959 for Triple-A Columbus. Javier credited Pirates hitting coach George Sisler and the glasses he had begun wearing that season for his improved hitting.[7]

“I was really surprised when I was told to head for St. Louis and join the Cardinals,” Javier said. “I don’t know how I’ll do, but I’m confident that I’ll make the grade.”[8]

“If he hits .250 his first year, I’ll be satisfied,” Hemus said.[9]

In his Post-Dispatch article regarding the trade, sportswriter Neal Russo noted that Javier had been “recommended by everybody except Duncan Hines and Good Housekeeping,” and added that “Redbird fans hope that the endorsements for the second baseman ring truer than the ‘Left-handed Dizzy Dean’ label hung on Wilmer Mizell when he came up from the minors.”[10]

Indeed, the Cardinals’ trading of Mizell indicated their resignation that the lefthander was never going to become the pitcher they had once anticipated. The pitcher who grew up in Vinegar Bend, Arkansas, had drawn considerable excitement as a prospect, winning 17 games as a 19-year-old at Class B Winston-Salem, then winning 16 games with a 1.97 ERA for the Double-A Houston Buffaloes the following year.

Mizell won a combined 23 games in his first two seasons with the Cardinals, though he also walked 217 batters in 414 1/3 innings, then missed the next two years due to military service. When he returned, he didn’t seem to have the same heat on his fastball, and the 25-year-old allowed 20 home runs in 1956. He finished the year with a 14-14 record and a 3.62 ERA.

In 1959, Mizell went 13-10 with a 4.20 ERA, and he was 1-3 with a 4.55 ERA at the time of the May 28 trade.

“At 30, Mizell still could become a big winner, but the Cardinals obviously don’t think so, and we’d have to agree, reluctantly,” Broeg wrote. “Since he came out of service in 1956, Vinegar hasn’t seemed as fast. Recently, he has been niftier, a bit more pitcher than thrower, and the foe doesn’t quite run as recklessly as before. But he’s a still-muscled man, no natural athlete, and besides, recurrent back miseries seem to stop him whenever he appears ready to put together five good months.”[11]

Nonetheless, the Pirates believed Mizell could provide an immediate boost to their starting rotation in their pursuit of the National League pennant.

“We are giving up one of the finest young prospects in the minor leagues in Javier, but we are trying to do this job in 1960 and let the future take care of itself,” Pirates general manager Joe Brown said. “In Mizell, we are getting an established major league pitcher with good equipment.”[12]

“Mizell should win in Pittsburgh because of their big park and their good defense,” Cardinals manager Solly Hemus said.[13]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports editor Al Abrams approved of the trade in a column published two days later.

“Any time a ball club gets a seasoned starting pitcher as the Pirates did in Wilmer ‘Vinegar Bend’ Mizell without having to give up anything for him in the way of needed players now, it has to be a good trade,” he wrote. “How Joe L. Brown did it, I don’t know.”[14]

Meanwhile, in St. Louis, Broeg expressed cautious optimism about the deal.

“It took courage to give up a player of some reputation for one with none at the major league level, an absolute unknown,” he wrote. “To one who worshipped the speed the Cardinals used to have, Javier does sound exciting and fires the imagination.”[15]

The trade worked out for both teams. Mizell went 13-5 for the Pirates down the stretch, posting a 3.12 ERA over 155 2/3 innings. With Mizell pitching alongside Bob Friend, Vern Law, and Harvey Haddix, the Pirates went 95-59-1 to win the National League pennant, then beat the Yankees in a seven-game World Series. Unfortunately, Mizell struggled in the World Series, allowing four earned runs in just 1/3 of an inning in a 10-0 defeat in Game 3.

In 1961, Mizell went 7-10 with a 5.04 ERA. The following May, the Pirates traded him to the Mets for Jim Marshall, and the Mets released him that August. He retired with a 90-88 career record and a 3.85 ERA.

Javier went on to play 12 seasons for the Cardinals and became a key contributor to the team’s success in the 1960s. Known for his superb defensive play, Javier made his first All-Star team in 1963 and enjoyed arguably his best season during the Cardinals’ world championship season of 1967, when he hit .281 with 14 homers and 64 RBIs to finish ninth in the National League MVP voting. Javier was named an All-Star again in 1968.

In 15 World Series games with the Cardinals, Javier hit .346. He hit .360 in the 1967 Fall Classic and hit a three-run home run off Jim Lonborg in Game 7. In the 1968 World Series against the Tigers, he hit .333 and drove in three runs.

On March 24, 1972, the Cardinals traded Javier to the Reds for Tony Cloninger. The 35-year-old Javier, who had appeared in 1,578 games for the Cardinals, played one season with Cincinnati before retiring with a .257 career batting average over a 13-year big-league career.

In 2022, Javier was named to the Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Give the gift of Cardinals history! The Trades That Made The St. Louis Cardinals is available now on Amazon.

[1] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[2] Neal Russo, “Mizell, Gray Traded To Pirates for Javier And Unnamed Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 28, 1960.

[3] Neal Russo, “Javier Gives Up His No. 6, With a Smile,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[4] Harry Mitauer, “Cards Trade Mizell To Pittsburgh,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 28, 1960.

[5] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[6] Neal Russo, “Javier Gives Up His No. 6, With a Smile,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[7] Neal Russo, “Javier Gives Up His No. 6, With a Smile,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[8] “Javier Feels ‘Confident’ He’ll Stick,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 29, 1960.

[9] Neal Russo, “Javier Gives Up His No. 6, With a Smile,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[10] Neal Russo, “Mizell, Gray Traded To Pirates for Javier And Unnamed Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 28, 1960.

[11] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

[12] Jack Hernon, “Pirates, ‘Shooting for 1960,’ Get Mizell,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 28, 1960.

[13] Neal Russo, “Mizell, Gray Traded To Pirates for Javier And Unnamed Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 28, 1960.

[14] Al Abrams, “Sidelights on Sports,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 30, 1960.

[15] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 29, 1960.

The post Julian Javier: Traded to the Cardinals in 1960 first appeared on STLRedbirds.com.

On January 29, 1958, the Cardinals called a morning press conference at Anheuser-Busch Brewery to announce that Musial, who had been playing for $80,000 per season since 1952, had signed a new, six-figure contract. Team president August A Busch Jr. and general manager Bing Devine joined Musial in making the announcement.

“Baseball has rewarded me richly and the Cardinals have always treated me more than fairly,” Musial said. “This year, in particular, the Cardinals wanted me to have this contract. I would have settled for less, but Mr. Busch and Bing wanted me to have it and I feel highly honored.”[1]

Indeed, Musial’s negotiations entering his age-37 season played out very differently from most. Musial had seen that Pirates star Ralph Kiner had just become the National League’s highest-paid player with a $90,000 contract.

“I was talking to Bing, and I said, ‘I think I should be the highest-paid player in the National League. I want $91,000,’” Musial recalled. “I went on a trip and came back, and Bing called me in to talk about my contract. I asked him, ‘Did I get the $91,000?’ And he said, ‘No!’ Then he said, ‘Mr. Busch wants you to be the first $100,000 player.’”[2]

It was a far cry from the $300 he earned in his first minor-league season after the Cardinals signed him out of Donora High School in Pennsylvania.[3] In his first full big-league season in 1942, the Cardinals paid him $4,200, and earned $15,000 in 1946 while winning the National League batting crown and leading the Cardinals to the World Series championship. He earned $30,000 in 1947, then saw his pay increased to $50,000 in 1949. As Musial won three straight batting titles from 1950 through 1952, owner Fred Saigh boosted his salary to $70,000 before it stayed steady at $80,000 through the early years of Anheuser-Busch’s ownership of the team.[4]

“Who would have thought, Miss Murphy, that when I signed for $4,200 in 1942, there’d ever be a day when I’d sign for this?” Musial said to Mary Murphy, the secretary to the team’s presidents since 1930 and the one who had typed up each of Musial’s contracts since he was called up to the majors in 1941.[5]

Musial was coming off his seventh batting title, after hitting .351 with 29 homers and 102 RBIs at age 36. With Musial leading the club in hits (tied with Don Blasingame), doubles, and homers, the Cardinals finished second to the Milwaukee Braves with an 87-67 record.

During the season, Musial extended his NL record of 895 consecutive games played before a chip fracture in his left shoulder took him out of the lineup in late August. When he returned in mid-September, Musial cut down on his swing and found that the adjustment actually helped him, as he hit safely in 16 of his final 27 at-bats.

“I’m taking treatments several times a week and x-rays once a month,” Musial said. “The shoulder hasn’t given me any pain and when spring training rolls around, I’ll be ready.”[6]

“We’re confident that Stan again will bring back the batting championship and lead us in a wonderful fight for the National League pennant,” Busch said.[7]

Though Musial played play six more seasons, he already was answering questions about how much longer he would play.

“I feel like I can play a couple more years,” he said. “We had a wonderful chance last year and we’ll have a fine club coming along again this year. The fact that we’re up in the race helps me, I think.”[8]

Musial hit .337 that season with 17 homers and 62 RBIs and collected his 3,00^th career hit on May 13. However, in 1959, he saw his batting average dip to a career-low .255 with 14 homers and just 44 RBIs. At his request, he took a pay cut back to $80,000 for the 1960 season.

“The Cardinals have been generous to me the past few years, so I thought I’d be kind to them,” he said. He added, “I’ve taken a (reduction) but I still have one of the highest salaries and one of the best contracts in baseball.”[9]

Despite the pay cut, Musial’s 1960 salary brought him over $1 million in career regular-season earnings.[10]

Musial continued playing through his age-42 season in 1963. He finished his career with 3,630 hits and a .331 career batting average over 22 seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.

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[1] Bob Broeg, “Musial Signs for $100,000, First Increase in 6 years,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 29, 1958.

[2] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM (Kindle Android version), Location 1514.

[3] Bob Broeg, “Musial Signs for $100,000, First Increase in 6 years,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 29, 1958.

[4] Bob Broeg, “Musial Signs for $100,000, First Increase in 6 years,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 29, 1958.

[5] Bob Broeg, “Dickson Rejected Job As Cardinal Coach Before Joining A’s,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 30, 1958.

