Name the Cardinal

[Iron Jaw]

First up...........

[Gooch]

Too easy... that's Bill White!

[Iron Jaw]

Yeah, Bill was pretty easy. It's hard to look at him in a Philly uniform though.

Try this former Cardinal:

[Steve Jeltz]

Curt Simmons.

[Gooch]

Great pictures, IronJaw!
But is this gonna be a parade of Redbirds who also played for the Phillies? This could take forever! (Just kidding!)

[Iron Jaw]

Never. Of course, we must always show the Philles gratitude for thier 1964 collapse. We gave the Phils a few great players like White and Groat at the end of their careers, and McCarver after he became injury prone in 1970. And Carlton :( . But we also gave the Bob Uecker in 1966. :D

[Iron Jaw]

This one once hit a crucial HR for the Cardinals (of course, it hurt another team more than the redbirds).

[Gooch]

I am stumped, I can't figure out who it is. I thought it might be catcher Paul Popovich, but I don't think he ever played for the Cubs.

[Gooch]

Sorry! I meant to say Popovich didn't play for the Cards!

[Iron Jaw]

Not Paul. This guy actually had some power. He hit as many as 21 HRs in a season (not for the Cards - his high with St. L was 14). His last team was the Cubbies. He played for other teams too.

[Gooch]

This is a tough one! I'll kick myself when you reveal who it is. The only other player I can think of is Don Kessinger (who DID play for the Cards at the end of his career)... but he had no power as I recall.

[Iron Jaw]

As a young Cardinal, he hit a crucial homerun that basically forced a NL playoff (back during a time when they didn't have playoffs - unless there was a tie for first). The Cardinals were not one of the playoff teams - just the spoiler.

[Iron Jaw]

The player in the Cub uniform was former Cardinal/Brave/Phillie (again)/BoSox and Cub catcher, Gene Oliver. Gene was the starting catcher for the Cardinals in 1962. He lost the job to Tim McCarver in 1963, though he still played quite a bit (he played 1b and a little of). He was traded to the Braves in mid-season 1963.

Now.....who was this former exellent Cardinal relief pitcher?

[Gooch]

That's Joe Hoerner!!! (He ALSO spent some time with The Phillies!)

[64Cards]

That's Joe Hoerner!!! (He ALSO spent some time with The Phillies!)
Damn, you just beat me to it Gooch! But I cheated, was looking up Colt .45 rosters, 62-64. I didn't realize Hoerner had been a Colt. They also had a couple of other guys who were decent relief pitchers for the Cards, Hal Woodeschick and dave Giusti.

[Gooch]

Well, IronJaw, you completely stumped me on Gene Oliver!

[Iron Jaw]

Another excellent player, and a favorite of mine during his Cardinal days (and he also played for the Phillies :ughh ).

[Gooch]

One of the great forgotten National Leaguers of the 1950s-1960s... Dick Groat!
I believe he won a batting title one year and was named MVP another, but the casual fan today probably never even heard of him. Talk about a guy who was overshadowed! Consider that his teammates included Ralph Kiner, Roberto Clemente, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Richie Allen, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal (among others).
Here's to you, Mr. Groat!

[Iron Jaw]

Dick was one of my personal favorites. A terrific singles hitter. And a former NL MVP.

Let's try an old timer (though, to some on this board, the guys I've shown are all old timers :( )

[Gooch]

Well, he's definitely from the 1930s, but he's not Hafey, nor Medwick, nor Pepper Martin, nor Frisch, nor Durocher, nor either of the Dean brothers. But I'll figure it out eventually. (I'll refrain from stating my guess, since I should give someone else a chance).

[runningshoes]

Murry Dickson?

[Iron Jaw]

Not little Murray. This guy preceeded him. This guy played in the teens, twenties and thirties.

[Gooch]

It's not the great Grover Cleveland Alexander is it??

[64Cards]

Here's a guess, Jim Bottomley [was my dad's favorite player]

[Iron Jaw]

It isn't Grover C. nor Sunny Jim.

He was a pitcher - and a good one.

[64Cards]

How about Jess Haines or Flint Rhem? In an era with a lot of alchy ballplayers, Rhem was supposedly one of the biggest ones.

[Iron Jaw]

Jess "Pop" Haines is correct.

Here's another, from another era.

Name the trio.....the Cardinals on the right and left should be real easy. The big gent in the center might be a toughie.

[Steve Jeltz]

Stan Musial, Bob Gibson and Curt Flood?

[Iron Jaw]

Stan and Curt are correct. But that isn't Bob Gibson in the middle. Bob wore number # 45. The big guy in the center wore number 26. The player only played one year for the Cardinals (he spent some time with the Cubs and Mets, and Japan). He had some power, hitting as many as 27 homeruns in a season.

[runningshoes]

He had some power, hitting as many as 27 homeruns in a season.

George Altman

1961 while with the cubs before coming to the Cards for one year...1963.

[Iron Jaw]

It is big George. He played for the Cardinals in 1963. A year later he was traded to the Mets for Roger Craig.

Altman retired from MLB in 1967, but proceeded to play about 8 seasons in Japan. He became a very popular player in the Japanese leagues.

[Iron Jaw]

Next on the list:

[tonjes]

is that an earlier photo of the mad hungarian?

