Cardinals: 5 memorable moments from 1982 Championship Season

The Willie McGee game

Keith Hernandez once said, “Without Willie, we don’t win it in 1982.” He could of been talking about Willie McGee’s impact during the 1982 season, or he could could’ve been talking about Game 3 of the 1982 World Series.

Likely Hernandez was talking about both. Nevertheless, McGee almost single handedly saved Game 3 of the World Series by himself. And, without Willie’ Game 3 performance, the Cardinals don’t win the 1982 world Series.

The series was tied 1-1, and had moved to Milwaukee for the next three games. With Joaquin Andujar and Pete Vuckovich on the mound, the game was locked in a scoreless tie going into the 5th inning. McGee hit a three run homer to break up the scoreless game, and later added another home run in the seventh.

But it was McGee’s leaping defensive snare in the ninth by robbing Gorman Thomas of a home run which made Willie a Cardinal legend.  Additionally, he made a running catch of a Paul Monitor line drive in the first inning.

Willie’s heroics led the Cardinals 6-2 win, and a 2-1 lead in the Series. Arguably, many consider McGee’s performance in this game as one of the best in World Series history.