Joaquin Andujar and the Cardinals Forgotten Ace from the 1980s
Andujar’s fall from grace in St. Louis
However, his disastrous 1985 postseason, maybe the reason the volatile Andujar never gets the credit he deserves from the Cardinal organization or fans. His temperament always seemed a time bomb during his stint in St. Louis.
Andujar wasn’t effective during the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was even worse during the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. With the controversy during Game 6 due to Don Denkinger’s blown call at first base, feelings were raw going into Game 7.
After relieving John Tudor in Game 7, and with the score already 11-0, Andujar came completely unglued. He was ejected for arguing ball and strikes, and had to be restrained by teammates after charging toward and bumping umpire Don Denkinger.
Later, in the visitors clubhouse, Andujar completely demolished a toilet and a sink with a bat. Apparently enough was enough for the Cardinals, and Andujar was dealt in the off season to Oakland.