National League MVP Bob O’Farrell is named to replace Rogers Hornsby as the St. Louis Cardinals manager

National League MVP Bob O’Farrell is named to replace Rogers Hornsby as the St. Louis Cardinals manager

1926 – National League MVP Bob O’Farrell is named to replace Rogers Hornsby as the St. Louis Cardinals manager. The job was reportedly first offered to Bill Killefer who, out of loyalty to Hornsby turned it down, and quit. Killefer will sign on as a coach of the St. Louis Browns.

The World Champion Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring

The World Champion Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring

1926 – The World Champion Cardinals trade Rogers Hornsby to the Giants for Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring. The trade gets complicated when the “Rajah” refuses to sell his 1,167 shares of the team stock back to the Redbirds at the asking price.

Babe Ruth 3 Homeruns vs St Louis
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Babe Ruth hits three home runs to lead the Yankees to a 10 – 5 victory over St. Louis in Game 4 of the World Series.

1926 – Babe Ruth hits three home runs to lead the Yankees to a 10 – 5 victory over St. Louis in Game 4 of the World Series. His 1st-inning curtain-raiser is a majestic 395-footer, exiting Sportsman’s Park over its right field bleacher roof. Home run number 2 clears the roof in right center, carrying 515 feet, breaking a window on the other side of Grand Avenue. Ruth’s final foray, however, is the main attraction, carrying deep into the never-before reached centerfield bleachers, far beyond the 430-foot mark. Estimated at 530 feet, it is deemed the longest home run in World Series history. Ruth, however, not content to dominate offensively, also delivers a crucial outfield assist, cutting down a runner at the plate, ending the Cardinals’ 3rd-inning rally. In the words of broadcaster Graham McNamee, “Babe Ruth nor no other man ever made a better throw. Babe shot it like an arrow and Hank Severeid did not have to move for it.” If all this weren’t enough, this also is the game during which the Babe makes good on his alleged pre-game promise to hit a home run for the bedridden young Johnny Sylvester.

Grover Cleveland Alexander sets down the last 21 batters, striking out 10, in Game 2 of the World Series

Grover Cleveland Alexander sets down the last 21 batters, striking out 10, in Game 2 of the World Series

On October 3, 1926.00 After the Yankees score twice in the 2nd inning, Grover Cleveland Alexander sets down the last 21 batters, striking out 10, in Game 2 of the World Series. Billy Southworth and Tommy Thevenow collect three hits each for a 6 – 2 Cardinals win.

St. Louis Cardinals pick up future Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander

St. Louis Cardinals pick up future Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander

The St. Louis Cardinals pick up future Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander, who was placed on waivers by the Cubs. The acquisition of ‘Old Pete’ will prove to be pivotal to the Cardinals as he goes 9-7 down the stretch and helped seal their World Series triumph over the Yankees when the 39 year-old right-hander wins Games 2 and 6 and saves Game 7 of the Fall Classic.

St. Louis Cardinals hold “Rogers Hornsby Day”

St. Louis Cardinals hold “Rogers Hornsby Day”

On May 22, 1926, the St. Louis Cardinals hold “Rogers Hornsby Day” in honor of their star player-manager. Hornsby, the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1925, receives $1,000 in gold during a pre-game ceremony. The Cards then whip the Phillies, 9 – 2, to even their record at .500. Hornsby finished the year with his…

rogers hornsby

St. Louis Cardinals player-manager Rogers Hornsby leads by example, slugging his team to a 9 – 3 thrashing of the Pittsburgh Pirates

1926 – Unfazed by Forbes Field’s ample dimensions, St. Louis Cardinals player-manager Rogers Hornsby leads by example, slugging his team to a 9 – 3 thrashing of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 3 for 3 with a single, double, sacrifice fly and tape-measure IPHR good for 5 RBI, the Rajah’s exploits are documented by Lou Wollen of the Pittsburgh Press: “Manager Rogers Hornsby is an ideal leader. Not only does he pilot the Cardinals in expert fashion, getting all the baseball possible out of his players, but he shows them on the ball field how the game should be played. Yesterday, for instance, he demonstrated the latest approved methods in clouting, leading his club in this department. He batted perfectly and saw his team vanquish the Pittsburgh world’s champions by a 9 to 3 score.” Hornsby finishes with a flourish, as Wollen can attest: “The Cardinals wound up by tallying twice in the 9th when Heinie Mueller tripled past Clyde Barnhart in left center and Hornsby smashed a home run to the (450-foot-distant) flagpole in center.”

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Glenn Wright turns an unassisted triple play
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Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Glenn Wright turns an unassisted triple play

On May 7, 1925, at Forbes Field, In the top of the ninth, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Glenn Wright turns an unassisted triple play against the St. Louis Cardinals. The play involves two future Hall of Famers. Jim Bottomley hits a line drive that is caught by Wright, who steps on second base for the second…

Jim Bottomley

Jim Bottomley sets MLB record with 12 RBI’s in a game vs Brooklyn

  On September 16, 1924, At Ebbets Field‚ Cards 1B Jim Bottomley’s 3 singles‚ a double‚ and 2 HRs produce a ML record 12 RBI in the St. Louis 17-3 win over the pennant-chasing Robins. Bill Sherdel coasts home for the win. Bottomley starts the rampage with a 2-run single in the 1st‚ doubles home…