Receiving 337 votes of the 401 BBWAA ballots cast in 1981 (84%) in his first year of eligibility, Cardinal right-hander Bob Gibson is the only player elected to the Hall of Fame this year. Players falling short of the votes needed include well-known Dodgers Don Drysdale and Gil Hodges as well as Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew.
Birthdays
- Bob Sadowski 1937 –signed with his hometown St. Louis Cardinals (the team that first signed pitcher Sadowski as well) in 1955 and made his debut (and only) appearance for the Redbirds on September 16, 1960, when he grounded out and walked against Stu Miller of the San Francisco Giants during a 6–2 defeat at Busch Stadium. Following the 1960 campaign, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
- Luis Alvarado 1949 – He played in parts of 1974 to 1977 divided between the Cardinals, Indians, Mets and Tigers and for several teams in the Mexican League from 1979 to 1981. In nine seasons, he posted a .214 batting average with five home runs and 84 runs batted in (RBIs) in 463 games played.
- Delino DeShields 1969 -In 1996, DeShields signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals, and later played with the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs. In 2001, he was the last out in Hideo Nomo’s no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles.
- Ray King 1974 – The 2004 season was King’s finest in the majors to date. The rubber-armed lefty appeared in a career and team high 86 games for the Cardinals, also notching career bests in holds (31), wins and earned run average along the way to a 5–2 record and 2.61 ERA. From May to July, King built a 30-game scoreless streak, another personal best. He also pitched 62⁄3 innings that postseason as St. Louis captured the National League pennant King joined the Colorado Rockies for the 2006 season after a trade from St. Louis for outfielder Larry Bigbie and second baseman Aaron Miles.
- Matt Holliday 1980 – Matt Holliday, a name synonymous with power, precision, and professionalism, left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Cardinals during his tenure with the team. Born on January 15, 1980, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Holliday’s journey to becoming a Cardinals icon was a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the game.His baseball journey began at a young age, displaying his skills in high school before being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the seventh round of the 1998 MLB Draft. After honing his craft in the minor leagues, Holliday made his major league debut with the Rockies in 2004. His early years in Colorado were marked by steady improvement, and he quickly became known for his powerful bat and remarkable fielding abilities. In November 2008, Holliday found himself traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, a move that would define his legacy in the world of baseball. Joining a franchise with a rich history and passionate fan base, Holliday seamlessly integrated into the Cardinals’ lineup, becoming a key figure in their pursuit of excellence.The 2009 season marked Holliday’s first full year with the Cardinals, and he wasted no time making an impact. His offensive prowess and consistency at the plate solidified him as one of the team’s offensive leaders. Holliday batted an impressive .313, hit 24 home runs, and drove in 109 RBIs. These numbers not only reflected his individual excellence but also contributed significantly to the Cardinals’ success that season. One of the defining moments of Holliday’s Cardinals career came during the 2011 World Series. Facing the Texas Rangers, Holliday’s clutch performances played a pivotal role in securing the championship for St. Louis. His memorable home run in Game 6 will forever be etched in Cardinals lore, as he helped propel the team to a dramatic victory and eventually claim the title in seven games. Over his time with the Cardinals, Holliday consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver in pressure situations. His knack for producing in key moments, combined with his all-around offensive skills, made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the clubhouse. Beyond his contributions with the bat, Holliday’s defensive skills in left field were equally impressive, showcasing his athleticism and commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball.Let’s delve into some of the statistical highlights of Matt Holliday’s time with the St. Louis Cardinals:Batting Average (BA): Holliday maintained a consistently high batting average throughout his Cardinals career. In several seasons, he surpassed the .300 mark, demonstrating his ability to make consistent contact and contribute to the team’s offensive production.
Home Runs (HR): Holliday’s power at the plate was a significant asset for the Cardinals. He consistently hit double-digit home runs each season, providing the team with a reliable source of long-ball production.
Runs Batted In (RBIs): Holliday’s ability to drive in runs was a key factor in the Cardinals’ offensive success. He frequently ranked among the team leaders in RBIs, showcasing his effectiveness in bringing teammates home.
On-Base Percentage (OBP): Holliday’s disciplined approach at the plate contributed to a solid OBP. Drawing walks and getting on base consistently, he played a crucial role in extending innings and creating scoring opportunities for the Cardinals.
Fielding: Beyond his offensive contributions, Holliday was known for his defensive prowess in left field. His strong arm and ability to cover ground made him a reliable outfielder, and he recorded numerous outfield assists during his Cardinals tenure.
Off the field, Holliday’s impact extended beyond the box score. His leadership in the clubhouse and involvement in community initiatives endeared him to both teammates and fans. Whether it was mentoring younger players or participating in charitable endeavors, Holliday embodied the values of a true team player.
In 2017, after eight seasons with the Cardinals, Holliday bid farewell to St. Louis. Although he continued his career with other teams, his legacy as a Cardinals great was firmly established. Matt Holliday’s time with the St. Louis Cardinals will be remembered not only for the statistical achievements but also for the intangible qualities that made him a beloved figure in the franchise’s storied history. His impact on and off the field solidified his place as one of the Cardinals’ all-time greats, and his contributions continue to resonate with fans who fondly recall the Holliday era in St. Louis.
Deaths
- Jimmy Sheckard 1947 – born as Samuel James Tilden Sheckard -Sheckard died at age 68 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from injuries suffered when he was struck by a motorist while walking to work along a highway. He is buried at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens in Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA
- Bob Larmore 1964 – born as Robert McKahan “Bob” Larmore he died on January 15, 1964, in St. Louis. He was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Louis.
- Lyle Judy 1991 – born as Lyle Leroy “Punch” Judy in Lawrencevillie, Illinois-He was interred at San Lorenzo Cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida after his death.