[runningshoes]

It looks like Hrabosky, but the face ain't fat enough and I don't think I ever saw his mustache cut that high.

[tonjes]

It looks like Hrabosky, but the face ain't fat enough and I don't think I ever saw his mustache cut that high....that's because this is his senior picture. he's only 17 in this photo.

[Gooch]

The Mad Hungarian was my first choice, too. So, I'll go with third
baseman Ken Reitz.

[64Cards]

That was too easy, Kenny Reitz, a terrific glove at 3rd, usually a terror at the plate during April and May, who would cool off rather dramatically for the rest of the season. Reitzy may have been one of the slowest players ever, at least for a guy who wasn't overweight or crippled with bad wheels.

[Iron Jaw]

Kenny Reitz is correct.

The next guy was a starter/reliever for the Cardinals - though he spent most of his career elsewhere. But he was very important to the Cardinals once, in the World Series.

[Gooch]

Hint: "Humm, baby!"

[Steve Jeltz]

Looks like Roger Craig.

[64Cards]

And Rogers great moment was in the 64 WS. NY rocked starter Ray Sadecki with the first 4 hitters getting hits and 3 runs. Mgr. Johnny Keane, bless his heart, yanked Sadecki, rather than doing what I see a lot of managers do, that is, leave him in till he "finds" his stuff. And usually a game is out of hand by that point. But Craig came in and shutout NY for the next 5 innings, then Boyer hit a grand slam in the 6th to put STL up 4-3, Ron Taylor shut out NY the rest of the way. And the Cards evened the Series at 2, rather than being down 3-1.

I never tire of talking about it. :)

[Gooch]

And after retiring from baseball, he went on to have a great career as the 49ers running back!! :laugh

[64Cards]

It is big George. He played for the Cardinals in 1963. A year later he was traded to the Mets for Roger Craig.

Altman retired from MLB in 1967, but proceeded to play about 8 seasons in Japan. He became a very popular player in the Japanese leagues.
Kind of curious why his career in MLB fell apart. If you look it up, he had a couple pretty good seasons with the Cubs in 61 & 62, just his 3rd and 4th seasons in the bigs, hitting over .300 both seasons, HR count in the 20's with 96 rbi's one seasom and 74 the next. He should have been ready to have some big seasons when we got him in 63, year 5 of his career. And while you automatically think, maybe it was no longer being at Wrigley that hurt him, the old Sportsmans Park had a short porch for lefthanded hitters. Anyway, he finished at career at Wrigley, didn't do much. I know after his career in Japan, he came back to Chicago, was a very succesful stockbroker.

[Iron Jaw]

It was of course, Roger Craig, who they always said resembled entertainer/actor, Slim Summerville.

[Iron Jaw]

This former Cardinal (his heyday was with another team) may be harder to recognize - because in the picture he is older and on the Pirate coaching staff.

[Gooch]

Bill Virdon?

[Iron Jaw]

Good guess, but it wasn't Bill Virdon.

[runningshoes]

Dick Groat?

[64Cards]

Bob Skinner, lefthanded pinch hitter on the 64 team. I think he was the starting LFer on the 60 champion Bucs.

[Iron Jaw]

Bob Skinner it is. An excellent player in his heyday.

Another former Cardinal:

[64Cards]

Pat Corralles, a perpetual backup catcher.

[Iron Jaw]

That was quick 64.

Do you happen to have that 1966 Card of Corrales? He was just traded to the Cardinals and is wearing a Phillie uniform in the picture.

I have the 1965 Rookie Star card of Corrales and another player named Costen Shockley when they were Phillie farmhands.

I also have the 1967 card of Corrales, though after backing up McCarver in 1966, he spent the entire 1967 season in the minors.

Speaking of Cardinal backup catchers, who was this one (a former starter for other clubs, and a former All-Star catcher).

[Gooch]

Is that Max Alvis?

[runningshoes]

I don't think Alvis played for the Cards.

[Iron Jaw]

No, Max never played for St. Louis.

[Steve Jeltz]

How about Jim Hegan.

[64Cards]

Johnny Romano, was a 67 Cardinal.

[Gooch]

Yup, it looks like Johnny Romano! (although I think he was with The Cards for about five seconds!)

[Iron Jaw]

It is indeed Johnny Romano. Johnny played 24 games for the Cardinals in 1967, and had 58 at bats as McCarver's backup catcher. Romano didn't do much at the plate that year, and Dave Ricketts became the primary backup. Romano was released after the season and he retired.

Here is another McCarver backup:

[Gooch]

These photos are really testing my knowledge of obscure old Redbird players! So, I'll go with Gene Oliver.

[64Cards]

These photos are really testing my knowledge of obscure old Redbird players! So, I'll go with Gene Oliver.
I'll guess Johnny Edwards, who was Mccarvers backup in 68, maybe 69 too. Edwards had been the starting catcher for the Reds in the 60's for a while.

[Iron Jaw]

Edwards is correct. I wouldn't use Gene Oliver twice Gooch. :)

Edwards came to St. Louis from Cincinnati in 1968 to provide backup to McCarver. He was traded to Houston the following season.

Speaking of "obscure" former Cardinals, how about this one?

[Gooch]

I have no idea who this is, but I'll take a shot in the dark... Solly Hemus??

[64Cards]

Jerry Buchek? Not sure, that's a toughie.

