Sports History

James Leroy Bottomley, better known as "Sunny Jim" for his cheerful disposition, wasn't your average first baseman. He wasn't the flashiest player, nor did he boast the most home runs. Yet, his impact on the St. Louis Cardinals and the National League in the early 20th century remains undeniable. In this post, we delve into Bottomley's remarkable career, exploring his consistent hitting and clutch performances and his unique place in baseball history.

Born in 1898 in Illinois, Bottomley's path to baseball stardom began in the semi-professional leagues. His talent was evident, attracting the attention of St. Louis Cardinals scout Charley Barrett. Bottomley quickly rose through the minor leagues, showcasing impressive hitting skills and a natural feel for the game. He debuted with the Cardinals in 1922, immediately establishing himself as a reliable contributor.

Bottomley, a player who wasn't known for his power-hitting, displayed a remarkable consistency at the plate. He achieved a coveted feat – batting over .300 – an incredible nine times throughout his 16-year career. His on-base percentage was consistently high, and he possessed a knack for driving in runs, leading the league in RBIs twice. He held the single-game RBI record (12) for 69 years, a testament to his clutch-hitting ability and unwavering determination.

Bottomley's value extended beyond his statistics. His leadership and temperament were invaluable to the team, earning him the nickname "Sunny Jim" for his positive attitude on and off the field. He was a key component in the St. Louis Cardinals' championship runs, contributing to the team's success and fostering a respectful and positive team environment. He won two World Series titles with the team in 1926 and 1931.

In 1928, Bottomley's season was awe-inspiring. He led the National League in home runs, RBIs, and total bases, earning him the coveted MVP award. While his postseason numbers weren't as stellar, his regular-season dominance cemented his place among the league's elite.

Bottomley's career extended beyond the Cardinals. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Browns before retiring in 1937. After playing, he remained in baseball, serving as a scout and minor league manager for the Chicago Cubs organization.

Grover Cleveland Alexander, nicknamed "Old Pete," carved his name into baseball history with a career of dominance and longevity. In 1887, Alexander debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1911, setting a rookie record with 28 wins. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw him amass 377 victories across 20 seasons, the most ever for a pitcher who never threw a no-hitter.

Alexander's success stemmed from a potent combination of talent and grit. He possessed a deceptive curveball and a fastball that kept hitters guessing. More importantly, he displayed a fierce competitive spirit that pushed him to excel, even in the face of adversity. His work ethic was legendary, often pitching complete games on short rest. This relentless drive earned him the respect of his teammates and the fear of opponents.

Beyond wins, Alexander's accolades speak volumes. He won three pitching Triple Crowns, a feat signifying the league leader in wins, earned run average (ERA), and strikeouts. He led his team to the 1926 World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals, a crowning achievement in a career filled with individual and collective triumphs.

Despite a decline in later years, Alexander retired in 1930 with a remarkable .642 winning percentage, ranking among the highest in baseball history. His dedication to the game and fierce competitiveness cemented his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938.

Born December 4, 1868, in Wheeling, West Virginia, Baseball Hall of Fame left Fielder Jesse Burkett. This legend won three MLB batting titles in the National League. Burkett suited up for the New York Giants, Cleveland Spiders, St Louis Cardinals, St Louis Browns, and the Boston Red Sox.

Miller Huggins wasn't your typical baseball player. Undersized but fiercely competitive, he carved a successful path as a second baseman before leaving an even greater mark on the game as a manager. This summary explores Huggins' playing career, highlighting his on-base skills and tenacity, and dives into his managerial brilliance that led to multiple World Series victories.

A Mighty Mite on the Field

Nicknamed "Mighty Mite" for his stature (5'6"), Huggins rose through the minor leagues despite early hazing from teammates due to his size. He reached the majors with the Cincinnati Reds in 1904, showcasing his impressive on-base skills. Huggins led the National League in walks four times during his first five seasons, demonstrating remarkable patience at the plate. While not a power hitter, his speed and hustle made him a valuable contributor, stealing over 300 bases throughout his career.

A Winning Mentality Takes Root

Huggins embraced the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing a disciplined approach and smart baserunning. He spent 13 seasons as a major league player, primarily with the Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. While lacking a World Series ring as a player, Huggins' leadership qualities and baseball acumen were evident.

