The Cardinals went 105-57 during the season, the most of any Cardinals team since 1944, and the first Cardinal team to win 100 or more games since 1985, and won the National League Central division by 13 games over the NL Wild-Card Champion Houston Astros.
In the playoffs the Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3 games to 1 in the NLDS and the Astros 4 games to 3 in the NLCS to reach their first World Series since 1987. In the World Series the Cardinals faced the Boston Red Sox and were swept 4 games to 0. It was the final World Series played at Busch Memorial Stadium.
GOLD GLOVE WINNERS
Catcher Mike Matheny, third baseman Scott Rolen, and outfielder Jim Edmonds won Gold Gloves this year.
Transactions
December 2, 2003: Signed free agent pitcher Chris Carpenter.
December 13: Traded outfielder J. D. Drew and catcher Eli Marrero to the Atlanta Braves for pitchers Jason Marquis, Ray King, and Adam Wainwright.
January 10, 2004: Signed free agent pitcher Alan Benes.
February 12: Signed free agent John Mabry.
Opening Day starters
Jim Edmonds
Ray Lankford
Mike Matheny
Matt Morris
Albert Pujols
Edgar Rentería
Scott Rolen
Reggie Sanders
Tony Womack