St. Louis Cardinals: Former Players Who Could Go To Cooperstown

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<img class=”size-full wp-image-10616″ src=”https://redbirdrants.com/files/2013/12/7801184.jpg” alt=”Oct 28, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals former player Ozzie Smith throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to game five of the MLB baseball World Series at against the Boston Red Sox Busch Stadium. Image Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports” width=”396″ height=”550″ /> Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

There have been many great players to wear the St. Louis Cardinals uniform.

Among these player is speedster Lou Brock. He came to the Cardinals in a trade with the Cubs in 1964. At the time of his retirement, Brock was the all-time leader in stolen bases. He is a member of the 3,000-hit club and was a first ballot inductee in 1985.

The Wizard Of OZ, Ozzie Smith, was inducted in 2001. His career started with the San Diego Padres, but in 1982 he joined the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a beloved shortstop who made his name with the leather. Smith won thirteen Gold Glove awards during his career, and was a fifteen-time all-star.

Another inductee is Bob Gibson. He is perhaps one of the most intimidating pitchers in history. After collecting two Cy Young Awards and an MVP he was inducted to Cooperstown in 1981. He threw hard which led to 3,117 strikeouts over the course of his career. For those of us who didn’t see Gibson pitch, we may get to see those qualities in a current player.

Don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about THE Cardinal, Stan Musial. Every year he played was in a St. Louis Cardinal uniform. This led him to collect three MVP awards and 3,630 hits. He also hit 475 homers during his 20-year career. Musial was a clear first-ballot selection with 93.2 percent of the vote.

The most recent selection to the Hall from the St. Louis Cardinals was not a player. It was Tony La Russa in 2014. He collected 2,728 wins over during his managerial career. His career in St. Louis began in 1996 and he remained there until he retired in 2011. La Russa managed his way to two of his three World Series championships leading the Cardinals.

Now it is time to look at the former St. Louis Cardinals players on the 2017 ballot.