St. Louis Cardinals | Baseball History Comes Alive

The Classic 1946 World Series: Enos Slaughter’s “Mad Dash”

The 1946 season was a great one for MLB. World War II had ended, the regulars returned, and attendance soared. The World Series that year pitted the St. Louis Cardinals versus the Boston Red Sox. Both teams were stocked with superior players, including two of the greatest hitters of all time: Stan Musial and Red Sox Ted Williams...

Posted on: March 15, 2024
By: Gary Livacari
With: 6 Comments

Stan Musial and Joe Garagiola Were Teammates and Friends, But Did You Know That…

George Curcio shares with us some interesting information about the friendship between two well-known teammates from the Cardinals' 1946 World Series championship season, Stan Musial and Joe Garagiola. The story has, to put it mildly, a rather unexpected ending...

Posted on: January 3, 2024
By: Gary Livacari
With: 10 Comments

My Review of “The Gashouse Gang,” by John Heidenry

Now that we are firming in what I call the baseball "No-Man's land," - the time between the last out of the World Series and until we hear the magic words, "Pitchers and catchers report" - it's a good time to catch up on some unfinished business. So I thought I'd post a review I wrote a few years ago but never got around to publishing. The book is The Gashouse Gang, by John Heidenry. I really enjoyed it and I hope my detailed review stimulates your interest to read it...

Posted on: December 22, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 4 Comments

Stan Musial Named 1948 MVP!

Seventy-five years ago, December 2, 1948, Stan Musial was named the National League MVP. "Stan the Man" led the league in hitting with a .376 batting average and 131 RBIs, but just missed the Triple Crown by one home run. So let's take a moment to pay tribute to the memory of one of the true greats in baseball history...

Posted on: December 3, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 11 Comments

We’re Contacted by Relative of Joe “Ducky” Medwick!

My essay on Joe “Ducky” Medwick last week really touched a nerve. It’s now been seen by over 2.7 million Facebook users, has received over 6,400 “likes” and generated hundreds of comments...

Posted on: June 24, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 16 Comments

Joe “Ducky” Medwick Beaned and Nearly Killed, June 18, 1940

"When he dies, half the National League will go to his wake just to make sure that S-O-B is dead." –Unknown former teammate, speaking of Joe Medwick...

Posted on: June 17, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 7 Comments

Tribute To Baseball’s Great Innovators!

On May 15, 1915, 108 years ago the Pirates player-manager Fred Clarke files a patent for flip-down sunglasses designed for outfielders...

Posted on: May 20, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 11 Comments

Remembering Tim McCarver

Yesterday, the baseball world was saddened to learn of the passing of Tim McCarver. We're grateful to contributor Steve Falco for his remembrance of this fine ballplayer who, after his playing days, was selected for the broadcasting wing of the Hall of Fame...

Posted on: February 18, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 17 Comments

How Times have Changed! Stan Musial Insists the Cardinals Cut His Salary From $100,000 to $80,000!

Here's one I could categorize a couple different ways. It could go into "It'll Never Happen Again," category or even the "My, How the Game Has Changed!"...

Posted on: January 22, 2023
By: Gary Livacari
With: 12 Comments

THE TURBULANT LIFE OF HARRY “THE HAT” WALKER

Harry Walker won the National League batting crown with a .363 batting average, in 1947...

Posted on: October 30, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 12 Comments

Has The Game Changed Or What?? Pete Alexander Pitches Two Complete Games In A Doubleheader!

“The Cubs finished last last year and if they finish last again, I’d rather it be without Alexander.” –Cubs’ manager Joe McCarthy...

Posted on: September 3, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 9 Comments

Another Edition of: “From the Lighter Side!” Pepper Martin and his “Mudcat Band”

“Pepper Martin’s performance in the 1931 World Series was the greatest individual performance in the history of the World Series.” –John McGraw...

Posted on: August 7, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

“Lucky Lindy”—And Rogers Hornsby—Visit Sportsman’s Park, June 18, 1927

“The noisemaking [on Lindbergh Day] was reminiscent of the celebration here last fall when the Cardinals won the city’s first baseball pennant"...

Posted on: June 19, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

1964: Baseball’s Version of “Musical Chairs!” Johnny Keane Gets Yogi’s Job!

“I managed good but boy did they play bad.” –Johnny Keane, commenting on his lack of success as Yankees’ manager...

Posted on: April 23, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 7 Comments

Let’s Remember the 1937 MVP and Triple Crown Winner, Joe “Ducky” Medwick!

"When Joe Medwick dies, half the National League will go to his wake just to make sure that S-O-B is dead!"...

Posted on: April 2, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

Let’s Remember the 1934 World Series and the “Gashouse Gang!”

“Why, they wouldn’t even let us in that league over there. They think we’re just a bunch of ‘gashousers’.” – Leo Durocher, speaking derisively of the American League...

Posted on: March 29, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 7 Comments

Another Edition of Lopsided Trades: Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown Goes to the Cubs!

Brock for Broglio? Yeah, that wasn't a bad deal...But how about getting Mordecai "Three Finger " Brown almost for free?? Now that's a deal!...

Posted on: February 5, 2022
By: Gary Livacari
With: 6 Comments

Let’s Take a Moment to Recall the Tragic Story of the Cardinals’ Charlie Peete

Charlie who? You’ve never heard of Charlie Peete? Neither had I. Until yesterday that is…

Posted on: November 27, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 9 Comments

Paul Dean, Jr. RIP

“He’s the hottest thing you ever saw…He’s gonna make ‘em forget me and Paul.” –Dizzy Dean, speaking of his nephew, Paul Dean, Jr....

