As a veteran who had been with the club since making his debut in August 1990, Ray Lankford wasn’t ready to become the Cardinals’ fourth outfielder. Instead, following a reduction of playing time and a war of words between Lankford’s agent and manager Tony La Russa, the Cardinals sent the 34-year-old Lankford and $2.8 millionContinue reading “August 2, 2001: Cardinals trade Ray Lankford for Woody Williams”
Tag Archives: Tony La Russa
July 27, 2011: Cardinals trade Rasmus to Toronto, bolster their pitching for World Series run
When the Cardinals and Blue Jays exchanged eight players just a few days prior to the trade deadline on July 27, 2011, most of the focus understandably centered on 24-year-old center fielder Colby Rasmus. After all, Rasmus had long been considered the Cardinals’ top prospect, destined to fill Jim Edmonds’ shoes as St. Louis’s nextContinue reading “July 27, 2011: Cardinals trade Rasmus to Toronto, bolster their pitching for World Series run”
July 24, 2009: Cardinals acquire Matt Holliday in trade with A’s
On July 24, 2009, the Cardinals finally acquired the slugger Tony La Russa had been seeking to provide protection for Albert Pujols in the middle of the St. Louis lineup. In exchange for top third base prospect Brett Wallace, minor-league pitcher Clayton Mortensen, and outfield prospect Shane Peterson, the Cardinals acquired Matt Holliday to batContinue reading “July 24, 2009: Cardinals acquire Matt Holliday in trade with A’s”
July 12, 1996: Gant, Gaetti pace Cardinals’ seven home runs in win over the Cubs
With 142 home runs in 162 games, the 1996 Cardinals weren’t exactly known for their power. But on July 12, the friendly confines of Wrigley Field couldn’t contain the St. Louis lineup as the Redbirds tied a 56-year-old team record with seven home runs in a 13-3 win over the Cubs. Ron Gant and GaryContinue reading “July 12, 1996: Gant, Gaetti pace Cardinals’ seven home runs in win over the Cubs”
June 19, 1996: Ozzie Smith announces he will retire at season’s end
With his 9-year-old son Dustin standing beside him on June 19, 1996, Ozzie Smith tearfully announced that the current campaign would mark the end of a legendary 19-year career that included a World Series championship, NLCS MVP Award, 13 Gold Glove Awards, and, with his upcoming appearance in the midsummer classic, 15 all-star appearances. “It’sContinue reading “June 19, 1996: Ozzie Smith announces he will retire at season’s end”