[6] Jack Herman, “Musial’s $100,000 Pact Sets N.L. Record,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, January 30, 1958.

[7] “Musial Wins $20,000 Raise,” Cincinnati Enquirer, January 30, 1958.

[8] Jack Herman, “Musial’s $100,000 Pact Sets N.L. Record,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, January 30, 1958.

[9] Neal Russo, “Musial Takes First Cut, Signs For $80,000,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 21, 1960.

[10] Neal Russo, “Musial Takes First Cut, Signs For $80,000,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 21, 1960.

The post How Stan Musial became the NL’s first $100,000 player first appeared on STLRedbirds.com.

Flood refused to report to the Phillies. Instead, he sued to eliminate the reserve clause, Paragraph 10(a) in the Uniform Player Contract, which stated that “the Club shall have the right … to renew this contract for a period of one year.”[1] As a result of this clause, each team had the right to automatically renew each player’s contract the following season for as little as 80% of that year’s salary. Players had no rights to free agency, and if they could not come to a salary agreement with the team that held their rights, they simply didn’t play in the league.

Flood appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, and while Flood v. Kuhn was unsuccessful, it drew significant attention to the issue. In 1975, the reserve clause finally was struck down. The following year, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to a new contract that gave players the right to free agency.

“The fact is the modern player has gotten fat from the efforts of Curt Flood and has returned him no gratitude or any other form of appreciation,” Bob Gibson wrote in 1994. “I’ve often thought of what an appropriate and decent thing it would be if every player in the major leagues turned over 1% of his paycheck just one time to Curt Flood. They certainly owe him that much and more. Failing that, which I know is implausible, I can’t understand why Flood has not been offered a job with the players’ association. As far as I’m concerned, he invented the players’ association.”[2]

Flood already had been traded once in his career, in December 1957, when the Reds dealt him and Joe Taylor to St. Louis for relief pitcher Willard Schmidt and minor-league pitchers Ted Wieand and Marty Kutyna. At the Reds’ request, Flood was playing winter ball in Venezuela and learning to play second base when the trade was made. According to Brad Snyder’s Flood biography, A Well-Paid Slave, the 19-year-old Flood stared at the telegram for 30 minutes upon its arrival, vowing that he would never allow himself to be traded again.[3]

Despite his feelings regarding the trade, Flood found a home in St. Louis. He appeared in 121 games as a 20-year-old in 1958. After Johnny Keane took over as the Cardinals’ manager midway through the 1961 season, Flood became a fixture in the Cardinals’ lineup. He earned the first of seven consecutive Gold Glove awards in 1963, and the following year he hit .311 and led the league with 211 hits. He was named to the all-star game and won a second consecutive Gold Glove while helping to lead the Cardinals to the 1964 World Series title.

Flood remained a star throughout the late 1960s as the Cardinals won the World Series again in 1967 and the National League pennant in 1968. In that ’68 World Series, however, Flood misplayed a crucial fly ball that proved costly in the Game 7 loss.

Ahead of the 1969 season, Flood sought a salary increase from $72,500 to $100,000 but ultimately settled for $90,000.[4] That spring, one day after the Mets’ Bud Harrelson accidentally spiked him at second base, Flood missed a promotional banquet. He said that his medication had caused him to oversleep.

“For my arrogant and thoughtless failure to awaken in time, drag my torn self to the banquet, and pay tribute to season ticket holders galore, I was fined $250,” Flood said. “I protested angrily. I protested more things than one during that horrible season. Each complaint became another nail in my coffin. I was not speaking well of the boss. At $90,000 a year, I no longer looked so good in a hotel lobby. My days were numbered.”[5]

The relationship between Flood and the Cardinals continued to deteriorate as newspapers reported rumors that Flood, McCarver, and Julian Javier could be traded to the Reds for catcher Johnny Bench and second baseman Tommy Helms.[6] That fall, Flood gave an anonymous interview to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat in which he accused Cardinals management of ordering manager Red Schoendienst to insert rookies into the everyday lineup, effectively giving up on the season.

Five days after Flood drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 12^th inning to give the Cardinals a 3-2 win over the Phillies in their season finale, Cardinals general manager Bing Devine and his Phillies counterpart, John Quinn, agreed to the trade that would have sent Flood to Philadelphia.

Though Flood refused to report to the Phillies, his days as a Cardinal were over.

“I loved the Cardinals, was proud to be one, and recognized that Curt Flood and Tim McCarver were two of the biggest reasons why,” said Gibson, who counted Flood as his best friend on the team. “With them gone, being a Cardinal would never mean quite the same thing.”[7]

Flood learned of the trade at 4 o’clock the next morning when he received a phone call from a reporter.[8] A few hours later, Jim Toomey, the Cardinals’ public relations director, called to officially deliver the news.[9] When Devine called, Flood told his now-former general manager that he was exhausted and wished Devine had shot him down last offseason.

“When you say, ‘shot me down,’ what do you mean?” Devine asked.

Flood replied that if Devine had offered him anything less than $90,000 in their contract negotiations, Flood would have retired and chosen not to play the 1969 season.[10]

“I didn’t take it seriously at first,” Devine wrote in his 2012 autobiography. “But I should have realized it was serious, because Flood was a strong-thinking personality.”[11]

Indeed, he should have. Flood soon released a press release of his own announcing his retirement.

“For the past year or two it has been increasingly difficult to stay in top physical shape; as you know I’ll soon be 32 years of age,” he said in the statement. “In addition, with my playing days nearing an end due to physical considerations alone, I’ve had to think of my own and my children’s future. Consequently, I’ve felt that I should give more time to the Curt Flood Photo Studio franchise business, as well as a large backlog of oil portrait commissions.

“I then told Mr. Devine that the trade to Philadelphia has caused me to make a personal decision that I have been putting off for some time. If I were younger, I certainly would enjoy playing for Philadelphia. But under the circumstances, I have decided to retire from organized baseball, effective today, and remain in St. Louis where I can devote full time to my business interests.”[12]

The statement was interesting not only due to the nature of Flood’s announcement but also because of his stated reasons. After all, he could make more money playing baseball “unless he’s better than Rembrandt,” former Cardinals general manager Frank Lane noted.[13]

More interesting, however, was the nature of Flood’s portraiture business. Though he had presented Cardinals owner Gussie Busch, the governors of Missouri and Illinois, the archbishop of St. Louis, and even Martin Luther King Jr.’s widow, Coretta Scott King, with portraits that he claimed to have painted, Snyder writes in A Well-Paid Slave that Flood didn’t actually paint any of the portraits. Instead, Flood sent photos of his subjects to an artist in California who enlarged the photos, painted over them, and shipped them back to Flood. Flood then signed his name to the portraits and presented them to their new owners.

“Your painting comes closest to depicting the dignity and reverence – and especially the live – which characterized his life,” Coretta Scott King wrote to Flood after receiving the portrait he claimed to have painted of her late husband.[14]

In November, Quinn met with Flood to convince him to come to Philadelphia. He explained that the Phillies were building a new ballpark and that Philadelphia was home to a rich culture of art and history. With four or five seasons in Philadelphia, Flood could increase his recognition as an artist, Quinn said.[15]

Though Quinn believed the star center fielder would choose to play in Philadelphia, Flood was not convinced. On December 24, 1969, he sent Major League Baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn a letter requesting that he be made a free agent. “After 12 years in the Major Leagues, I do not feel that I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes,” Flood wrote. “I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States and of the several States.

“It is my desire to play baseball in 1970, and I am capable of playing. I have received a contract from the Philadelphia club, but I believe I have the right to consider offers from other clubs before making any decisions. I, therefore, request that you make it known to all the major league clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season.”

Three days later, Kuhn declined Flood’s request. In January 1970, with the financial support of the players’ association, Flood filed suit against Kuhn and Major League Baseball. Ultimately, the Supreme Court sided with baseball in 1972, but Marvin Miller and the players’ association challenged the reserve clause again in 1975 after the Dodgers’ Andy Messersmith and Orioles’ Dave McNally played that season without a contract. On December 23, 1975 – almost exactly six years after Flood sent his letter to Kuhn – arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled against the reserve clause. Soon thereafter, free agency became part of baseball’s collective bargaining agreement.

By that time, however, Flood’s career was over. His refusal to play for Philadelphia cost him the entire 1970 season. To compensate the Phillies and complete the trade, the Cardinals sent Willie Montanez and Jim Browning to Philadelphia.

Flood spent that year in Denmark, drinking heavily. In November 1970, the Phillies traded him to the Senators, where owner Bob Short hoped Flood would attract attention to a club that won just 70 games and finished last in the American League East that season. Short gave Flood a $110,000 salary, with half of that total paid in advance.

Senators manager Ted Williams, who hit .342 and won the American League MVP Award after missing three seasons due to military service, publicly supported his new center fielder but was concerned about Flood’s conditioning.

“Flood has to have the oldest 33-year-old body I’ve ever examined,” Senators team doctor George Resta said.[16]

Flood’s return to baseball proved to be short-lived. On April 20, before a game against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, he found a black funeral wreath hanging in his locker where his uniform should have been.[17]

That proved to be the final start of Flood’s career. On April 26, after just 13 appearances for the Senators, Flood didn’t show up for the team’s game against the Twins. Instead, he booked a one-way flight out of the country. From JFK Airport, he sent Short a telegram:

I TRIED A YEAR AND A HALF IS TOO MUCH VERY

SERIOUS PERSONAL PROBLEMS MOUNTING EVERYDAY

THANKS FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE AND UNDERSTANDING

FLOOD[18]

Flood’s major-league career was over after 15 years and 1,759 games. Over that span, he batted .293 with 85 homers, 636 RBIs, and 851 runs scored.

“You always have a little selfish thing in the back of your mind which asks, ‘Did I give up too much to do this?’” Flood said. “I’ll never know.”[19]

Flood continued to battle alcoholism after his playing days ended. He briefly served as a color commentator for Oakland A’s radio broadcasts in 1978, but his contract was not renewed after the season. He owned and operated a public relations firm and remained active in youth baseball, serving as an American Legion and Connie Mack coach and Little League commissioner in Oakland.[20]

In 1995, Flood was diagnosed with throat cancer. He passed away on January 20, 1997. The following year, the U.S. Congress passed the Curt Flood Act, which eliminated baseball’s antitrust exemption. In 1997, Time magazine named him one of the 10 most influential athletes of the past century.

