Joaquin Andujar and the Cardinals Forgotten Ace from the 1980s

Final thoughts on Joaquin Andujar
It’s too bad our last memory of Joaquin Andujar as a St. Louis Cardinal is the 1985 World Series. Game 6 and Game 7 has left a bad taste in the mouth of most Cardinal fans. Game 6 is on Don Denkinger, but Game 7 is on Andujar.
Some called him crazy, some would say he was eccentric. A case could easily be made he was both.
Nevertheless, we shouldn’t forget Joaquin Andujar’s accomplishments and contributions while wearing the birds on a bat. They were significant.
During his five years in St. Louis, he was a workhorse and for three years and in the top-five in the League for innings pitched. Three years he was in the top ten in wins and complete games, twice in the top five in shutouts, three years in the top five batters faced, and twice lead the League in Assists as a pitcher.
As remarkable as his 1984 and 1985 seasons were, his biggest contribution to St. Louis may have been during the 1982 World Championship season. He was, without doubt, the staff ace.
Finally, I don’t think Andujar gets the credit he deserves from the organization or the fans. Joaquin Andujar died in the Dominican Republic in 2015 from Diabetes. It seems to me the Cardinals still owe Andujar a final tribute.
Next. 5 most untouchable players on the St. Louis Cardinals in trade talks. dark