Managerial Mastermind and Dynasty Builder

Huggins' true impact came after his playing days. In 1918, he took the helm of the New York Yankees, a team yearning for success. His focus on fundamentals, combined with his ability to motivate and manage big personalities like Babe Ruth, paid immediate dividends. Huggins led the Yankees to their first six American League pennants and three World Series championships during the "Murderers' Row" era of the 1920s. He is credited with creating a winning culture that emphasized teamwork and execution.

A Legacy of Excellence

Huggins' managerial career ended tragically with his premature death in 1929. Despite this, his legacy is firmly cemented in baseball history. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, a testament to his impact on the game. Miller Huggins transcended his limitations as a player, proving that baseball brilliance can come in all shapes and sizes. His managerial strategies and ability to build a dominant team continue to inspire generations of coaches and baseball minds.

This local St Louis businessman grew a baseball franchise, the St Louis Cardinals from the original St Louis Browns team, originally to supplement his local grocery store sales. The Browns later became the St Louis Perfectos (1899) and then the St Louis Cardinals (1900). Christopher Von der Ahe

---

J. Daniel is the author of the terrific baseball book, Suds Series “Baseball, Beer Wars, and the Summer of ‘82!”, as well as the website 80sBaseball.com. Mr. Daniel spent over two decades working in the arena of professional sports, both in front os and behind the camera. He was the producer of five seasons of Tampa Bay Rays weekly TV show, Rays Magazine and worked as a sports producer at Fox Network affiliates in Chicago and Tampa. Besides Suds Series, Jonathan has also written the books: Phinally! The Phillies, the Royals, and the 1980 Baseball Season That Almost Wasn't; as well as many blogs post on 80sbaseball.com

Red Schoendienst was a St. Louis Cardinals institution, weaving a career tapestry of longevity, versatility, and unwavering loyalty to the game. Schoendienst left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport, from his playing days to his managerial triumphs.

Playing Prowess:

Schoendienst's hardball journey began with the St. Louis Browns in 1944, but he truly flourished with the Cardinals. A switch-hitting second baseman known for his smooth fielding and timely hitting, he earned All-Star selections in both leagues and helped the Cardinals capture the 1946 World Series championship. His versatility extended beyond positions, playing every defensive spot except pitcher and catcher throughout his career.

Managerial Mastermind:

After retiring in 1963, Schoendienst's impact continued from the dugout. He led the Cardinals to two World Series titles (1967, 1982) and five division championships, becoming the franchise's winningest manager with 1,095 victories. His calm demeanor, strategic mind, and ability to connect with players earned him respect and admiration throughout baseball.

Enduring Legacy:

Red Schoendienst was a baseball legend for the St. Louis Cardinals, known for his longevity, versatility, and loyalty to the game. His career spanned from his playing days to his managerial triumphs, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport.

Schoendienst's career took off with the Cardinals as a switch-hitting second baseman, earning him All-Star selections in both leagues and helping his team win the 1946 World Series championship. He was also recognized for his smooth fielding and timely hitting, playing every defensive position except pitcher and catcher.

Following his retirement in 1963, Schoendienst continued to make an impact from the dugout as a manager. He led the Cardinals to two World Series titles (in 1967 and 1982) and five division championships, becoming the franchise's winningest manager with 1,095 victories. His strategic mind, calm demeanor, and ability to connect with players earned him respect and admiration throughout baseball.

Schoendienst's legacy is not only defined by his titles and wins but also by his unique accomplishments. He is the only player and manager in MLB history to play on and manage World Series championship teams with two franchises (Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, a fitting tribute to his impressive career.

Steven Norman Carlton, affectionately known as "Lefty," wasn't just a pitcher; he was an artist of the mound, painting his masterpieces with every curveball, screwball, and fastball. His MLB career, spanning 24 seasons and six teams, left behind a canvas of incredible achievements and a legacy that redefined pitching dominance.

Early Beginnings and Rise to Stardom:

-Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965, Carlton's raw talent was evident, but inconsistency plagued his early years.

-A trade to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972 proved the turning point. Under manager Gene Mauch and with the guidance of veteran Tim McCarver, Carlton blossomed into a complete pitcher.


The Pinnacle of Perfection:

-From 1972 to 1982, Carlton entered a stratosphere of pitching excellence. He won four Cy Young Awards, including a historic Triple Crown in 1972 (leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts).

-Carlton's repertoire of pitches was a symphony of deception. His screwball, known as "Uncle Charlie," left batters flailing in thin air, and his pinpoint control made him nearly unhittable.

-He reached the 300-win mark in 1983, and by the end of his career, he had amassed 4,136 strikeouts, placing him second all-time among left-handed pitchers.