[Iron Jaw]

You're hard to fool 64. That is indeed former reserve infielder Jerry Buchek. He's not exactly a household word.

This was a 50's type Cardinal. He had some power, but is not widely remembered (probably more than Buchek though).

[64Cards]

You're hard to fool 64. That is indeed former reserve infielder Jerry Buchek. He's not exactly a household word.

This was a 50's type Cardinal. He had some power, but is not widely remembered (probably more than Buchek though).
Buchek has been a car salesman in St. Louis for a while, I've heard.

Completely stumped me on the new post.

[runningshoes]

That's definatey Eldon "Rip" Repulski....his 1953 Topps card.

[Iron Jaw]

And you are correct. It is Rip.

Who is this bright, smiling young Cardinal?

[Gooch]

Now this one I know. That's Steve Carlton's personal catcher!

[runningshoes]

Now this one I know. That's Steve Carlton's personal catcher!

Don't keep us in suspense....... ;)

[Iron Jaw]

He certainly wasn't Steve's PC in the days when that pic was taken. He preceeded Lefty in the league. Those were the all-star days for the subject of the photo.

[Gooch]

Timmy McCarver!!!!

I live in NY and for reasons I don't fully understand, a lot of folks dislike McCarver as a broadcaster. The consensus is that he makes a lot of mistakes, often spouts the obvious, and tends to "favor" some players more than others, particularly Derek Jeter.
But I don't think Tim is any worse than any other broadcaster or "color" man.
I used to write this off as a typical New York "resentment of Southerners", but I think it goes deeper than that. (After all, Red Barber and Mel Allen were Southerners and they became NY legends).
Poor Tim.

[64Cards]

Timmy McCarver!!!!

I live in NY and for reasons I don't fully understand, a lot of folks dislike McCarver as a broadcaster. The consensus is that he makes a lot of mistakes, often spouts the obvious, and tends to "favor" some players more than others, particularly Derek Jeter.
But I don't think Tim is any worse than any other broadcaster or "color" man.
I used to write this off as a typical New York "resentment of Southerners", but I think it goes deeper than that. (After all, Red Barber and Mel Allen were Southerners and they became NY legends).
Poor Tim.
Gooch, I loved Tim as a player, but I can't stand him as an announcer either. To me, he hasn't learned the fine art of occasionally shutting up.

But, what the hell, he's had a very succesful career as a MLB announcer on the network level, so why should Tim care what others think. Obviously he's keeping the suits at the networks and ad agencies happy.

[Gooch]

In the mid-1980s when McCarver broadcast Mets games, some of the players, particularly Darryl Strawberry and Ron Darling, complained about him and the way he'd criticize the players. But I thought Tim was doing his job -- criticizing players if they performed poorly or made dumb mistakes. I guess ballplayers get more incensed when ex-players critique them. (Remember when Deion Sanders splashed water on Tim in the locker room???)

[Iron Jaw]

This one could be difficult............


But he was once part of a historic Cardinal moment.....

[Gooch]

Is that Cesar Cedeno?

[Iron Jaw]

No......not Cesar. This particular player had a lot more success in Japan than he did in MLB. But he was indeed part of a historic moment when he was a Cardinal.

[flash143817]

Evander Holyfield?

[Iron Jaw]

Evander Holyfield?

No.....his ears are still intact. :D

[runningshoes]

That's Tommy Cruz.

His nephew is Jose Cruz Jr. I remember Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth talking about him when Jose played for the Blue Jays.

[Iron Jaw]

You are correct. Cirilio "Tommy" Cruz. Of the three Cruz brothers, Tommy, Jose Sr. and Hector, Tommy spent the least time in MLB. Jose had an excellent 19 year career, and was a two-time all-star. Hector (Heity) was nothing like Jose, but he was able to fashion a nine year career as a platoon player (he was a starter for a couple of years). But Tommy only played seven games in the majors and went to bat twice.

However, in 1973, when Jose was a regular outfielder for the Cardinals, his brothers Hector and Tommy were called to the majors briefly. On one evening, all three brothers formed the Cardinal outfield, a feat originally done a decade earlier by Felipe, Matty and Jesus Alou when they played for the Giants.

Who was this former Cardinal pitcher, who's brother also spent some time on the club.

[Gooch]

Looks a bit like Mr. Spock from "Star Trek."

[BaylorDan]

Von McDaniel?

What a great thread this is as I have just found this site. I thought I knew Cardinal history and faces better than I do. I am really impressed with some of you and look forward to communicating with you.

[Iron Jaw]

Indeed it is Von McDaniel. The Cardinals had high hopes for Von and his brother Lindy when they came to St. Louis. Von had an excellent rookie season, but his arm was shot shortly afterwards. Lindy, of course, had a long, solid career mostly as a relief ace.

Here's another long forgotten Cardinal:

[BaylorDan]

Walker Cooper

[Gooch]

I think that's Walker Cooper as well. Cooper had a strange, but long,
career. He started and ended with the Cards, and made several stops in between. In 1947, while with the NY Giants, he had a fabulous season with something like 35 homers, and over 120 RBIS -- but he never again came close to matching those numbers. I think he had a brother who also played with the Cards (Mort?).

[BaylorDan]

Iron Jaw, and any others, give me more information on Von McDaniel. Was it an arm injury or maybe a combination of things that ended his career so quickly?