“It’s sad,” Lou Brock said after Flood’s passing. “Most of the pioneers wind up with an arrow in their backs, and he certainly was one of those who had an arrow in his back. As a pioneer, he never got his just due. God will amend that.”[21]

Flood was inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2015; however, he has not yet been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

“Curt was a fighter, but he also sacrificed quite a bit so that today’s player can be where he is financially,” Cardinals first baseman Bill White said. “It’s too bad that most of these players today, probably 99%, don’t know that.”[22]

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[1] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 2.

[2] Bob Gibson and Lonnie Wheeler (1994), Stranger to the Game, New York; Penguin Books USA, 221.

[3] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 4.

[4] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 6.

[5] Peter Golenbock (2011), The Spirit of St. Louis: A History of the St. Louis Cardinals and Browns, HarperCollins Ebooks, Page 506.

[6] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 7.

[7] Peter Golenbock (2011), The Spirit of St. Louis: A History of the St. Louis Cardinals and Browns, HarperCollins Ebooks, Page 507.

[8] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 1.

[9] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 1.

[10] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 7.

[11] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves By a Master GM, Kindle Android Version, Location 1916.

[12] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 8.

[13] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 9.

[14] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 9.

[15] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 14.

[16] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 216.

[17] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 226.

[18] Brad Snyder (2007), A Well-Paid Slave, Kindle Android Version, Page 231.

[19] Mike Eisenbath, “An Artist: Flood Brought Range Of Talent To Game, And Life,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 26, 1997.

[20] Mike Eisenbath, “An Artist: Flood Brought Range Of Talent To Game, And Life,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 26, 1997.

[21] Rick Hummel, “Cardinals Recall Flood Excelling On, Off The Field,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 21, 1997.

[22] Rick Hummel, “Cardinals Recall Flood Excelling On, Off The Field,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 21, 1997.

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On March 25, 1959, Cardinals general manager Bing Devine traded Jones and minor-league pitcher Don Choate to the Giants for White and infielder Ray Jablonski. Jones was coming off a 1958 campaign in which he led the National League with 225 strikeouts. However, despite a 2.88 ERA that ranked second in the league, he received little support from the Cardinals’ light-hitting offense and finished the year with a 14-13 record.

In the eight-team National League, the 1958 Cardinals ranked last in runs scored, home runs, total bases, and slugging percentage.

“While Sam could win it for San Francisco, I don’t believe he could do it for us because we just didn’t have enough power to back our pitching,” Cardinals manager Solly Hemus said. “White, I feel, might help us to go all the way, even with a young staff.”[1]

After hitting 72 home runs in his first three professional seasons in the Carolina, Western, and Texas leagues, White made his major-league debut in 1956. In his first game, he homered off Cardinals right-hander Ben Flowers.

White finished the year with a .256 batting average to go along with 22 homers, 59 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. In all three categories, he ranked second only to Willie Mays on the Giants roster.

In 1957, however, White was drafted into the Army, where he served at Fort Knox, Kentucky. By the time White returned for the 1958 season, not only had the Giants moved to San Francisco, but his job at first base had been taken by Orlando Cepeda. White was suddenly expendable, and when the Cardinals sought to acquire 25-year-old outfielder Leon Wagner, the Giants insisted that the deal include White instead.[2]

“Wagner has more power, all right, as much as anybody in the game, but White is a smarter player, faster, better defensively, and good and strong enough at the plate,” said Marv Grissom, a Cardinals newcomer who had pitched seven seasons with the Giants. “He’s very good at first base, and I believe he’ll throw well enough if he plays the outfield.”[3]

Eddie Stanky, who had managed the Cardinals from 1952 until 1955 and was now serving as a special assistant to Devine, was already familiar with White after managing him in Minneapolis in 1956.

“He’s the kind of player you can wind up and not worry about for 154 games,” said Stanky, estimating that White could bat between .280 and .320 with 15 to 25 home runs in the upcoming season.[4]

In addition to Stanky’s experience, scout Ollie Vanek had watched the Giants throughout spring training, and Omaha manager Joe Schultz was impressed by White’s performance in the recent Dominican Republic Winter League season.[5]

“We have outstanding reports on him,” Devine said. “Although he is basically a first baseman, he has shown excellent outfield aptitude despite a limited throwing arm. We won’t say that he will challenge for the league’s home run title, but he has good power as well as good running speed. In our park, I believe he will hit 18 to 25 homers, and I’ve been convinced this spring that we have needed more offense as I was watching us lose game after game through an inadequate attack last season.”[6]

In Jablonski, the Cardinals reacquired an infielder who hit 21 homers and drove in 112 runs as a rookie for them in 1953. The following year, he hit .296 with 12 homers and 104 RBIs. That December, the Cardinals traded him and Gerry Staley to Cincinnati for Frank Smith.

Since the trade, Jablonski had not played more than 130 games in a season, and he was coming off a 1958 season in which he hit .230 with 12 homers and 46 RBIs in 251 plate appearances. His 46 RBIs came on 53 hits.

In Jones, the Giants acquired a 6-foot-4, 33-year-old right-hander who became the first black major leaguer to throw a no-hitter in 1955 and led the league in walks and strikeouts in 1955, 1956, and 1958. The trade gave the Giants a rotation of Jones, Johnny Antonelli, Mike McCormick, and Jack Sanford.

“Our starting staff is now on a par with the Braves and Pirates,” Giants manager Bill Rigney said. “Now we can go into a key series with those clubs head-to-head as far as pitching is concerned. We couldn’t do it last year.”[7]

Jones threw both a fastball and a changeup, but his best pitch was a devastating curveball.

“I know the players will be glad to have Jones on our side,” Rigney said. “He was hard to hit against. He’s tough on right-handers. Orlando Cepeda was our only fellow to hit him hard.”[8]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports editor Bob Broeg wrote, “Jones needs no introduction to anyone who ever blanched at home plate, facing his wicked hook, or marveled from the stands how any reactionary scientist ever could argue that a ball doesn’t curve.”[9]

Despite his devastating stuff, Jones had just a 51-60 career record. His 14 wins the previous season matched a career high and marked just his second winning season.

“If he pitches a 2.88 (ERA) for the same amount of innings, he’ll win 18 or 20 for us,” Rigney said. “This trade makes our front-line pitching real solid. It also strengthens and deepens our second line. We got the best possible pitcher available.”[10]

Hobie Landrith, a backup catcher who primarily caught Jones for the Cardinals in 1958, agreed.

“If we could have got him any runs, he would have won 18-20 games,” Landrith said.[11]

The loss of Jones left the Cardinals with a rotation that included established starters Larry Jackson and Wilmer Mizell and rookie right-hander Ernie Broglio. The new vacancy in the rotation provided an opportunity for Gary Blaylock, Lindy McDaniel, and a promising right-hander named Bob Gibson.

“This is a challenge to our young pitchers, and we all feel that they have given us good reason to believe we can risk giving up a man of Sam’s ability,” Devine said.[12]

Ultimately, it was a trade designed to build the Cardinals for the future. As Broeg wrote in the Post-Dispatch, “There’s little doubt that with his age, occasional arm trouble, and the strain he puts behind his pitches, Sam is a poor risk for the future. And it’s the long run the Redbirds apparently are most concerned with, particularly since owner Gussie Busch has indicated he’s willing to await development of a sound, consistent contender.[13]

Jones, however, was disappointed to be leaving St. Louis.

“I’d rather stay with the Cardinals,” Jones said sadly as traveling secretary Leo Ward arranged his plane ride to join the Giants.[14]

Meanwhile, White wasn’t initially thrilled by the trade either. In his autobiography, he wrote, “At the time, St. Louis was the worst city in the league for black players. We couldn’t stay at white hotels there and couldn’t eat in the white restaurants. For black players on the road, it was a terrible environment. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that at least in St. Louis I’d have the chance to play.”[15]

White took advantage of that opportunity. In 1959, he was named an All-Star, batting .302 with 12 homers, 72 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. The following year, White primarily played first base, where he won the first of seven career Gold Glove awards.

In 1961, White played a key role in bringing attention to the Cardinals’ segregated spring training facilities. With White, Curt Flood, and others speaking out about the issue, the Cardinals integrated their training camp housing.

In eight seasons in St. Louis, White hit 20 or more home runs five times and drove in at least 90 runs four times. In 1964, his 21 homers and 102 RBIs helped the Cardinals win the National League pennant. Though he struggled in the World Series, going just 3-for-27 (.111), White went 2-for-4 with a double in Game 7 as the Cardinals beat the Yankees 7-5 to clinch the world championship.

The Cardinals traded White, Dick Groat, and Bob Uecker to the Phillies for Pat Corrales, Alex Johnson, and Art Mahaffey following the 1965 season. After three years in Philadelphia, the Cardinals reacquired White in April 1969. Following a final season in St. Louis, he announced his retirement, concluding a 13-year major-league career that included a .286 career average, 202 home runs, and 870 RBIs.

In eight seasons in St. Louis, White batted .298 with 140 home runs and 631 RBIs. He was elected to the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2020.

Jablonski appeared in 60 games for the Cardinals, batting .253 in 96 plate appearances before the Athletics acquired him off waivers. He retired following the 1960 season.

In San Francisco, Jones placed second to Early Wynn in the 1959 Cy Young Award voting after leading the league with 21 wins, a 2.83 ERA, and four shutouts. He added 18 wins and a 3.19 ERA in 1960 before he tailed off in 1961, going 8-8 with a 4.49 ERA in 128 1/3 innings.

After the 1961 season, he was drafted by the Colt .45s in the expansion draft and traded to the Tigers. He returned to the Cardinals in 1963 and made 11 relief appearances. After spending his age-38 season with the Orioles, Jones retired with a 103-103 career record and 3.62 ERA over 14 major-league seasons.

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[1] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 26, 1959.

[2] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 26, 1959.

[3] Bob Broeg, “Praise for Gotay After Light-Hitting Cards Beat Braves,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 27, 1959.

