Favorite Cardinal

[opti mist]

For me in my early years it was Orlando Cepeda, from the very day he was traded to the Cardinals for Ray Sadecki.

Today it is Willson Contreras. Same vibe.
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History
The St. Louis Cardinals traded pitcher Ray Sadecki to the San Francisco Giants for first baseman Orlando Cepeda on May 8, 1966. This trade was significant for both teams. Cepeda, a former NL MVP (1958) and seven-time All-Star, was struggling with injuries and a crowded Giants roster, but he revitalized his career in St. Louis. In 1967, he won the NL MVP award, hitting .325 with 25 home runs and 111 RBIs, helping the Cardinals win the World Series. Sadecki, a solid left-handed pitcher, had a 12-6 record with a 2.78 ERA in 1964 but was inconsistent in St. Louis. He pitched effectively for the Giants, posting a 3.89 ERA over three seasons. The trade is often seen as a win for the Cardinals, as Cepeda's impact was immediate and substantial, though Sadecki contributed to the Giants' rotation.

Opti

[anthonyfan]

McCarver!

[BrummerStealsHome]

Like most boys growing up in the region in the late 60s/early 70s, my favorite player was Lou Brock. It may had been Gibson had he played every day, but I idolized him, too. Today? Hard to say as I don't think too much about favorites as an adult. There are certain players, however, that I always hope to see a good line score because I want them to succeed. Like Winn, Scott II, Walker, and Burly. I used to say Gorman but that ship has sailed.

[Ozziesfan41]

For me in my early years it was Orlando Cepeda, from the very day he was traded to the Cardinals for Ray Sadecki.

Today it is Willson Contreras. Same vibe.
_________________________________

History
The St. Louis Cardinals traded pitcher Ray Sadecki to the San Francisco Giants for first baseman Orlando Cepeda on May 8, 1966. This trade was significant for both teams. Cepeda, a former NL MVP (1958) and seven-time All-Star, was struggling with injuries and a crowded Giants roster, but he revitalized his career in St. Louis. In 1967, he won the NL MVP award, hitting .325 with 25 home runs and 111 RBIs, helping the Cardinals win the World Series. Sadecki, a solid left-handed pitcher, had a 12-6 record with a 2.78 ERA in 1964 but was inconsistent in St. Louis. He pitched effectively for the Giants, posting a 3.89 ERA over three seasons. The trade is often seen as a win for the Cardinals, as Cepeda's impact was immediate and substantial, though Sadecki contributed to the Giants' rotation.

Opti

I was an 80s kid so Ozzie smith is all time favorite. Today it’s Contreras though I like Herrera a lot

[STOFFER]

Kenny Boyer was my favorite.

[ramfandan]

No brainer for me ... Favorite Cardinal was my childhood hero . Stan 'The Man' Musial

In 1953, my Kindergarten year, was when I became aware of him as I grew up in South County area. Stan was in his 12th year..age 32

Hands down ,he is the greatest Cardinal of all-time. Played 22 years .. his bating average was .331 , 1951 RBI , the most unique stat of all is his total hits ..3,630 He had 1,815 at Home and 1,815 on the Road.. That is crazy ! 475 HR's He played in 23 All Star games ..(one 3 year periold they played AS games each year 1960, 61, & 62)
Considered one of the best gentleman in the game .
This story may be the most telling of what kind of man Stan Musial was : Back in the day yet when most white players didn't cozy up to the black players.
Stan arrived in the clubhouse and noticed that 4 black players were huddled at a table in the corner by themselves separated from the rest of the white players.

Just before one of the first of his record 24 All-Star Game appearances, Henry (Aaron) sat down to play cards with Willie Mays, Frank Robinson and Ernie Banks. Stan walked over and said, “Deal me in,” his way of including Black players when other white players didn't. “And Stan didn't play cards,” Henry recalled.

Guess Bob Gibson was my next favorite . Then Ozzie Smith , and Pujols.

[swatski]

For my birthday, my wife just gave me a signed framed Musial pic of him hitting a pitch while seemingly watching it soar.

[ramfandan]

For my birthday, my wife just gave me a signed framed Musial pic of him hitting a pitch while seemingly watching it soar.

You are lucky person . I suggest you (and others take this 19 min. to listen to Bob Costas eulogy at Stan's funeral in St. Louis . Your framed signed pic of Stan may be even more meaningful after you listen to the young Bob Costas at church. Nice going to your wife !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnYTfEG5bCk

[Adam2]

Loved Geronimo Pena and Felix Jose. We had a foreign exchange student live with us when I was really young. She loved them so we loved them

[Cranny]

Musial. My childhood hero.

[sdaltons]

Ozzie, Matt Morris

Current? Helsley and Winn probably

[RamFan08NY]

Childhood favorite was hands down, Lou Brock.

Young adult favorite was Willie McGee

Present day, a lot of youngsters trying to find their place, so for me its Contreras, love his passion and intensity for the game, and also Jordan Walker. I still think hes going to be a long term fixture on the team, and probably RF.

[12xu]

When I first started following the Cardinals in 1963 my favorite player was Ken Boyer, but after he was traded my favorite became Bob Gibson.

[Sheepdawg]

The Man. My folks went to St. Louis every summer, my dad had customers up there. Got Stan to sign a picture for me at Musial and Biggies. I still have it.

[Basil Shabazz]

All time its #51! Retire the number!

Currently its Contreras, Donny, Herrera, Walker and Winn in that order.

[Ike Hammett]

The Yadfather

Currently, Nolan Arenado and JoJo Romero