He came straight to the Cardinals in 1957 out of high schooll in Hollis, Oklahoma. He was 7-5 as a rookie and had four complete games in 13 starts with a 3.22 ERA.

The next season, he threw only two innings, gave up three runs on five hits and five walks, and never pitched again--at least in the majors.. He died in 1995 at the age of 56.

[64Cards]

I think that's Walker Cooper as well. Cooper had a strange, but long,
career. He started and ended with the Cards, and made several stops in between. In 1947, while with the NY Giants, he had a fabulous season with something like 35 homers, and over 120 RBIS -- but he never again came close to matching those numbers. I think he had a brother who also played with the Cards (Mort?).
His brother Mort had some excellent seasons pitching for those great Cardinal teams of the 40's.

[BaylorDan]

I wonder what happened to Iron Jaw? I wonder about such things. I don't know if Gooch does or not.

[Iron Jaw]

I wonder what happened to Iron Jaw? .

Huh??????

Yes, that was Walker Cooper.

With Von McDaniel, it was a sore shoulder from which he never fully recovered. He tried, but when he couldn't get minor league batters out he called it a career. Older brother Lindy, on the other hand, lasted 21 seasons in the big leagues. Lindy is best known as a reliever, but when Von came to the club in 1957, Lindy was a starter with a 15-9 record.

Who is this former U.S. congressman?

[64Cards]

Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell, southpaw pitcher for the Cards in the 50's.

[Iron Jaw]

Correct - and quick......I'll have to throw another former Cardinal on the screen.

[64Cards]

A guess, Hoby Landrith...I've seen those eyes before on a baseball card.

Whomever it is, should have been in the movies or tv instead of baseball. Would have been great in westerns.

[BaylorDan]

With Von McDaniel, it was a sore shoulder from which he never fully recovered.Since posting about him, I found a source that claimed that he lost his mechanics, kind of like Rick Ankiel and some others. He did go to the minors, even as low as Class D, but never recaptured the magic and never returned to the major leagues.

[BaylorDan]

Huh??????That was in response to my prior post wondering about Iron Jaw.

Iron Jaw, don't wonder about such things. The "I wonder about such things. I don't know if xxxx does or not." is just one of the lines I use often on a Baylor site.

I really don't wonder about you; so far I just really appreciate you for all the good posts you have about our team. Keep on keeping on.

[Iron Jaw]

It's not Hobie. But Hobie did play the same position.

[64Cards]

It's not Hobie. But Hobie did play the same position.
Ok, another guess, how about Hal Smith? There was 2 Hal Smiths in MLB, late 50's & early 60's, both catchers. One was with the Pirates, hit the homer in Game 7 of the 60 WS, the other was a Cardinal, I don't think he was around too long.

[BaylorDan]

The Hal Smith that played for the Cardinals made the all-star team twice in his six years with the team.

[Iron Jaw]

But it's not either Hal Smith. This guy played into the 1970's. He was usually a part-time or platoon catcher - though one season, with an expansion team, he was a full-time starter, and did a decent job.

[runningshoes]

Jerry McNertney?

[Iron Jaw]

Jerry McNertney is correct. Jerry had a solid season for St. Louis as backup to Ted Simmons in 1971. He played one more season in St. Louis, was traded to Pittsburgh in 1973, and retired shortly afterwards.

McNertney was a ChiSox backup and platoon catcher for a few years, then was drafted by the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969, where he was the regular catcher - and had a decent season at and behind the plate.

This former slugger played one season for the Cardinals:

[Gooch]

That's Leon Wagner, one of the first Los Angeles Angels. He had a few
great power-hitting seasons in the early 1960s. He died in early 2004
(I think he was in poverty at the time).

[64Cards]

The Hal Smith that played for the Cardinals made the all-star team twice in his six years with the team.
Good info, Dan, I would have never guessed that.

[moviegeekjan]

Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell, southpaw pitcher for the Cards in the 50's. "Vinegar Bend" is one of few autographs I got when I was a kid ... he came to Quincy, Illinois during the off season on a promo tour for the Cards. We were happy to get ANY Cardinal player autographs.

[Iron Jaw]

That's Leon Wagner, one of the first Los Angeles Angels. He had a few
great power-hitting seasons in the early 1960s. He died in early 2004
(I think he was in poverty at the time).

That is indeed, "Daddy Wags." He spent the 1960 season with the Cardinals.

Here's another former Cardinal:

[Gooch]

I know this only because I actually have this 1968 Topps card!
That's second baseman Julian Javier!
Julian had a son named Stan who played in the majors as well
(I believe mostly for the Oakland A's). Julian named his son in
honor of Mr. Musial.

[64Cards]

I know this only because I actually have this 1968 Topps card!
That's second baseman Julian Javier!
Julian had a son named Stan who played in the majors as well
(I believe mostly for the Oakland A's). Julian named his son in
honor of Mr. Musial.
If MLB only permitted left-handed pitchers, Hoolie would be in the HOF.

Of course, I guess quite a few other right-handed hitters would be, too.

[Gooch]

If I'm not mistaken, I think Julian was one of the very first major leaguers to come from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic... the first of countless.
Julian was a solid 2nd-baseman who is virtually forgotten today.

