After the first three batters of the ninth inning reached, putting the go-ahead run on third base, Al Hrabosky knew he needed to tap into something primal to escape the jam against the defending World Series champion Cincinnati Reds. “I talk to the gypsy war gods,” he explained afterward. “I work myself into a controlled …
May 9, 1977: Al Hrabosky and the gypsy war gods stifle Reds Read More »
The first time Darrell Porter met Whitey Herzog, he asked the Royals manager what was expected of him. Porter had just arrived in Kansas City in a trade from the Brewers, while Herzog was coming off his second season with the Royals, a 90-win campaign that resulted in an American League West championship. “I expect …
December 7, 1980: Whitey Herzog’s roster rebuild begins with Darrell Porter Read More »
Technically, Lou Brock’s pursuit of 3,000 career hits began September 10, 1962, when he singled in his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs. However, the Cardinals legend didn’t give serious thought to the milestone until speaking to Detroit Tigers outfielder Al Kaline in 1974. That season, the 40-year-old Kaline had reached the milestone in …
August 13, 1979: Lou Brock collects his 3,000th career hit in resurgent final season Read More »
On June 27, 1973, Joe Torre hit for the cycle for the first time in his 13-year major league career. He had Cardinals manager Red Schoendienst to thank for it. After hitting an eighth-inning triple to move within a single of the cycle, Torre asked Schoendienst to remove him from the game. Sensing that Torre …
June 27, 1973: Joe Torre hits for the cycle with an assist from Red Schoendienst Read More »
“That last pitch to Stargell exploded,” Cardinals manager Red Schoendienst said.[13] It was Gibson’s 201st win and the 48th shutout of his career. Though the Pirates had four baserunners, none advanced past first base. With the win, Gibson improved to 11-10 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.22. It had been a challenging, …
August 14, 1971: Bob Gibson pitches his ‘greatest game,’ no-hits the Pirates Read More »
