The Cardinals went 74-88 during the season and finished fourth in the National League East, 17 games behind the eventual NL pennant and World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Opening Day Starters
Bobby Bonds
George Hendrick
Keith Hernandez
Ken Oberkfell
Ken Reitz
Tony Scott
Ted Simmons
Garry Templeton
Pete Vuckovich
The Cardinals played the season under four different managers, Ken Boyer (fired June 8 between games of a double-header against the Expos in Montreal), Jack Krol (the second game of the double-header that same day), Whitey Herzog (June 9 until he was hired as the team’s general manager in late August, succeeding John Claiborne, who was fired earlier in August) and Red Schoendienst (from late August to end of season). After the season, Herzog reclaimed the managerial job.
This team set a record for the most Silver Slugger Award winners in one season: Keith Hernández (first base), Garry Templeton (shortstop), George Hendrick (outfielder), Ted Simmons (catcher), and Bob Forsch (pitcher). Hernández also won a Gold Glove.
Moves in Season
April 2, 1980: Roger Freed was released by the Cardinals.
April 7, 1980: Jeff Little was signed as a free agent with the Cardinals.
April 30, 1980: Pedro Borbón was signed as a free agent with the Cardinals.
April 30, 1980: Jim Kaat was purchased by the Cardinals from the New York Yankees.
May 9, 1980: Darold Knowles was released by the Cardinals.
May 27, 1980: Pedro Borbón was released by the Cardinals.
June 2, 1980: Jim Lentine was traded by the Cardinals to the Detroit Tigers for Al Greene and John Martin.
June 3, 1980: Dan Plesac was drafted by the Cardinals in the 2nd round of the 1980 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign.
Offseason
October 17, 1979: Mike Tyson was traded by the Cardinals to the Chicago Cubs for Donnie Moore.
March 31, 1980: Will McEnaney was released by the St. Louis Cardinals