[4] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals Trade Jones To Giants For Bill White,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 25, 1959.

[5] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals Trade Jones To Giants For Bill White,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 25, 1959.

[6] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals Trade Jones To Giants For Bill White,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 25, 1959.

[7] Walter Judge, “Giants Land Sam Jones To Boom Pennant Hopes,” San Francisco Examiner, March 26, 1959.

[8] Walter Judge, “Giants Land Sam Jones To Boom Pennant Hopes,” San Francisco Examiner, March 26, 1959.

[9] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 26, 1959.

[10] Walter Judge, “Giants Land Sam Jones To Boom Pennant Hopes,” San Francisco Examiner, March 26, 1959.

[11] “Players tickled,” San Francisco Examiner, March 26, 1959.

[12] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals Trade Jones To Giants For Bill White,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 25, 1959.

[13] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 26, 1959.

[14] Bob Broeg, “Sports Comment,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 26, 1959.

[15] Bill White, “Uppity,” Kindle Android Version, Page 60.

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The 29-year-old Torre’s departure from the Braves was no surprise. Since placing second to Billy Williams in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 1961, Torre had been a mainstay in the Braves’ lineup, earning All-Star appearances from 1963 through 1967. In 1963, he hit .321 with 20 homers and 109 RBIs to place fifth in the MVP vote. In 1965, he won the only Gold Glove Award of his career, and in 1966, he hit a career-high 36 home runs.

After four consecutive seasons hitting .291 or higher, however, Torre’s numbers began to tail off in 1967. That June, he was hitting .315 when he twisted his ankle while chasing Philadelphia’s Clay Dalrymple in a rundown, suffering torn ligaments and missing four weeks of action.[1] He finished the season batting .277 with 20 homers and 68 RBIs.

In 1968, Torre suffered a broken finger in April, then was hit in the face by a pitch from Cubs pitcher Chuck Hartenstein that broke his left cheek and his nose, keeping him out of action for approximately six weeks.[2] He finished the season with a .271 batting average, 10 homers, and 55 RBIs in 115 games, his lowest total since 1962.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports editor Bob Broeg wrote, “In Torre, the Cardinals were getting a player whose personal problems, financial and otherwise, caused the Braves concern over a period of time. But an improved domestic situation reportedly has cleared up this difficulty.”[3]

To Torre, it was clear that his recent spate of injuries had impacted his numbers.

“I’m the last one to make excuses, but these are the facts,” he said.[4]

Heading into 1969, Torre sought a salary of $77,000. The Braves countered with an offer of $60,000.[5] The relationship between Torre and Braves vice president Paul Richards, already strained by Torre’s role as the Braves’ union representative during the threat of a players’ strike, grew even more fractured as Torre held out of spring training. Richards told the media that the catcher “could hold out until Thanksgiving” as far as he was concerned. In response, Torre asked that the Braves not only meet his salary demands, but also that he receive an apology from Richards.[6]

Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports editor Jesse Outlar wrote that when a recent meeting between Richards and Torre left the two sides at an impasse, Torre left his calling card on Richards’ desk. Richards, however, informed the catcher that he wouldn’t need the card, as he had no intention of calling Torre with an upgraded offer.[7]

“I’m sure that my problems with Paul Richards stemmed largely from my activities as player representative of the Braves,” Torre said. “Living in New York, I was more active than other representatives, and Richards could have resented that because he seemed considerably more outspoken than any other major league official toward the players’ efforts to improve themselves. It hurt to be criticized publicly by Richards, as the Braves’ general manager, but it wouldn’t have hurt nearly so much if he had criticized me behind closed doors.”[8]

With Torre’s days in Atlanta numbered, his hometown Mets seemed like the ideal destination. Though the two sides spent considerable time discussing a trade that would have sent Torre to New York, they were unable to reach an agreement. In one proposal, the Mets offered Nolan Ryan, who had not yet cracked the New York rotation; third-string catcher J.C. Martin; reserve infielder Bob Heise; and first baseman/outfielder Ed Kranepool for Torre and Bob Aspromonte. The Braves had no interest in the proposal.[9]

The Braves offered to trade Torre for Mets catcher Jerry Grote, but the Mets refused. The Braves also expressed interest in third baseman Amos Otis, but he was among several players the Mets considered untouchable.[10]

“The Mets have too many untouchables,” Richards said. “They have so many players they can’t trade that I can’t understand why they don’t win the pennant. I’ll never know how they finished ninth last year.”[11]

Unable to reach an agreement with the Mets (who would win the National League pennant and a World Series championship in 1969), Richards turned to Cardinals general manager Bing Devine. Three months earlier, at the winter meetings in San Francisco, Devine offered Cepeda for Torre and Felipe Alou. Devine also offered to trade Cepeda and Curt Flood for Torre and Alou, but Richards declined that offer as well.[12] Finally, the two sides agreed to exchange Torre and Cepeda in a one-for-one deal.

Though Torre initially hoped the deal with the Mets would bring him back home, he and his family were delighted to go to St. Louis, where the Cardinals had won the World Series in 1967 and the National League pennant in 1968. When Braves president Bill Bartholomay called to share the news, Torre’s 3 ½-year-old stepdaughter Lauren ran through their Long Island home shouting, “We’re Redbirds!”[13]

When Torre called his mother in Brooklyn to tell her about the trade, she replied, “Now go to church and thank God.”[14]

“Mom recognized what going with a championship ball club like the Cardinals meant,” Torre said. “Maybe this is one of the pleasant benefits of having a sister who is a nun.”[15]

He added, “I’m very happy. Sure, I expressed a desire to be traded to the Mets, if I had to leave the Braves, because New York is home. But that’s because I had no idea that I could wind up on a championship ballclub. Besides, I’m afraid I’d have been hit for far too many passes by friends and family if I were playing in New York.”[16]

Torre’s relationship with Devine got off to a smooth start. Devine told Torre he would primarily play first base but would also back up Tim McCarver behind the plate. Torre agreed to terms for the 1969 season and made plans to report to Cardinals spring training. Torre told Broeg that it took about 30 seconds for him to negotiate a slight increase from the $65,000 he had been paid in Atlanta.[17]

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Mr. Devine after talking to him,” Torre said. “Before he asked me anything about money, he told me I’d play every day with them – mostly at first base but filling in behind the plate sometimes. He kind of built me up and made me feel good before we ever talked salary. I’m just coming out of the fog, but I’m very happy. You certainly can’t have any complaints when you get traded to a club like the Cardinals. I think I’ll be able to make some money with them.”[18]

In Cepeda, the Cardinals were giving up the unanimous 1967 National League MVP selection. Cepeda had come to St. Louis less than three years earlier in a May 1966 trade that sent Ray Sadecki to the Giants. Upon his arrival, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound first baseman made an immediate impact, batting .303 with 17 homers and 58 RBIs in his first season.

In 1967, Cepeda hit .325 with 25 homers and 111 RBIs to lead the Cardinals to the World Series championship. Cepeda’s power was so important to the Cardinals’ offense that when Cepeda was late to join the team bus before one game, Bob Gibson made it clear that they would wait for the big first baseman.

“We’re waiting for Cepeda,” Gibson said, standing up to address his teammates. “The pitchers aren’t leaving without him.”[19]

In the World Series against the Red Sox, however, Cepeda hit just .103 (3-for-29). The following year, his postseason struggles followed him into the regular season, as his average dipped to .248 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs. Coincidentally, he enjoyed his best success against the Braves, batting .365 with four homers and 18 RBIs against his future teammates.

He had heard the rumors regarding a possible trade, but didn’t know whether there was anything to them.

“I guess there was, though, huh?” he said with a laugh.[20]

Cepeda’s three-year tenure in St. Louis ended with a .290 batting average, 58 homers, and 242 RBIs.

“I hate to go because everybody has been so good to me – the manager, the coaches, the players, and the whole city of St. Louis – but now I will have to start all over again,” Cepeda said. “That’s life. I’m not overly optimistic, but I like to look at the bright side of things, and I’m looking for better things ahead. I will be trying, always trying. That is all I can promise. I will try to make the trade good from my point of view, though, for sure. I am joining a good ball club … one that can win the pennant.”[21]

In Atlanta, the 31-year-old Cepeda joined a Braves lineup led by Henry Aaron and Rico Carty.

“We are very happy to have Cepeda as our first baseman,” Richards said. “Cepeda gives us another big home run threat that we needed to force the opposition to pitch to Hank Aaron.”[22]

“There was a game last year where Walt Alston put Aaron on when he was the winning run,” Braves manager Luman Harris said. “I don’t think we’ll see any more of that … not with Cepeda following Hank in the order.”[23]

In his first season in Atlanta, Cepeda hit .257 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs, helping the Braves capture the National League West championship with 93 wins. He returned to familiar form in 1970, batting .305 with 34 homers and 111 RBIs, though the Braves fell to fifth place in the NL West.

In 1971, a knee injury limited Cepeda to part-time duty, and he finished the year with a .276 average, 14 homers, and 44 RBIs. After Cepeda had surgery, he was traded to the Athletics in July 1972 for former Tigers ace Denny McClain. After playing just three games with the A’s, Cepeda hit .289 with 20 homers and 86 RBIs for the Red Sox in 1973 before closing out his career with the Royals at age 36.

Cepeda’s 17-year major-league career included a .297 career batting average, 379 home runs, and 1,365 RBIs.

In his debut season in St. Louis, Torre hit .289 with 18 homers and 101 RBIs. In 1970, the Cardinals began using him at third base. Appearing in 161 games, Torre hit .325 with 21 homers and 100 RBIs.

In 1971, Torre led the National League with a .363 batting average, 230 hits, and 137 RBIs on his way to the National League MVP Award. For the next three seasons, he remained a consistent offensive player, hitting in the .280s each season while averaging approximately 12 home runs and 73 RBIs. Following the 1974 season, the Mets finally acquired Torre, trading Sadecki and Tommy Moore to St. Louis to acquire the nine-time All-Star.

Torre played the final seasons of his career in New York. In 1977, the Mets named him their player-manager, though Torre quickly retired as a player to focus on his managerial duties. He managed the Mets through the 1981 season and returned to Atlanta to serve as the Braves’ manager from 1982 to 1984.