Posted on: September 22, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 5 Comments

Grover Cleveland “Pete” Alexander Sets the Record Straight About 1926 World Series!

"Less than a foot made the difference between a hero and a bum." -Pete Alexander, speaking of Tony Lazzeri's long and barely foul shot during the 1926 World Series, before Alex struck him out...

Posted on: August 17, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 6 Comments

Stan Musial Strikes Out Three Times!

Here’s something to really think about. It should wake up anyone who doesn’t think the game has changed drastically over the years…

Posted on: July 30, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 7 Comments

From the Lighter Side! Pepper Martin and his “Mudcat Band”

“Pepper Martin’s performance in the 1931 World Series was the greatest individual performance in the history of the World Series.” –John McGraw...

Posted on: June 6, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 3 Comments

THE STRANGE CASE OF VON McDANIEL

“[Von McDaniel] was an instant major league pitching sensation in 1957, a struggling Class B hurler in 1958, and a career minor league infielder by 1959.”...

Posted on: May 11, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 10 Comments

Enos Slaughter’s “Mad Dash” Wins The 1946 World Series

In the photo above, we see Enos Slaughter crossing home plate in a cloud of dust as he scores what proved to be the winning run in Game Seven of the 1946 World Series...

Posted on: April 25, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 5 Comments

STAN MUSIAL: THE BEGINNING-THE CRISES- THE THIRD MVP

“Whaddya say, whaddya say!” was Stan Musial’s standard, smiling greeting...

Posted on: March 9, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 5 Comments

Stan Musial’s 1951 Salary Increase Blocked by Government

As we bid the year 2020 Adieu (and good riddance), we probably will look back on this year from a historical baseball perspective and marvel at all the changes that occurred this past season.

Posted on: January 2, 2021
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

The Classic 1926 World Series: “Ol’ Pete” Alexander Comes to the Rescue!

With the start of the 2020 World Series just around the corner, my tour through memorable World Series stops today in the exciting 1926 World Series, one of the most memorable in the history of the Fall Classic...

Posted on: October 17, 2020
By: Gary Livacari
With: 3 Comments

1964 World Series Aftermath: Baseball Plays Its Version of “Musical Chairs!”

“I managed good but boy did they play bad.” –Johnny Keane, commenting on his lack of success as Yankees’ manager.

Posted on: October 3, 2020
By: Gary Livacari
With: 10 Comments

Tribute To Lou Brock, RIP

The entire baseball world was saddened to learn yesterday of the passing of the great Hall-of-Famer, Lou Brock...

Posted on: September 7, 2020
By: Gary Livacari
With: 5 Comments

Let’s Remember the Dean Brothers: Dizzy and Daffy!

"Gee, Paul”, if I’d a-known you was gonna throw a no-hitter, I’d a-throw’ed one too!” -Dizzy Dean, after his brother threw a no-hitter in the nightcap of a double-header...

Posted on: September 21, 2019
By: Gary Livacari
With: 0 Comments

Stan Musial Strikes Out Three Times!

Here’s something to really think about. It should wake up anyone who doesn’t think the game has changed drastically over the years…

Posted on: July 28, 2019
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

Ernie Broglio, RIP

The baseball world was saddened to learn of the passing of pitcher Ernie Broglio on July 16th, aged 83...

Posted on: July 20, 2019
By: Gary Livacari
With: 0 Comments

Rogers Hornsby Traded Again!

"Nobody liked our manager Rogers Hornsby. There was a real pr**k. Except for his racing forms, there was no newspapers, no movies, no beer, nothing. Women and horses, that was his downfall." - St. Louis Browns pitcher Les Tietje

Posted on: April 12, 2019
By: Gary Livacari
With: 0 Comments

Stan Musial Named 1948 MVP!

Subscribe to Baseball History Comes Alive! to receive new posts automatically Stan "The Man" Musial Photo Gallery Click on any image below…

Posted on: December 2, 2018
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

Birthday Tribute to the1937 MVP and Triple Crown Winner, Joe “Ducky” Medwick!

Subscribe to Baseball History Comes Alive! to receive new posts automatically Joe Medwick Photo Gallery Click on any image below to see…

Posted on: November 25, 2018
By: Gary Livacari
With: 0 Comments

Another Edition of: “From the Lighter Side!” Pepper Martin and his “Mudcat Band”

Subscribe to Baseball History Comes Alive! to receive new posts automatically Pepper Martin and the Gas House Gang Photo Gallery Click on…

Posted on: November 21, 2018
By: Gary Livacari
With: 0 Comments

Sunday Was “Dizzy Dean Day” At Busch Stadium…And Grand-Nephew Mark Dean Tells Us About It!

Subscribe to Baseball History Comes Alive! to receive new posts automatically Dizzy and Paul Dean Photo Gallery Click on any…

Posted on: August 21, 2018
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments

Here is something different and unique for today – the initial plans for a new St Louis Cardinals ballpark drawn up in 1949!

At the time, the Cardinals had been renting the use of Sportsman Park as the ballpark was not owned by…

Posted on: August 7, 2018
By: Ron Bolton
With: 1 Comment

We’re Contacted by a Donora, PA Neighbor of Stan Musial!

Subscribe to Baseball History Comes Alive! to receive new posts automatically "Stan the Man" Photo Gallery Click on any image below…

Posted on: July 29, 2018
By: Gary Livacari
With: 3 Comments

An Amazing Stat from the Hall-of-Fame Career of the Great Stan Musial!

Subscribe to Baseball History Comes Alive! to receive new posts automatically "Stan the Man" Photo Gallery Click on any image below…

Posted on: July 28, 2018
By: Gary Livacari
With: 2 Comments