[Iron Jaw]

Julian was a solid second sacker, and hit as well as most of the people during his time, at his position.


Here's another former Cardinal:

[runningshoes]

That would be Garth's brother...Dane

[Iron Jaw]

It is Dane Iorg - correct. Who was a much better hitter than brother Garth.


Who is the former Cardinal (the pic is from his managing days)?

[BaylorDan]

Harry Walker. His brother Dixie also was a major leaguer. I saw Harry as a player/manager for Houston when it was a AA minor league team of the Cardinals.

[Gooch]

Yup, that's Harry the Hat! I believe he won a batting title one year. His brother "Dixie" was a very popular player in Brooklyn in the 1940s.
Harry and Dixie's father was a pitcher in the early part of the
century.

[BaylorDan]

Harry Walker won the batting title in a year that started with the Cardinals. He was traded to the Phillies for Ron Northey. Bad trade but not as bad as the Steve Carlton one.

[Gooch]

Harry Walker became a well-respected batting coach after he retired. I think one of his star pupils was Matty Alou, who won a batting title with Pittsburgh.

[64Cards]

A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to Keith Hernandez on "Live at Shannons" a terrific show Mike hosts after Cards home games on friday & saturday nites. Keith was mentioning the Harry Walker almost ruined his career after he came up, Walker was the Cards roving hitting instructor and they saw fit to have him monkey with Keith's fine sweet stroke. Harry made him constantly trying to hit everything to LF. Hernandez said it ruined his swing, he was sent back to the minors and had Ken Boyer as a manager. Kenny told him, "you can pull any fastball, go back to that" worked with him on doing that. Hernandez said Boyer saved his career.

[Gooch]

That's an interesting story about Walker and Hernandez. The art of hitting is one of the most interesting aspects of baseball -- what's good for one hitter is bad for another. I remember reading about when Ted Williams managed the Senators, he helped his hitters with their stances and strokes and most of them saw their batting averages rise. But some hitteres didn't like Ted's theories and said they didn't apply to them. And so they tuned Ted out!

[Iron Jaw]

That was Harry Walker.


Who's this former Cardinal hurler?

[Gooch]

Ray Washburn?

[Iron Jaw]

Yes, it is Ray. He had that solid season back in 1968, including a no-hitter, then his arm went south the following year.

Here's an oldster.

Though he was an excellent ballplayer, he was more well known for doing something else - with another club.

[Gooch]

Wild guess... a young Branch Rickey?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Branch Rickey.

But he did gain great fame as a manager.

[Gooch]

Then it's gotta be Miller Huggins!

[Iron Jaw]

It is Miller Huggins, who spent his playing days with the Cardinals and Reds, but gained fame as a Yankee manager.

This player played only one season as a Cardinal. And his career didn't last too long. But he had a moment of glory, breaking up an extra inning no-hitter with a home run once.

[runningshoes]

Johnny Lewis

He hit a tenth inning home run in 1965 to ruin Jim Maloney's no hitter in Cinncy.

[64Cards]

Johnny Lewis

He hit a tenth inning home run in 1965 to ruin Jim Maloney's no hitter in Cinncy.
Very good. I remember Lewis started the 64 season as starting RFer, a rookie, very heralded. By mid-season, he was out and Mike Shannon was in at RF, Shannon had about 45 RBI's playing half a season, usually batting 7th.

[Iron Jaw]

Johnny Lewis it is.


Here's another Cardinal from long ago:

[Gooch]

If he wore glasses, I'd say Chick Hafey.

[Iron Jaw]

Not Chick, but he did have an unusual name.

[Gooch]

Flint Rhem is a funny name!

[Iron Jaw]

And it is Flint Rhem.


Here's another former Cardinal, a bit more recent than Flint.

[Gooch]

He could hit one over the MOON...

[Iron Jaw]

He could hit one over the MOON...

I don't think Wally had that kind of power. But the eyebrows were always very distinctive.


Here's a unique photo of a former Cardinal (courtesy of CubHub):

[64Cards]

Chick Hafey?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Hafey. But Hafey was a teammate.

[runningshoes]

re you sure that's not Hafey? This is a photo I have of Hafey, and I have a few others as well.

[Iron Jaw]

No, it's not Hafey. There is a resemblence though. This player was the first modern player (post 1901) other than a pitcher to wear eyeglasses during a Major League game. This player came up to the bigs a few years before Chick, but they did play together as a "glasses" duo on the Cardinals.

Here's a baseball card of the same gent:

[runningshoes]

No, it's not Hafey. There is a resemblence though

They look like they were seperated at birth. :laugh

[runningshoes]

George ''Specs'' Toporcer.

The resembalance is uncanny.

Poor guy went blind trying to correct his eysight.

I watched this kid and saw him take off his glasses and, with his hands outstretched, grope his way along the wall to the showers. My captain turned to me and said, For God's sake, who sent him up? - Norman L. Macht, baseball writer and statistician

[Iron Jaw]

Specs Toporcer is correct.

Here's another former Cardinal:

[runningshoes]

That's Ray Jablonski, one of the Polish Falcons, in his 1957 Topps card. I don't think actually played for the cubs. I know he was involved in a trade with the Cubs, but he played for the Giants in 1957. Spring training photo perhaps?