In 1990, Torre was named the Cardinals’ manager. Over six seasons, he led the team to a 351-354 record.

In 1996, he took over the Yankees. Over 12 seasons in the Bronx, he won six American League pennants and four World Series championships and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 2014.

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[1] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[2] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[3] Bob Broeg, “Memory of Richards May Fire Up Torre,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 19, 1969.

[4] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[5] Wayne Minshew, “Torre Traded for Cepeda,” Atlanta Constitution, March 18, 1969.

[6] Bob Broeg, “Cepeda Dealt; Torre to Play First, Catch,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 18, 1969.

[7] Jesse Outlar, “The Torre Story,” Atlanta Constitution, March 19, 1969.

[8] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[9] Jesse Outlar, “The ‘Untouchables,’” Atlanta Constitution, March 18, 1969.

[10] Jesse Outlar, “The ‘Untouchables,’” Atlanta Constitution, March 18, 1969.

[11] Jesse Outlar, “The ‘Untouchables,’” Atlanta Constitution, March 18, 1969.

[12] Jesse Outlar, “The Torre Story,” Atlanta Constitution, March 19, 1969.

[13] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[14] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[15] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[16] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[17] Bob Broeg, “Cardinals’ Torre Is a Thinking Man’s Ballplayer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1969.

[18] Bob Broeg, “Cepeda Dealt; Torre to Play First, Catch,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 18, 1969.

[19] Bob Gibson, Pitch by Pitch: My View of One Unforgettable Game, Kindle Android Version, Page 53.

[20] Bob Broeg, “Cepeda Dealt; Torre to Play First, Catch,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 18, 1969.

[21] Bob Broeg, “Cepeda Dealt; Torre to Play First, Catch,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 18, 1969.

[22] Wayne Minshew, “Torre Traded for Cepeda,” Atlanta Constitution, March 18, 1969.

[23] Wayne Minshew, “Cepeda Trade Delights Lum,” Atlanta Constitution, March 19, 1969.

The post Why the Cardinals traded Orlando Cepeda for Joe Torre first appeared on STLRedbirds.com.

After receiving his unconditional release from Milwaukee and turning down a guaranteed contract from Los Angeles, Schoendienst accepted an offer from Cardinals general manager Bing Devine to try out for the St. Louis roster.

In accepting the offer, Schoendienst knew the Cardinals wouldn’t offer him the same salary he could have received from the Angels.[1] With Julian Javier stationed at second base, the Cardinals were looking at Schoendienst primarily as a pinch-hitter and utility fielder.

“I feel that Red can be of definite help to us,” Devine said. “If Red doesn’t come with us, there would be more pressure on one of our young prospects as a fill-in for second base.”[2]

After participating in the early weeks of camp, Schoendienst signed a contract on March 7, 1961, that was believed to be worth about $25,000.[3]

“I’m convinced, entirely,” Cardinals manager Solly Hemus said. “My one concern was Red’s health. No man could be ill and work the way he has the last two weeks. Why, he’s the youngest-looking, youngest-acting guy on the squad.”[4]

Schoendienst made his major-league debut 16 years earlier in 1945. With Stan Musial and others serving in World War II, Schoendienst made the move from shortstop to left field and led the league with 26 stolen bases during his rookie campaign. In 1946, Schoendienst took over the Cardinals’ second base job and kept it until 1956, when general manager Frank Lane traded him to the New York Giants.

During Schoendienst’s 11+ seasons in St. Louis, he appeared in nine All-Star Games and hit the game-winning home run in the 1950 showcase. He enjoyed arguably his best season in 1950, when he hit .342 with 15 homers and 79 RBIs to place fourth in the National League MVP race. He finished just two points behind Brooklyn’s Carl Furillo for the batting title.

In 1957, which he split between the Giants and Braves, Schoendienst led the league with 200 hits. He finished the year with a .302 batting average and finished third in the MVP vote behind Henry Aaron and Musial. Schoendienst and the Braves won the World Series that year, then won the National League pennant again in 1958 before falling to the Yankees in that year’s fall classic.

After batting .300 with three doubles and a triple in 20 World Series at-bats in 1958, Schoendienst was diagnosed with tuberculosis. After undergoing surgery, Schoendienst spent four months on bed rest and missed almost the entire 1959 season.

In 1960, Schoendienst slumped early and was benched. After the season, the Braves offered him a coaching job, but he declined it and instead asked for his release.

“He’s extremely grateful to Bing Devine for having taken a chance on him when, he feels, Milwaukee’s voluble Charley Dressen gave all of baseball the impression last year that he was washed up,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports editor Bob Broeg wrote. “The Ol’ Redhead is bitter at Dressen, for whom he refused to coach.”[5]

In a separate story, Broeg described the scene at Al Lang Field, the Cardinals’ spring training home, when Schoendienst was announced as the team’s second baseman for that day’s game, noting that “the grandstand gaffers who had sat silent throughout the batting order suddenly cheered as though William McKinley had been elected again.”[6]

“The old folks are saluting one of their own,” quipped Jim Toomey.[7]

Appearing primarily as a pinch hitter, Schoendienst hit .300 in 133 plate appearances in 1961, then batted .301 in 153 plate appearances in 1962.

Though Schoendienst’s days as an All-Star were over, he still had plenty to offer the Cardinals. When Johnny Keane resigned after winning the World Series in 1964, the Cardinals named Schoendienst the new manager, a position he held until 1976. Over that span, he won 1,010 games and lost 925 for a .522 winning percentage. He also served as an interim manager in 1980 and 1990, giving him a career record of 1,041-955.

After two seasons as a coach with the Athletics in 1977 and 1978, Schoendienst again returned to St. Louis, where he won his fifth World Series as a coach for the 1982 Cardinals.

In 1989, Schoendienst was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

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[1] Jack Herman, “Schoendienst Turns Down Angels’ Offer,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, January 15, 1961.

[2] “Schoendienst Turns Down Angels’ Offer,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 15, 1961.

[3] Bob Broeg, “Schoendienst, Beauchamp Stand Out in Cards’ Squad Game,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 7, 1961.

[4] Bob Broeg, “Schoendienst to Be Signed to Contract,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 6, 1961.

[5] Bob Broeg, “Their Boy, Red,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 8, 1961.

[6] Bob Broeg, “Their Boy, Red,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 8, 1961.

[7] Bob Broeg, “Their Boy, Red,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 8, 1961.

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“Has Rick Wise signed?” Devine asked, referring to the 26-year-old right-hander who had led the Phillies in wins each of the past three seasons. Quinn answered that no, he had not come to terms with Wise.

“Well, neither has Carlton,” replied Devine. “Would you be interested in Carlton?”

This time, Quinn answered in the affirmative. [1] By the end of the day, not only had the two teams agreed to a straight swap of pitchers, but each had agreed to a new contract with their new acquisition for the upcoming season.

Though matters moved quickly following Devine’s phone call, the roots of the trade were established two years earlier, when Carlton refused to accept the Cardinals’ salary offer and sat out the first 18 days of training camp in 1970. To resolve the impasse, the Cardinals took the unusual step of invoking the renewal clause in his previous contract, requiring him to return for the same salary he earned in 1969.

Carlton reported to spring training on March 10 but continued to push for a new contract. Things grew so heated that on March 12, Busch said, “I don’t care if he ever pitches a ball for us again.”[2]

Finally, Richard A. Meyer, Busch’s longtime senior manager and aide, stepped in to lead the negotiation of a two-year contract.[3]

“I guess, really, this thing was generated by our differences with Carlton two years ago,” Devine said. “Having gone through that experience, we could sense a similar situation developing.”[4]

Despite back-to-back All-Star seasons, Carlton went just 10-19 in 1970, leading the league in losses despite a 3.73 ERA. He bounced back in 1971 with his first 20-win season and a return to All-Star form.

After earning a reported $50,000 in 1971, Carlton sought a significant raise for the 1972 season. While some reports claimed that Carlton sought $75,000,[5] the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Carlton was asking for $65,000.[6] The Cardinals, however, were unwilling to go above $57,500, leaving the two sides at an impasse.[7] After Carlton sent the team a letter expressing his unwillingness to sign the contract the team had sent him, he had just one meeting with Devine. That meeting took place “three or four days” before the trade, Carlton said.[8]

“This particular idea struck me as a solution to a problem that could be long-lasting,” Devine said.[9]

In his 2004 autobiography, Devine said that the decision to trade Carlton wasn’t truly his to make: after delaying as long as he could, he received word that he had 48 hours to move Carlton. “Basically, Mr. Busch wanted him gone,” Devine wrote.[10]

“I dragged my feet as long as I could, because I didn’t want to do it. I don’t like to second-guess my deals, but after that one, I did wonder: What if I had made a stronger effort to change Mr. Busch’s mind? So I asked Dick (Richard A. Meyer) what would have happened if I hadn’t moved Carlton within those 48 hours. Dick laughed and said, “I’ll tell you what would have happened. You’d have been gone first … and Carlton would have been gone right after you.”[11]

As Carlton campaigned for more money in St. Louis, Wise had also asked for $65,000, and gaining no traction with his club.[12] Quinn, however, wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t making the trade simply because Wise hadn’t signed: the Phillies believed Carlton was the superior pitcher.

“We’re trading ballplayers because we think that Carlton is one of the better pitchers in the National League,” he said. “I talked to (manager) Frank Lucchesi and called (owner) Bob Carpenter and the rest of our fellows, and they thought if we could trade Wise for Carlton, that would be a good deal for the Phillies. And that’s why we made the trade.”[13]

Both pitchers were shocked. Devine called Carlton at the pitcher’s St. Louis home to inform him of the deal.[14]

“I really didn’t expect to be traded,” Carlton said. “I just don’t understand it. I came up through the organization, and I never thought about leaving. I just didn’t have anything to say about where I was going. All of a sudden, you’re traded – cold turkey.”[15]

Wise, meanwhile, was surprised when Quinn arrived at his Clearwater Beach apartment to inform him of the trade. At first, Wise assumed the Phillies’ general manager was there to continue negotiations.[16]

“I was completely surprised,” Wise said. “There were a couple of times a few years back when I half-expected to be traded, but not now.”[17]

A month earlier, Wise and his wife, Susan, had been at a banquet where Quinn spoke about Wise’s future with the team.

