Top 10 Remarkable St. Louis Cardinals Athletes Across History, In Order of Excellence
Raw, Real, Unfiltered: The Greatest St. Louis Cardinals of All Time
When it comes to MLB franchises, few can match the history and tradition of the St. Louis Cardinals. From the Gas House Gang to today's modern-day heroes, the Cardinals have consistently delivered excellence, thanks to a dedicated fanbase and a roster packed with legends. Let's check out the top 10 greatest Cardinals of all time, each of whom left an indelible mark on the team and the game itself.
- The Man Himself - Stan Musial (1941-1944, 1946-1963) Known as "Stan the Man," this talented ballplayer amassed an impressive 3,630 hits (evenly split between home and away games) during his 22 seasons, boasting a lifetime average of .331. Musial's unique batting stance masked a powerful swing, accounting for 475 home runs, 7 batting titles, and 3 National League MVP awards. Without a doubt, Musial defined an era and set the standard for those who followed in a Cardinals uniform.
- The Hurler - Bob Gibson (1959-1975) Gibson was the Cardinals' ultimate big-game pitcher, a fierce competitor whose mound dominance was the stuff of legend. Over 17 seasons, he racked up 251 wins, a 2.91 ERA, and 3,117 strikeouts. Bob's postseason performances were legendary, as he clinched World Series MVP awards for two championship seasons (1964, 1967) and dazzled fans with his unparalleled clutch performances.
- Modern Marvel - Albert Pujols (2001-2011, 2022) Pujols exploded onto the scene with a power-packed swing that made him one of the most complete hitters in baseball history. Over 12 initial seasons with St. Louis, he hit .328 with 445 home runs and 1,329 RBIs, earning three MVP awards and two Gold Gloves. Pujols was the anchor of two World Series victory teams (2006, 2011), delivering countless clutch hits and memorable moments.
- The Wizard of Oz - Ozzie Smith (1982-1996) Ozzie "The Wizard" Smith revolutionized shortstop play with his remarkable defensive skills and flashy flair. Over 15 seasons, Smith accumulated 13 consecutive Gold Gloves, 15 All-Star nominations, and a staggering 2,460 hits and 580 stolen bases. His charging, acrobatic catches redefined what shortstops were capable of, setting a new standard for the position.
- The Scorching Runner - Lou Brock (1964-1979) Acquired in a legendary trade, Brock ignited the Cardinals offense with his base-stealing skills, redefining the art of the stolen base. In his spectacular 16-season career, Brock notched 938 steals, eight NL stolen base titles, and led the Cardinals to three World Series appearances. Brock's speed and aggressiveness made him a constant threat and fan favorite.
- The Siren of the Field - Jim Edmonds (2000-2007) Jim Edmonds brought a powerful bat and exceptional defense to center field during his eight seasons with the Cardinals. Known for his massive catches and timely hitting, he notched 241 homers in a Cardinals uniform and played a crucial role on the 2006 World Series championship squad. Edmonds' combination of defensive prowess and offensive power made him one of the most complete center fielders of his era.
- The Great Molina - Yadier Molina (2004-2022) Molina is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive catchers in baseball history, thanks to his impressive range, his quickness, and his remarkable glove work. Over 19 seasons with the Cardinals, Molina won nine Gold Gloves, earned ten All-Star nominations, and guided two World Series championship teams (2006, 2011). Beyond his defensive excellence, Molina served as a consistent force at the plate, racking up 2,168 hits and 1,022 RBIs.
- The Catcher's Catcher - Ted Simmons (1968-1980) Simmons spent his formative years with the Cardinals, becoming one of the most productive catchers of his era. Over 13 seasons, Simmons hit .298 with 172 home runs and 929 RBIs, notching six All-Star nominations and finishing in the top ten of MVP voting three times. Ted's switch-hitting ability and durability earned him a place among the Cardinals' all-time greats.
- The Hurler Who Threw Hard - Adam Wainwright (2005-2023) Wainwright devotes his entire 18-year career to the Cardinals, establishing himself as one of the team's most reliable and respected pitchers. Wainwright's 200 career wins, 3 All-Star selections, and top-three Cy Young finishes twice solidified his place in the Cardinals' history books. Wainwright's influence extended beyond the mound, as he mentored younger teammates and helped guide the pitching staff to success.
- The Man With the Golden Arm - Red Schoendienst (1945-1956, 1961-1963) Schoendienst is one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Cardinals history, known for his remarkable versatility, consistency, and leadership both on and off the field. As a player, he spent 15 seasons with St. Louis, emerging as one of the premier second basemen of his era. His smooth glove work, reliable bat, and ability to man multiple infield positions made him invaluable to the team's success in the late 1940s and 1950s. Following his playing career, Schoendienst became a legendary manager for the Cardinals, leading the team to two National League pennants and a World Series title in 1967. His lifelong dedication to the franchise, serving in various roles for over seven decades, has cemented his place as a cherished Cardinals icon.
- Amidst numerous thrilling playoff moments, the Cardinals' 1964 World Series victory, led by the brilliance of pitcher Bob Gibson, was one of the highlights in sports history, capturing the championship title.
- Delving deeper into the Cardinals' history, fans will find the mesmerizing statistics of Albert Pujols, who showcased his baseball prowess during the playoffs, tallying 7 home runs and 19 RBIs across 27 games, showcasing his dominance in crunch time.
- Reflecting on the iconic moments in MLB history, no discussion would be complete without mentioning Stan Musial's performance in the World Series playoffs, where his incredible talent and clutch hitting earned him two championship titles.