[Gooch]

That COULD be Jablonski, but, yes, the Cubs uniform is a mystery. Jablonski had a truly weird career -- in his first two seasons, he was the Cards starting third-baseman and hit pretty well. Then he was suddenly traded (I think because of a weak glove), then bounced around the league and his career was over!

[Iron Jaw]

It is Ray Jablonski.

He never played an official game for the Cubbies, but he did take the time to pose for a baseball card.

November 13, 1956: Traded by the Cincinnati Redlegs with Elmer Singleton to the Chicago Cubs for Don Hoak, Warren Hacker, and Pete Whisenant.

April 16, 1957: Traded by the Chicago Cubs with Ray Katt to the New York Giants for Dick Littlefield and Bob Lennon.

It looks like he was traded to the Cubs during the winter and to the Giants after Spring Training. Here's another Cardinal favorite.

[Gooch]

Terry Moore?

[runningshoes]

That's Del Rice. He managed the Angels in 1972.

[Iron Jaw]

That is Del Rice.


Who's the next Cardinal?

[64Cards]

Joe Cunningham, I believe. was traded to the Chisox in 62 for Minnie Minoso. MM was pretty much over the hill by the time the Cards got him. Would have liked to have seen him at his peak.

[Iron Jaw]

Joe C. is correct. A pretty decent hitter in his day.

Who is the next former Cardinal?

[Gooch]

A very young Cesar Cedeno?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Cesar.................................

[64Cards]

I'll say Scipio Spinks. That's my final answer, Regis.

The Cardinals traded Jerry Reuss for Spinks, around 1972, another in a series of absolute bird-brained [no pun intended] deals involving some very good pitching talent that the Cards would let get away in the late 60's & early 70's. They also traded Carlton, Torrez and Cuellar. :noidea

[Iron Jaw]

It's not Scipio.............

[Iron Jaw]

This guy didn't stick with the Cardinals very long. Nor was he in the majors very long. But his last name made people think he was a younger version of another famous hurler. And in the minors, he displayed tremendous potential - that never panned out.

[flash143817]

Hal Gilson

[Iron Jaw]

Hal Gilson is correct. The Cardinals were pretty high on him when he came up, but it didn't last long.


Here's another former Cardinal

[DODGER DEB]

Hal Gilson is correct. The Cardinals were pretty high on him when he came up, but it didn't last long.


Here's another former Cardinal

Just a wild guess...is it RIP RUPULSKI?

c.

[Iron Jaw]

It's not Rip (I already did Rip - I think). This guy was a once supposed phenom who never developed very well in the majors - though he had one season as a full-time starter (and batted .226).

[runningshoes]

Harry Anderson?

[Iron Jaw]

It's not Harry either.

[Gooch]

Is it Carl Sawatski?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Carl............

[Gooch]

Ron Northey?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Northey.

This guy spent very little time with the Phillies (two games), though he was prized in the minors. He had some part-time seasons with the Cardinals, and finally, one season as a starter with the Cubs.

[RBi]

Don Landrum

[Iron Jaw]

It is Don Landrum, who was a regular outfielder on the 1965 Cubs.

Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker

[Iron Jaw]

Too easy - though Bob is younger in the picture.


Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

Is that "Country"?

[Iron Jaw]

Yes, it's Country Enos.

Who's this former Cardinal standout?

[runningshoes]

Marty "Slats" Marion

Seven All-Star games in a row, four pennants and three World Championships.

6' 2". Quite tall for a shortstop in the 1940's

[Iron Jaw]

Of course, that's Marty Marion.

Who is the next, lesser known Cardinal?

[Mr. Met]

Ed Spezio who I believe went on to become an original Padre.

[Iron Jaw]

He was an original Padre. His son Scott had had a fair career.


Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

That's my boy, Leron Lee! I have that Topps card (from '71, if memory serves).

[Iron Jaw]

I thought Leron might go a little slower.

I understand he became quite a star in Japanese baseball.


Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

Looks sorta like Dave Ricketts... but Rickets was a catcher, not a pitcher.

[RBi]

Dick Hughes?

http://i8.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/fd/8c/45_1.JPG

[Gooch]

Dick Hughes, of course! I recall he had a great season in '67, played one more year, then he was gone! Does anyone know what became of Hughes?

[64Cards]

Dick Hughes, of course! I recall he had a great season in '67, played one more year, then he was gone! Does anyone know what became of Hughes?
Hurt his arm, I think he passed away a few years ago.

[RBi]

Hurt his arm, I think he passed away a few years ago.

My records show he is still alive..

That is what his Stat page says anyways!

[Iron Jaw]

Dick Hughes, primarily a career minor leaguer prior to the 1967 season, provided tremedous pitching for the Cardinals that year with a 16-6 record and 12 complete games. Remember, Gibby was out for about six weeks with a broken leg, and guys like Hughes, and Nelson Briles from the Cardinal bullpen, ably filled the void.

Next Cardinal:

[DODGER DEB]

This is a wild guess...could it be SOLLY HEMUS?

c.

[Iron Jaw]

He sort of resembles an older Solly, but it's not Solly.

[RBi]

http://www.vintagecardtraders.com/virtual/58topps/58topps-053.jpg

[RBi]

Morrie Martin

[BaylorDan]

This is a wild guess...could it be SOLLY HEMUS?Solomon Joseph Hemus, the last living member of the 1947 Houston Buffs Dixie Series champion.