“He said, ‘We’d never trade Wise. This is the fellow we’re going to build around,’” Susan recalled.[18]

“I was surprised because I’d been reading all winter that I was among the Phillies’ untouchables,” Wise said, “but I’m delighted to come to a contending ball club and good organization.”[19]

Before the day was over, Carlton, who earned about $45,000 in 1971, had a new contract that would pay him $60,000 to pitch for the Phillies. Wise, who earned $32,500 the previous season, agreed to a $50,000 salary with the Cardinals.[20]

In Carlton, the Phillies obtained a 6-foot-4, 210-pound left-hander who had gone 77-62 in seven seasons with the Cardinals. Since moving into the St. Louis starting rotation, Carlton had reached double-digits in wins for five consecutive seasons, including his difficult 1970 campaign.

In 1969, he set the modern major league record by striking out 19 Mets in a single nine-inning game.

“You have to give up something to get something, but we wouldn’t have made the trade if we didn’t think it would give us the edge,” said Phillies manager Frank Luccesi, who called it “the best deal we’ve made in years.”[21]

The trade marked the first deal between the Cardinals and Phillies since October 7, 1969, when St. Louis attempted to trade Curt Flood to Philadelphia, and Flood subsequently refused to report to his new team.

“I just wish I’d had a say-so,” Carlton said. “Not that it’s a problem going to Philadelphia, but … well, with the reserve clause, you just don’t have any say-so. You go where they say, or you don’t play at all.”[22]

In seven seasons with the struggling Phillies, Wise had gone 75-76. In each of the previous three seasons, he had led Philadelphia in wins, including a career-high 17 in 1971. With a 2.88 ERA over 272 1/3 innings that season, the 25-year-old set career highs in games started (37), complete games (17), strikeouts (155), shutouts (four), and ERA (2.88). He also made the first all-star appearance of his career.

Early in the year, Wise had said, “To win on this club, you have to pitch a shutout and hit a homer.”[23] On June 23, he exceeded even that, throwing a no-hitter and hitting two home runs against the Reds to lead the Phillies to a 4-0 win.

“I think we got a good pitcher and gave up a good pitcher,” Devine said. “The only difference, to me, is that one is right-handed and one is left-handed.”[24]

“I don’t know how it feels to not be in the second division, but I’m looking forward to finding out,” Wise said. “I’m tired of being labeled a .500 pitcher when I’ve been pitching for a ball club that is well below .500. I’m really excited. I’ve never been with a ball club that could be in a World Series.”[25]

Phillies catcher Tim McCarver, who teamed with Carlton in St. Louis from Carlton’s rookie season in 1965 until 1969, when McCarver was traded to Philadelphia, considered it an even trade.

“I think it’s about as even a trade as can be made,” he said. “Rick might have a little more poise and mound savvy. Steve has an edge in raw ability and stuff. Both are excellent pitchers.”[26]

Though he didn’t reach the heights of his 1971 campaign, Wise continued to pitch well in his two seasons in St. Louis. In 1972, he went 16-16 with a 3.11 ERA over 269 innings. The following year, he earned his second career All-Star nod en route to a 16-12 season and a 3.37 ERA. After the season, the Cardinals traded him and Bernie Carbo to the Red Sox for Reggie Smith and Ken Tatum.

Wise made his final major league appearance in 1982, wrapping up a career that included 18 big league seasons. He retired with a 188-181 record and 3.69 ERA.

Meanwhile, Carlton went on to pitch the next 15 seasons for the Phillies, winning four Cy Young awards on his way to a Hall of Fame career. After removing the slider from his pitch arsenal in 1971 due to the strain it placed on his arm,[27] Carlton brought the pitch back with the Phillies and learned to master it.

Later, after his career had ended, he was asked in an interview why he had been put on this earth. “To teach the world to throw a slider,” Carlton answered with a grin.[28]

With Carlton at the top of the rotation, the Phillies won the National League East in 1976, 1977, and 1978, then won the World Series in 1980. Philadelphia made the playoffs again in the strike-shortened 1981 season, then captured the National League pennant again in 1983.

In 15 seasons with the Phillies, Carlton won 241 games and posted a 3.09 ERA over almost 3,700 innings. After making his final major league appearance in 1988, Carlton was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994. He retired with a 329-244 career record, 3.22 ERA, and 10 all-star appearances. He posted a 38-14 record and 2.98 ERA for his career against the Cardinals.

Enjoy this post? Read more about the Steve Carlton trade in The Trades That Made The St. Louis Cardinals, available now on Amazon!

[1] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[2] Bob Broeg, “Busch: ‘I Don’t Care If Carlton Plays,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 12, 1970.

[3] Dick Kaegel, “Cards Deal Carlton To Phils For Wise,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[4] Dick Kaegel, “Cards Deal Carlton To Phils For Wise,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[5] Dick Kaegel, “Cards Deal Carlton To Phils For Wise,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[6] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[7] Dick Kaegel, “Cards Deal Carlton To Phils For Wise,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[8] “Trade Shocks Carlton,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[9] Dick Kaegel, “Cards Deal Carlton To Phils For Wise,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[10] Bing Devine with Tom Wheatley, The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Sports Publishing, New York, N.Y., Page 163.

[11] Bing Devine with Tom Wheatley, The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Sports Publishing, New York, N.Y., Page 165.

[12] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[13] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[14] “Trade Shocks Carlton,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[15] Bob Broeg, “For Rick Wise: ‘A New Feeling,’” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 26, 1972.

[16] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[17] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[18] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[19] Bob Broeg, “For Rick Wise: ‘A New Feeling,’” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 26, 1972.

[20] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[21] “Trade Shocks Carlton,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[22] Bruce Keidan, “Phils and Cards Solve Salary Problems – And Wise, Carlton Receive Increases,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 26, 1972.

[23] “Trade Shocks Carlton,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[24] Dick Kaegel, “Cards Deal Carlton To Phils For Wise,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 25, 1972.

[25] Bob Broeg, “For Rick Wise: ‘A New Feeling,’” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 26, 1972.

[26] Bill Conlin, “No-Hit No-Run, No Longer Phil,” Philadelphia Daily News, February 26, 1972.

[27] Bill Conlin, “No-Hit No-Run, No Longer Phil,” Philadelphia Daily News, February 26, 1972.

[28] “Steve Carlton – Slider,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7xsdUOEnvg.

The post Why the Cardinals traded Steve Carlton to the Phillies first appeared on STLRedbirds.com.

After Devine traded relief pitcher Willard Schmidt and minor-league pitchers Ted Wieand and Marty Kutyna to the Reds for outfielders Curt Flood and Joe Taylor, legendary St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports editor Bob Broeg described the deal as “an exchange of lesser players.”[1] The Cincinnati Enquirer quoted an anonymous source – described as a “veteran observer” – who said, “It’s a deal that hurt both clubs.”[2]

Even Devine himself didn’t seem to understand what he had in Flood, who wouldn’t turn 20 until January.

As the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported the following day, “Bing Devine has swung his first trade as Cardinal general manager, but he is under no illusion that the five-player deal with the Cincinnati Redlegs will immediately solve any of the Red Birds’ problems, chiefly the center field situation.”[3]

In the same article, Devine said, “It’s safe to say neither club gave up any player who promised to be a key man in ’58. The Reds need plenty of pitching help and Tebbetts got the volume he wanted, although Kutyna and Wieand have better chances to stick with them than with us.”[4]

Ken Boyer, a natural third baseman, played 105 games in center field for the Cardinals in 1957, allowing rookie Eddie Kasko to break into the lineup at third base, but the Cardinals wanted to move Boyer back to third base, where he would go on to win five Gold Glove awards.

Ironically, the Reds had converted Flood from center field to third base, using him as an infielder and pinch-hitter in his eight major-league appearances in 1956 and 1957. However, Reds third baseman Don Hoak enjoyed an outstanding season in 1957, blocking Flood at that position. At the time of the trade, Flood was playing winter ball in Venezuela learning to play second base.[5]

“We’re counting on him for 1959, not next year,” Devine said.[6]

Nonetheless, Flood was clearly the most intriguing piece in the trade. As Broeg wrote, “He could be the sleeper in the deal, the main reason it could be anything to remember at all in a year or two.”[7]

In his first year in professional baseball, the 18-year-old Flood led the Class B Carolina League with a .340 batting average, totaling 29 homers, 128 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. He was so impressive that the Reds called him up to the majors late in the year, though he struck out in his only plate appearance.

In 1957, Flood played with the Savannah Redlegs of the Class A Sally League, batting .299 with 14 homers and 82 RBIs. Again, he was called up in September, and on September 25 he collected the first hit of his career, a solo home run off the Cubs’ Moe Drabowsky.

“Flood isn’t a big boy, but he’s strong, fast, a good outfielder and, as some other clubs’ reports show, has a better arm than the average we’ve credited him with,” Devine said. “We figure him probably still a year away, but two other clubs already have contacted us in an effort to make a deal for Flood with the thought they’d play him right now. It would, however, take a real good deal to get him.”[8]

In Taylor, the Cardinals were acquiring a right-handed bat they believed could bolster their bench. In 1957, the 31-year-old Taylor had hit .262 with four homers and nine RBIs in 107 at-bats.

Cardinals manager Fred Hutchinson managed Taylor when both were with the Pacific Coast League’s Seattle Rainiers. At Hutchinson’s urging, the Cardinals tried to acquire him, but the Reds had an agreement that gave them the first opportunity to sign Seattle’s players, and they claimed Taylor for their major-league club. According to the Globe-Democrat, the Cardinals had been willing to pay as much as $50,000 for Taylor.[9]

In Schmidt, the Cardinals were giving up the only player in the trade with significant major-league experience. In five seasons with the Cardinals, Schmidt had gone 25-22 with a 4.09 ERA. In 1957, the reliever received wins in 10 consecutive decisions to finish with a 10-3 record despite a 4.78 ERA.

Earlier in the week, the Cardinals had offered Schmidt in a trade that would have brought catcher Smoky Burgess to St. Louis. The Reds, however, wanted pitcher Sam Jones and catcher Hobie Landrith in exchange.[10]

“I’m sure we helped ourselves without giving up much,” Tebbetts said. “True, Schmidt is not a good pitcher to watch. He’s not a smoothie like Spahn, Antonelli, or Burdette, but he posted a better record than Gene Conley did for the world champion Braves last season and Conley is rated one of the Braves’ ‘big four.’”[11]

Conley went 9-9 with a 3.16 ERA for the Braves in 1957.

Wieand had pitched the 1957 season for the Houston Buffaloes in the Texas League, going 13-14 with a 2.83 ERA. Kutyna, meanwhile, split his 1957 season between the Richmond Virginians and the Omaha Cardinals, going 11-9 for the season. The Globe-Democrat reported that neither pitcher had been expected to make the Cardinals’ roster in 1958.[12]

Cincinnati’s Tebbetts said everything he knew about Wieand and Kutyna was based on information from his pitching coach, Tom Ferrick.

“Tom liked what he saw of the two youngsters in the ‘B’ squad games we played with the Cardinals last spring at Tampa and St. Petersburg,” Tebbetts said. “He believes both of them have major league arms. (I’ll) tell you what I think of their chances to stick with us after spring training next year.”[13]

Schmidt proved the best of the Reds’ acquisitions. Across two seasons in Cincinnati, he posted a 6-7 record and 3.41 ERA before playing the remainder of his career in Triple-A.

Wieand threw just 6 1/3 innings major-league innings for the Reds.

Prior to the 1979 season, the Reds traded Kutyna to the Kansas City Athletics for Walt Craddock. Over four seasons with the Athletics and Senators, Kutyna appeared in 159 games, posting a 3.88 ERA.

Taylor made just 27 plate appearances for the Cardinals, batting 7-for-23 (.304) with a homer and three RBIs before the Orioles claimed him on waivers.

Flood was the breakout star of the trade. He opened the 1958 season in the minors, but was quickly promoted and played 121 games for the Cardinals, batting .261 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs.

Under the tutelage of manager Johnny Keane, Flood enjoyed a breakout season in 1961, batting .322 with a .391 on-base percentage. In 1963 he won the first of seven Gold Glove awards, and the following year, in 1964, Flood was selected for the first of three career all-star games. With Flood patrolling center field, the Cardinals won three National League pennants and two World Series championships.

In October 1969, the Cardinals traded Flood, Byron Browne, Joe Hoerner, and Tim McCarver to the Phillies for Dick Allen, Jerry Johnson, and Cookie Rojas. Flood refused to report to the Phillies and sued to eliminate baseball’s reserve clause, which stated that teams retained the rights to players even after their contracts expired, making it impossible for a player to sign with another team unless they were given an unconditional release.

Flood appealed his case, Flood v. Kuhn, to the U.S. Supreme Court, and while it was unsuccessful, the reserve clause was finally struck down in 1975. In 1976, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to a new contract that gave players the right to free agency.

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[1] Bob Broeg, “Cards Trade Schmidt To Reds In Five-Player Deal,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 5, 1957.

[2] Lou Smith, “Reds Get Schmidt, Two Others From Cards For Flood, Taylor,” Cincinnati Enquirer, December 6, 1957.

[3] Jack Herman, “Devine Feels Deal Won’t End Birds’ Problems,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 6, 1957.

[4] Jack Herman, “Devine Feels Deal Won’t End Birds’ Problems,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 6, 1957.

[5] Brad Snyder (2007), “A Well-Paid Slave,” Plume, Kindle Edition, Page 51.

[6] Jack Herman, “Devine Feels Deal Won’t End Birds’ Problems,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 6, 1957.

[7] Bob Broeg, “Cards Trade Schmidt To Reds In Five-Player Deal,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 5, 1957.

[8] Bob Broeg, “Majors Ready to Join Minors in Ending Baseball’s Bonus Rule,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 6, 1957.

[9] Jack Herman, “Devine Feels Deal Won’t End Birds’ Problems,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 6, 1957.

[10] Lou Smith, “Reds Get Schmidt, Two Others From Cards For Flood, Taylor,” Cincinnati Enquirer, December 6, 1957.

[11] Lou Smith, “Reds Get Schmidt, Two Others From Cards For Flood, Taylor,” Cincinnati Enquirer, December 6, 1957.

[12] Jack Herman, “Devine Feels Deal Won’t End Birds’ Problems,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, December 6, 1957.

[13] Lou Smith, “Reds Get Schmidt, Two Others From Cards For Flood, Taylor,” Cincinnati Enquirer, December 6, 1957.

The post How Curt Flood became a Cardinal first appeared on STLRedbirds.com.

Craig’s pitching career began in Brooklyn, where he broke into the major leagues in 1955 and won a career-high 12 games the following year. In the final game of the 1957 season, he suffered an arm injury that derailed his 1958 campaign; as a result he was demoted to the minors that year before returning with arguably his best season in 1959, when he went 11-5 with a 2.06 ERA in 152 2/3 innings. His performance helped the Dodgers, now in Los Angeles, win the National League pennant.

In 1961, the Mets selected Craig in the expansion draft. Though he had gone 49-38 over his career with the Dodgers and was effectively the “ace” of the Mets staff, Craig suffered back-to-back 20-loss seasons, going 10-24 in 1962 and 5-22 in 1963.

“This trade gives me an opportunity to show I can still be a winning pitcher with a little more support,” Craig said. “It’s one of the best things that’s happened to me since I’ve been in baseball.

“And I’m happy for another reason. The Cards were the club that in recent years have hit me the hardest. It will be a pleasure to be with them instead of facing them.”^[1]

Led by Dick Groat, Bill White, and Curt Flood, the 1963 Cardinals had won 93 games and placed second to the Dodgers in the National League pennant race.

“The Cardinals have the best hitting club in baseball, and they have a real good defensive club, strong down the middle and with great fielders like Ken Boyer and Bill White at the corners,” Craig said.^[2]

“I know several guys who will be disappointed because they won’t be able to face me anymore, especially Bill White,” Craig added. “White hit me like he owned me.”^[3]

In 73 career plate appearances against Craig, White hit .353 with five homers and 14 RBIs.

Though his record with the Mets was awful, Craig’s 4.14 ERA over his two years in New York was respectable, and in 1963 he posted a 3.78 ERA over 236 innings. In eight of Craig’s losses, the Mets were shut out and four of his losses came by a score of 1-0.^[4]

“I don’t feel those two years with the Mets were wasted by any means,” he said. “In fact, they were a blessing. My stay with the Mets taught me how to cope with adversity. I think I really learned a lot more about pitching. I learned how important it is to bear down harder when things don’t go well.”^[5]

“You certainly have to give Roger A for effort, but when a man loses 46 games it’s time for a change,” Mets general manager George Weiss said. “I think Craig got a break.”^[6]

With questions marks on the pitching staff, Craig gave the Cardinals a pitcher who could start or work out of the bullpen, general manager Bing Devine said. Ray Washburn had missed most of the 1963 season with a shoulder injury and Harry Fanok, a minor-league starter, suffered an arm injury late in the season.^[7]

“We can use Craig in a dual role, either as a starter or in relief,” Devine said. “I think this also gives full opportunity to some of our young outfielders such as Gary Kolb, Johnny Lewis, Doug Clemens, and Mike Shannon.”^[8]

With Altman headed to New York and Stan Musial retiring, the Cardinals had two vacancies in their outfield. Charlie James was expected to take over in left field, while the prospects would battle for playing time in right.

“Maybe two of them can alternate,” Devine said.^[9]

Altman had been a disappointment for the Cardinals after batting .318 with 22 homers and 74 RBIs with the Cubs in 1962. That October, the Cardinals traded Larry Jackson, Lindy McDaniel, and Jimmie Schaffer to Chicago for Altman, Don Cardwell, and Moe Thacker. In his lone season in St. Louis, Altman hit .274 with nine homers and 47 RBIs. His home run and RBI totals were the lowest of his career.

“Altman had an off year, but it wasn’t that bad,” Devine said. “I want to stress that disposing of Altman in no way reflects dissatisfaction with his contribution to the club. Several clubs were interested in Altman. … Both (manager) Johnny Keane and I felt it was desirable to add a pitcher and, at the same time, give full opportunity to one of our young outfielders.”^[10]

In addition to Altman, the Mets had insisted on Wakefield’s inclusion in the deal.^[11] A 22-year-old right-hander enrolled at Stanford University, Wakefield had seen limited minor-league action, going 3-7 at Tulsa in 1963 and 1-3 in Atlanta in 1963.^[12]

“Our scouts inform us Wakefield has major league possibilities,” Weiss said. “The Cards gave him a $35,000 bonus to sign. He graduates from Stanford sometime in March. He told me by phone he may be able to join us for spring training.”^[13]

Although Devine said at the time of the trade that he preferred to have pitchers slotted into a starter or reliever role throughout a season, Craig ended up doing both for the Cardinals in 1964. Appearing in 39 games, including 19 starts, Craig went 7-9 with a 3.25 ERA over 166 innings as the Cardinals rallied from seventh place in late July to capture the National League pennant.

Facing the Yankees in the World Series, Craig struck out the only batter he faced in a Game 2 defeat.

In Game 4, he played a far more important role. After Ray Sadecki allowed three runs in 1/3 of an inning, Keane turned to Craig to right the ship.

A day earlier, Craig had approached Keane to offer his services.

“I told him, I feel fine and I’d like to pitch if you need me,” Craig said.[14]

Craig threw 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, striking out eight batters. In the sixth inning, Ken Boyer hit a grand slam to give the Cardinals a 4-3 win. St. Louis went on to win the World Series in seven games, giving Craig the third world championship of his career, including his 1955 and 1955 titles with the Dodgers.

“I had excellent control and I was throwing good sinkers to the left-handers,” Craig said. “I did strike out Tom Tresh on a palm ball, but the curve was my big pitch. In fact, I’ve had a real good curve in my last five or six games.”[15]

The game proved to be the highlight of Craig’s Cardinals career. In December, he was traded alongside James to Cincinnati in exchange for Bob Purkey.