[Iron Jaw]

It is Morrie. Not exactly a household word.

Next Cardinal:

[runningshoes]

Larry Jackson

He broke jaw in spring training in 1961 after being hit by Duke Snider's shattered bat.

He was supposed to be an Expo when they came into the league in 1967 but he retired and became a sports writer.

[Mr. Met]

Well the Expos began in 1969. The last few years before that, Larry Jackson was the #3 or #4 starter on the Phillies behind Jim Bunning & Chris Short.

[Iron Jaw]

Larry actually pitched through the 1968 season with the Phils. He was still a pretty effective starter too. He retired after the Expos drafted him as the
23rd pick of the expansion draft.

Larry had a great season in 1964, with the Cubbies. He went 24-11 for a team that finished 8th.


Next Cardinal:

[runningshoes]

Wes Covington?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Wes. Wes bounced around the league quite a bit, but he missed St. Louis.

[Gooch]

Byron Browne?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Byrone either.

[Gooch]

Is that the gun-nut Alex Johnson??

[Iron Jaw]

That is Alex Johnson, as a young member of the Phillies in 1964. His tour with the Cardinals, 1966-67 (a good portion of the first year was spent in the minors) was perhaps, the most quiet of his stormy career. But then, he did absolutely nothing to help the Cardinals anyway. In fact, the Cardinals gave him up to Cincinnati for peanuts - Dick Simpson in a straight trade.

[Mr. Met]

His brother, Ron Johnson, was a pretty fair running back for the NY Giants in the early 70's.

[64Cards]

Larry Jackson

He broke jaw in spring training in 1961 after being hit by Duke Snider's shattered bat.

He was supposed to be an Expo when they came into the league in 1967 but he retired and became a sports writer.
Larry Jackson was one of my first Cardinal favorites, was the starting pitcher first game I ever saw with my dad and brother, 7/27/62, vs. Chicago. And I hate to keep off killing Cardinal players, but I'm pretty sure Larry died a couple years ago.

As for Morrie Martin, I can honestly say that is one player I have NEVER heard of before.:noidea

[Gooch]

[QUOTE=64Cards]And I hate to keep off killing Cardinal players, but I'm pretty sure Larry died a couple years ago.

Yes, Jackson died about fifteen years ago. I forget the circumstances, but he was not even 60.

[Gooch]

That is Alex Johnson, as a young member of the Phillies in 1964. His tour with the Cardinals, 1966-67 (a good portion of the first year was spent in the minors) was perhaps, the most quiet of his stormy career. But then, he did absolutely nothing to help the Cardinals anyway. In fact, the Cardinals gave him up to Cincinnati for peanuts - Dick Simpson in a straight trade.


Johnson was probably mentally ill or something. I recall reading about the chaos he created with the Angels, including threatening another player with a pistol! The thing was, Alex was a very, very good player; he won a batting title one year (edging out Yaz, I believe). Had he blossomed with the Cards, they would've had an outfield of Brock-Flood-Johnson, and I doubt they would've traded for Roger Maris in that case. ]
I didn't realize till now that AJ was ever on the Phils. I wonder what the 1960s Phils clubhouse would've been like with Alex AND Rich Allen together???

[64Cards]

That is Alex Johnson, as a young member of the Phillies in 1964. His tour with the Cardinals, 1966-67 (a good portion of the first year was spent in the minors) was perhaps, the most quiet of his stormy career. But then, he did absolutely nothing to help the Cardinals anyway. In fact, the Cardinals gave him up to Cincinnati for peanuts - Dick Simpson in a straight trade.
Here's a good AJ story. I was watching a game between the Cards and SF, from Candlestick. Mays gets a basehit to RF, makes a huge turn at 1B, where AJ has the ball. Jack Buck was announcing on tv and says,"Alex, what you need to do is run in straight at Willie, make him break for either base, then throw him out." But AJ continues to hold on to the ball while Willie was dancing between 1st and 2nd. Then Buck says, "Well Alex, you'd just better throw the ball to 2nd. Just don't throw it to first." Finally Alex throws the ball to first base and Mays walks into 2nd base. Said Buck, "I guess he didn't listen to me.":noidea

[Iron Jaw]

Next Cardinal:

[BaylorDan]

This great thread needs to be kept alive.

I don't know this particular player but someone surely does. I'll be checking back.

[Iron Jaw]

The guy was certainly a "weapon" on the mound.:D

[RBi]

Next Cardinal:
Paul Derringer

http://baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=derripa01

[Iron Jaw]

Paul Derringer it is. Not really remembered as a Cardinal - more from his glory days with the Reds.

Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

Is that Grady Hatton?

[Iron Jaw]

Not Grady............

[RBi]

Alex Grammas

[Iron Jaw]

Alex it is.

Next Cardinal.................................

[Iron Jaw]

The pictured player was excellent at the AAA level in Tulsa. He spent a little time with the Cardinals but became a starter elsewhere - not for very long though. One season as a starter. The infielder's career average was only .206. He did hit as many as 11 homers in a ML season though.

[BaylorDan]

Iron Jaw, you may be making this a bit too tough now. After this one, give us some more familiar faces to revive this very interesting thread.