After a 12-year major-league career, Craig spent 10 years as a manager for the Padres and Giants. He led the Giants to the National League pennant in 1989.

Altman’s career continued to decline in 1964 as his batting average fell to .230. After hitting nine homers and driving in 47 runs for the Mets, he was traded to the Cubs for Billy Cowan.

Wakefield pitched primarily in relief for the Mets in 1964, going 3-5 with a 3.61 ERA in his only major-league season.

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[1] Jim McCulley, “Mets Deal Craig for Cards’ Altman, Rookie,” New York Daily News, November 5, 1963.

[2] Neal Russo, “Craig Would Like to Be Starter,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 5, 1963.

[3] Neal Russo, “Craig Would Like to Be Starter,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 5, 1963.

[4] Neal Russo, “Redbirds Get Craig From Mets for Altman, Rookie Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 4, 1963.

[5] Neal Russo, “Craig Would Like to Be Starter,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 5, 1963.

[6] Jim McCulley, “Mets Deal Craig for Cards’ Altman, Rookie,” New York Daily News, November 5, 1963.

[7] Neal Russo, “Redbirds Get Craig From Mets for Altman, Rookie Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 4, 1963.

[8] Robert L. Burnes, “Craig ‘Delighted’ To Join Cards,” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 5, 1963.

[9] Neal Russo, “Redbirds Get Craig From Mets for Altman, Rookie Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 4, 1963.

[10] Neal Russo, “Redbirds Get Craig From Mets for Altman, Rookie Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 4, 1963.

[11] Neal Russo, “Redbirds Get Craig From Mets for Altman, Rookie Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 4, 1963.

[12] Neal Russo, “Redbirds Get Craig From Mets for Altman, Rookie Pitcher,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 4, 1963.

[13] Jim McCulley, “Mets Deal Craig for Cards’ Altman, Rookie,” New York Daily News, November 5, 1963.

[14] Neal Russo, “Boyer Bomb, Blazing Bullpen,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 12, 1964.

[15] Neal Russo, “Boyer Bomb, Blazing Bullpen,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 12, 1964.

The post How trading for Roger Craig helped the Cardinals win the World Series first appeared on STLRedbirds.com.

The previous winter, Devine inquired with Cubs general manager John Holland about Brock’s availability but was rebuffed. However, with the June 15 trading deadline looming, Devine called again, this time from Dodger Stadium, where the slumping Cardinals were suffering a three-game sweep. This time, Holland was amenable.

“When I called John Holland this time, he said, ‘If you’re still interested, we might have to move Brock,’” Devine recalled in 2012. “I said, ‘For what?’ He said, ‘We need a pitcher. You gave me a list of players when we talked before, and we’ll take a pitcher off that list. We’ll take Broglio.’”[1]

A 28-year-old right-hander, Broglio was in the sixth season of a productive major league career. In 1961, he led the National League with 21 wins, posting a 2.74 ERA to place third in the Cy Young Award voting. Just one year earlier, he won 18 games with a 2.99 ERA while pitching 250 innings.

So far in 1964, he was 3-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 11 starts. After the trade was made, the Chicago Tribune reported that Broglio had been unhappy in St. Louis.[2]

Meanwhile, Brock was in his third full season in the majors, and while his speed and power at the plate hinted at untapped potential, he had yet to develop the consistency the Cubs were looking for. He hit .263 with nine homers, 35 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases during his rookie year and followed that with a .258 average, nine homers, 37 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in 1963.

At the time of the trade, he was hitting .251 with two homers, 14 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases.

On the team flight to Houston, Devine discussed the trade with manager Johnny Keane. Later, he would say that Keane’s support for Brock was the primary reason he made the trade.[3]

“He said, ‘What are we waiting for?’” Devine said. “Remember, there were no cell phones then. I told him, ‘I’ll call as soon as we land and I can get to a pay phone.’”[4]

Red Schoendienst remembered the discussion continuing in Houston. Devine and Keane called him into an office and asked for his opinion on Brock.

“I said, ‘I really haven’t seen him that much. He’s strong, the way he looks. I’ve watched him in batting practice, and he hits the ball hard. He’s got a good arm, but I don’t know how accurate it is, and you know he can run,’” Schoendienst later wrote.[5]

The conversation continued to Brock’s defense, which, to that point in his career, had been a question mark.

“I said, ‘Listen, he’s playing in Chicago,’” Schoendienst recalled. “‘When I broke in in the ’40s, Bill Nicholson was supposed to be a real good outfielder, and he had trouble at Wrigley. Right field is so hard to play there with that sun and that wind.’”[6]

At midday on June 15, the Cardinals and Cubs announced the six-player trade.

“We need outfield help and some hitting,” Keane said. “Brock adds youth, great running speed, and is an improving ballplayer.”[7]

Devine, who had often told the media that a team could never have too much pitching, admitted that trading Broglio was a risk.

“Fortunately, in the past, whenever we’ve given up a starting pitcher, we’ve come up with someone who helped us,” he said.[8]

In Chicago, Cubs manager Bob Kennedy was delighted by the trade.

“This gives us as good a pitching staff as there is in the league,” he said.[9]

The acquisition of Shantz also gave the Cubs a left-hander in the bullpen.

“We hate to lose Brock, and we think they’re getting a mighty good ballplayer, but when you get a chance to fortify yourself in two places, you’ve got to go for it,” Kennedy said. “Brock was the man they wanted, and we felt we ought to go with pitching. We think that’s about 90% of the game, so it’s a little bit of a gamble for both of us.”[10]

Brock had fallen out of favor with Kennedy for miscues in the field and on the basepaths, and for his struggles against left-handed pitching, the Chicago Tribune reported.[11]

The early reviews were heavily in favor of the Cubs.

“Thank you, thank you, oh, you lovely St. Louis Cardinals,” Bob Smith infamously wrote in the June 16 edition of the Chicago Daily News. “Nice doing business with you. Please call again anytime.”[12]

In St. Louis, Post-Dispatch sportswriter Neal Russo wrote, “The first question raised by many is: Why didn’t the Cardinals get more than Brock, a flashy outfielder who could become a star, for Broglio, an 18-game winner last season and still regarded as a top pitcher?”[13]

Bob Gibson, who later said that he believed Brock deserved the 1967 World Series MVP Award instead of him,[14] wasn’t initially sold on the trade.

“I frankly didn’t care for it,” he wrote in 2015. “In Brock’s few years with the Cubs, I hadn’t found it difficult to get him out, even though he was a left-handed hitter. He seemed tentative, and looked the same in the outfield.”[15]

It didn’t take long for Brock to change minds in St. Louis and elsewhere. Through the remainder of the regular season, he hit .348 with 12 homers, 44 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. With Brock providing a spark at the top of the lineup, St. Louis went 65-39 the remainder of the season to win the National League pennant by one game over the Reds and Phillies. In the World Series, Brock hit .300 with a home run and five RBIs to help the Cardinals defeat the Yankees in seven games.

In the 1967 World Series against Boston, he hit .414 with two doubles, a triple, a home run, and seven stolen bases. He was somehow even better in the 1968 World Series, batting .464 with three doubles, a triple, two home runs, five RBIs and seven stolen bases.

For his career, Brock hit .391 in the postseason with 14 stolen bases and a 1.079 OPS.

Eight times, Brock led the league in stolen bases, including 118 thefts in 1974. In August 1977, he broke Ty Cobb’s stolen base record, which was believed to be 892 at the time and was later changed to 897. Two years later, on August 13, 1979, Brock recorded his 3,000^th career hit. Following the season, he retired with a .293 career batting average, 3,023 hits, and 938 stolen bases. In 1985, he was a first-ballot Baseball Hall of Fame selection.

Spring pitched three innings for the Cardinals in 1964 and pitched for the Indians in 1965, his last year in the majors. Toth was immediately sent to the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in Jacksonville and was purchased by the Yankees the following January. He continued to pitch in the minor leagues through the 1967 season before retiring.

Broglio never regained his form as one of the league’s top pitchers. Battling arm troubles, he went 7-19 with a 5.40 ERA in 59 games for the Cubs, including 33 starts.

“When I was traded, my right arm was not in fine tune,” he said. “My elbow was really bothering me, and pitching in so many day games was not my piece of cake. In my opinion, the hitters see pitches better than they do at night.”[16]

Clemens played two seasons in Chicago, batting .238 with six homers and 38 RBIs before playing the final three seasons of his career with the Phillies. The 38-year-old Shantz allowed seven earned runs in 11 1/3 innings for the Cubs before he was sold to the Phillies in August. He pitched 32 innings for Philadelphia that season to close his 16-year major league career.

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[1] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Kindle Android version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Location 88.

[2] Richard Dozer, “Cubs Trade Brock for Broglio,” Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1964.

[3] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Kindle Android version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Location 124.

[4] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Kindle Android version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Location 95.

[5] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Kindle Android version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Location 1712.

[6] Bing Devine (2012), The Memoirs of Bing Devine: Stealing Lou Brock and Other Winning Moves by a Master GM, Kindle Android version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Location 1712.

[7] Neal Russo, “Cards Get Brock, Send Broglio to Cubs,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 15, 1964.

[8] Neal Russo, “Cards Get Brock, Send Broglio to Cubs,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 15, 1964.

[9] Richard Dozer, “Cubs Trade Brock for Broglio,” Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1964.

[10] Neal Russo, “Cards Get Brock, Send Broglio to Cubs,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 15, 1964.

[11] Richard Dozer, “Cubs Trade Brock for Broglio,” Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1964.

[12] Alex Coffey, “Lou Brock Traded To Cardinals,” Baseball Hall of Fame, https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/lou-brock-traded-to-cards, Accessed May 29, 2021.

[13] Neal Russo, “Brock Will Bat Second for Cardinals,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 16, 1964.

[14] Bob Gibson (2015), Pitch by Pitch: My View of One Unforgettable Game, Kindle Android Version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Page 30.

[15] Bob Gibson (2015), Pitch by Pitch: My View of One Unforgettable Game, Kindle Android Version, Retrieved from Amazon.com, Page 30.

[16] Russell Lake, “Ernie Broglio,” Society for American Baseball Research Bio Project, https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ernie-broglio/, Accessed May 29, 2021.

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