[Iron Jaw]

The above player was a star with the Cardinal AAA franchise, Tulsa. In 1968 the Tulsa Oilers had a trio called the "Three H's." Career minor league star Jim Hicks was one and Joe Hague was another. This player was the "sparkplug" of the trio.

He was called up to St. Louis full-time in 1969 as a utility infielder. In 1970, he was traded to San Diego for another utility infielder, Don Mason. He became a starting infielder with the Padres, bouncing between 2nd and 3rd base. He was shipped to the ChiSox after that, and after a full season with the Sox, he had one more coffee break in the majors before calling it a career.

[Steve Jeltz]

Steve Huntz

[Iron Jaw]

Steve Huntz is correct.

Next Cardinal:

[BaylorDan]

Iron Jaw, do you call that making things easier? Not a very good shot of a mug would you say?

However, it does look a bit like Kenny Boyer, although he looks a bit heavy.

[Iron Jaw]

It is Kenny Boyer, knocking a grand slam off Al Downing in the 1964 World Series, Game # 4.

Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

That's Dave Ricketts, Timmy McCarver's backup for a few of those pennant-winning teams if memory serves.

[Iron Jaw]

Yes, it's Dave Ricketts.


Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

Threw left, batted right, Carl Warwick.

[Iron Jaw]

Carl Warwick it is. Good regular player for the original Colt .45's, and a solid pinch-hitter for the 1964 Cardinals.


Next Cardinal:

[Steve Jeltz]

Billy McCool

[Gooch]

McCool was white. But I have no clue who this is. Kinda looks like Chico Cardenas, but he wasn't a pitcher.

[Iron Jaw]

It's not McCool. And it's not Leo Cardenas (who did not play for the Cardinals).

In fact, this guy did not have his great years as a Cardinal. Nor as a Red (he didn't spend a long time with the Reds, and that's a very young picture).

But he did win a very major pitching award later in his career - and was an awsome pitcher once he came into his own.

[BaylorDan]

Mike Cuellar

[Gooch]

That DOES look like Cuellar! I had no idea he ever played in Cincinnati!
Live and learn...

[Iron Jaw]

That is Mike Cuellar. What a great pitcher he became when he came to Baltimore. He actually pitched pretty well in Houston too, but didn't get the run support.

He was in the Reds' organization for awhile, and had a coffee break with them.

Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

Pedro Guerrero (Vin Scully always called him "Pete").
Guerrero was an awesome hitter.

[Iron Jaw]

Pedro it is.

Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

How about that semi-famous Tracy Stallard?

[Iron Jaw]

Well, Tracy did achieve a bit of fame in his career - giving up the 61st homerun to Roger Maris when he was with the Red Sox.:crazy

Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

A pretty good pitcher in '64 but more famous for being in the lopsided Orlando Cepeda deal, Ray Sadecki.

[Iron Jaw]

Sadecki was traded straight up for Orlando Cepeda in 1966. Prior to the 1969 season, Cepeda was traded to the Braves for Joe Torre. Prior to the 1975 season, Sadecki was traded from the Mets back to the Cardinals with Tommy Moore for Joe Torre.

Next Cardinal:

[BaylorDan]

Peanuts Lowry

[Iron Jaw]

Peanuts it is.

Drat, blasted Astros.

Oh well - next year.

I always hated playoffs - prefer the pre-1969 structure.


Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

Bobby Tolan?

[Iron Jaw]

It is Bobby Tolan. Traded to Cincinnati after the 1968 season with reliever, Wayne Granger, for Vada Pinson.

Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

Jose Cardenal?

[Iron Jaw]

That is Jose. He didn't play for the Cardinals too long, but his name fit the team. I should have put in a pic of Jose with the afro sticking way out of his hat.


Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

Now we were just talking about Vada Pinson weren't we? :waving

A great player in his day. He sort of 'disappeared' after leaving Cincinnatti.

[Gooch]

Yup, that's Pinson -- one of the most overlooked players from the 1960s. I remember him from the early 1970s when he bounced from the Indians to the Angels to KC. A great player. Sadly, he died about ten years ago.

[Iron Jaw]

Vada had a couple of good years after he left Cincy, but he slowed down quite a bit. An excellent player, and from what I understand a very nice person. He was close buddies with HOFer Frank Robinson.

Next Cardinal:

[Mr. Met]

Jose Cruz, Senor? :D

[Iron Jaw]

Jose it is, one of three Cruz brothers to play for St. Louis, and easilly the best of the trio (Hector was below average, but lasted a few seasons - Cirilio "Tommy" only had a coffee break in the majors).

Jose never made it big with the Cardinals, but had a heck of a career in Houston.

Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

Jack Lamabe.

[Iron Jaw]

Jack didn't have a storied career, but I remember him in a rare start, tossing a shutout for the Cardinals shortly after he was traded to them in 1967.


Next Cardinal:

[Gooch]

The Big Cat, Johnny Mize.

[Iron Jaw]

It is big Jawn.

Next Cardinal:

[64Cards]

It's Charlie James. He was a local guy, who never quite produced the way the Cards thought he would. After Musial retired in 1963, he was pretty much given his postion in LF, but wasn't doing too much, so in june of 64, the Cards traded Broglio for Lou Brock.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

[Iron Jaw]

Charlie was out of the game rather quickly after the Cardinals traded him to Cincinnati.

Next Cardinal: