Springfield (IL) Cardinals
Encyclopedia
The Springfield Cardinals were a minor league baseball
team located in Springfield, Illinois
. The team played in the Midwest League
from 1982 to 1993 and was an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals
. The team played in Lanphier Park
on the northside of Springfield. Affectionately known as the "Baby Birds", their chief rival was the Peoria Chiefs
, then an affiliate of the Cubs
. The declining condition of Lanphier Park, last renovated in 1978, led to the relocation of the franchise to Madison, Wisconsin
for the 1994 season, where they were known as the Madison Hatters
. The Hatters, in turn, moved to Battle Creek, Michigan
to become the Michigan Battle Cats
. While playing in Battle Creek, the franchise became the Battle Creek Yankees
and the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
before moving to Midland, Michigan
where they now play as the Great Lakes Loons
.
The Cardinals were generally successful, finishing with a winning record in nine of their 12 seasons. In post-season play they were less successful, as they lost four times in the first round of the league's two-round, four-team playoffs and lost in the championship round in their other four appearances. The league's records, however, recognize both the winner of the post-season playoffs and the team with the highest overall season record as champions, and the Cardinals led the league in regular season play twice, in 1986 and 1987. Their overall record during their 12 seasons in Springfield was 917–743, for a .552 winning percentage.
The team also helped develop more than 50 players who advanced to Major League Baseball. Among the young Springfield players who went on to successful major league careers were Bernard Gilkey
, Ray Lankford
, Jeff Fassero
, Dmitri Young
, and Todd Zeile
.
, which has traditionally been considered the first minor league. The city was also represented in the Central Interstate League
in 1889, the Western Association in 1895, the Central League in 1900, and the Mississippi Valley League in 1933. Their longest minor league affiliation, however, was with the Three-I League
, in which Springfield competed from 1903 to 1914, from 1925 to 1932, in 1935, from 1938 to 1942, and from 1946 to 1949.
In 1948, Springfield hosted a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
, the Springfield Sallies. They finished the season in last place with a 41–84 record.
Springfield experienced its highest level of minor league baseball during 1978–1981, when it hosted the Springfield Redbirds of the Class Triple-A American Association
. The Redbirds, a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate, won the playoff for the league championship in 1980. The Redbirds' move to Louisville in 1982 was the impetus for the Springfield Cardinals entering the Midwest League as an expansion franchise that season.
When the Cardinals moved to Madison in 1994, the Midwest League's Waterloo Diamonds
moved to Springfield and became the Springfield Sultans. The Sultans were affiliated with the San Diego Padres
in 1994 and with the Kansas City Royals
in 1995. In 1995 the Sultans moved to Lansing, Michigan
, where they became the Lansing Lugnuts
.
After the departure of the Sultans, independent league baseball came to Springfield with the Springfield Capitals of the Frontier League
, who played from 1996 to 2001. Since 2008, baseball is represented in Springfield by the amateur Springfield Sliders
of the wood-bat Prospect League
.
.
The first season of the Springfield Cardinals began auspiciously as they won the Midwest League's Central Division with a 83–53 record, 13½ games ahead of the second place Beloit Brewers
. The league championship was determined by a two-round, four-team playoff among the winners of the three divisions plus a wild-card team. In the first round of the post-season playoffs, the Cardinals fell to the Appleton Foxes
two games to none. Their playing manager was Dave Bialas, and outfielder Alan Hunsinger led the league with 102 runs batted in. Future major leaguer Danny Cox
pitched in 15 games, going 5–3 with a 2.56 earned run average (ERA) and 68 strikeouts in 84⅓ innings.
In 1983, Springfield won the Southern Division with a 80–59 record, nine games ahead of the Burlington Rangers
. In the playoffs, they defeated the Cedar Rapids Reds
two games to none, but then fell to the Appleton Foxes in the championship round three games to one. The Cardinals' roster featured catcher Bob Geren
, who hit .265 with 24 home runs, and pitcher Pat Perry
, who appeared in six games with a 1–1 record and a 2.22 ERA. Outfielder Curt Ford
won the league's Most Valuable Player Award, hitting .290 with 20 home runs and a league leading 91 runs batted in.
In 1984, Springfield again won the Southern Division, posting a 70–69 record that placed them four games ahead of the second place Peoria Chiefs
. In post-season play they beat the Beloit Brewers two games to none, but again fell to the Appleton Foxes in the championship three games to two. Joseph Rigoli replaced Bialas as manager. The roster included catcher Tom Pagnozzi
, who hit .283 with 10 home runs, and third baseman Jim Lindeman
, who hit .271 with 18 home runs. On August 8, John Martin pitched the team's first no hitter against the Wausau Timbers
, winning 2–0.
The next season, the Cardinals had their first losing record, finishing 66–74 and tied for second place in the Southern Division, nine games behind the Peoria Chiefs. Lloyd Merritt took over as manager, and their roster included pitchers Jeff Fassero
, who went 4–8 with a 4.01 ERA, and Mike Hartley
(2–7, 5.12). Harry McCulla led the league in hitting with a .317 batting average.
In 1986 they returned to first place in the Southern Division and posted the best record in league, 87–53. Gaylen Pitts
took over as manager and was named Manager of the Year. In the playoffs, Springfield fell to the Peoria Chiefs in the first round, two games to none. Craig Wilson
played second base and hit .274 with one home run. Pitcher Jeff Oyster led the league in wins with a 17–7 record.
In 1987, the Cardinals had their best season, posting a 94–46 record that was 23 games ahead of the Peoria Chiefs, who finished second in the Southern Division, and 12 games ahead of the second best team in the league, the Kenosha Twins. In the first round of the playoffs, they beat the Clinton Giants
two games to one, but they again fell short in the championship, losing to Kenosha three games to one. Pitts was again at the helm, and Todd Zeile
(then a Springfield catcher) won the Most Valuable Player Award (which he shared with Greg Vaughn
of the Beloit Brewers), hitting .292 with 25 home runs and a league leading 106 runs batted in. Pitcher Bob Faron led the league in wins with a 19–2 record while recording a 2.14 ERA, and Mike Pérez
posted a 6–2 record and 0.85 ERA in 84⅓ innings as a relief pitcher.
, who hit .244 with six home runs, and Ray Lankford
, who hit .284 with 11 home runs.
The next season, Dan Radison
took the reins as manager. Springfield again won the Southern Division's second half, this time with a 41–27 record, after placing fourth in the first half with a 32–35 record. In the post-season playoffs they defeated Cedar Rapids in the first round, two games to none, before falling to the South Bend White Sox
three games to none in the championship round.
In 1990 the Cardinals experienced their second losing season, placing fifth in the division in the first half with a 32–38 record and sixth in the second half with a 31–38 record. The following season was the team's worst performance, as they finished the first half in last place at 28–39 and the second half in fifth place at 30–40.
In 1992, the Cardinals returned to winning, finishing the season with a 84–56 overall record that was the second best in the league. However, they were unable to win their division in either half, as their 42–28 record in the first half placed them third, while an identical 42–28 record in the second half was good for second place. Thus, they missed out on the playoffs for the third season in a row. Rick Colbert was manager and their roster included outfielder John Mabry
, who hit .268 with 11 home runs, third baseman Dmitri Young
, who hit .310 with 14 home runs, and pitcher Doug Creek
, who went 4–1 with a 2.61 ERA.
In 1993, the Cardinals won the first half title in the Southern Division with a 41–26 record. In the second half their 37–32 record placed them in second place, seven games behind the Clinton Giants. Facing the Giants in the first round of the playoffs, they fell two games to none in what would be their final Midwest League games. Their roster included T. J. Mathews
, who went 12–9 with a 2.72 ERA, and John Frascatore
, who went 7–12 with a 3.78 ERA. On August 13, Mathews pitched the Cardinals' second, and last, no hitter, shutting out the Burlington Bees
4–0. Second baseman Joe Biasucci won the league's Most Valuable Player Award after hitting .289 and leading the league in home runs with 26.
Attendance dropped to 110,189 in 1993 (compared to 175,017 in 1991), and the St. Louis organization was unhappy with the aging facility, so they decided to sell the franchise. Madison, Wisconsin
, which had lost the Madison Muskies
to Grand Rapids, Michigan
, obtained the Springfield franchise, and it became the Madison Hatters
.
Sources:
The following pitchers appeared in at least five games with Springfield and also pitched at least 250 games or 700 innings in Major League Baseball:
Another former Springfield Cardinal player has gone on to become a major league manager:
In addition, the following players also played at least one game for Springfield and one game in Major League Baseball:
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team located in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
. The team played in the Midwest League
Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
from 1982 to 1993 and was an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. The team played in Lanphier Park
Lanphier Park
Lanphier Park is a stadium in Springfield, Illinois. It is primarily used for baseball. It originally opened in 1928 and was renovated in 1977. It holds 5,000 people. The facility's full name is Robin Roberts Stadium at Lanphier Park...
on the northside of Springfield. Affectionately known as the "Baby Birds", their chief rival was the Peoria Chiefs
Peoria Chiefs
The Peoria Chiefs are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, from Peoria, Illinois. They play in the Midwest League....
, then an affiliate of the Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. The declining condition of Lanphier Park, last renovated in 1978, led to the relocation of the franchise to Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
for the 1994 season, where they were known as the Madison Hatters
Madison Hatters
The Madison Hatters were a minor-league baseball team based in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1994. A Class A minor league baseball affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, they were a member of the Midwest League...
. The Hatters, in turn, moved to Battle Creek, Michigan
Battle Creek, Michigan
Battle Creek is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, in northwest Calhoun County, at the confluence of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Rivers. It is the principal city of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area , which encompasses all of Calhoun county...
to become the Michigan Battle Cats
Michigan Battle Cats
The Michigan Battle Cats was a minor league baseball team which began playing in the Midwest League in 1995 and called C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek, Michigan home. The franchise had previously been located in Madison, Wisconsin in 1994 where they were called the Madison Hatters. Prior to that...
. While playing in Battle Creek, the franchise became the Battle Creek Yankees
Battle Creek Yankees
The Michigan Battle Cats of the Midwest League became the Battle Creek Yankees for the 2003 season. In 2005, their affiliation with the New York Yankees ended. They became an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays known as the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays. The team played their home games in C.O...
and the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays were an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the Midwest League in 2005 and 2006. The club began play in 1995 and was previously known as the Michigan Battle Cats and the Battle Creek Yankees. They played their home games at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle...
before moving to Midland, Michigan
Midland, Michigan
Midland is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan in the Tri-Cities region of the state. It is the county seat of Midland County. The city's population was 41,863 as of the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Midland Micropolitan Statistical Area....
where they now play as the Great Lakes Loons
Great Lakes Loons
The Great Lakes Loons, based in Midland, Michigan, is a Low Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team plays in the Midwest League and their home park is Dow Diamond, which opened in April 2007.-History:...
.
The Cardinals were generally successful, finishing with a winning record in nine of their 12 seasons. In post-season play they were less successful, as they lost four times in the first round of the league's two-round, four-team playoffs and lost in the championship round in their other four appearances. The league's records, however, recognize both the winner of the post-season playoffs and the team with the highest overall season record as champions, and the Cardinals led the league in regular season play twice, in 1986 and 1987. Their overall record during their 12 seasons in Springfield was 917–743, for a .552 winning percentage.
The team also helped develop more than 50 players who advanced to Major League Baseball. Among the young Springfield players who went on to successful major league careers were Bernard Gilkey
Bernard Gilkey
Otis Bernard Gilkey is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. Primarily a left fielder, Gilkey occasionally played right field as well. He also played a small number of games as a center field,...
, Ray Lankford
Ray Lankford
Raymond Lewis Lankford and grew up in Modesto, California where he attended Grace M. Davis High School. Ray was a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres from to . He was known for his combination of power, speed, and defensive...
, Jeff Fassero
Jeff Fassero
Jeffrey Joseph Fassero is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Montreal Expos:Fassero was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 22nd round of the amateur draft, but he bounced around in the minors for several years until he joined the Montreal Expos in...
, Dmitri Young
Dmitri Young
Dmitri Dell Young is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Young is 6'2" and 275 pounds...
, and Todd Zeile
Todd Zeile
Todd Edward Zeile is a former catcher, third baseman, and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1989 to . After graduating from UCLA, where he played as a catcher, Zeile played for 11 Major League teams during his career: the St...
.
History of baseball in Springfield
Minor league baseball has a long history in Springfield, Illinois. Springfield fielded a team in the 1883 Northwestern LeagueNorthwestern League
The Northwestern League was a minor league baseball league that operated from 1883–1884, and again from 1886-1887. It was founded by Elias Matter in 1883.-1883-1884:...
, which has traditionally been considered the first minor league. The city was also represented in the Central Interstate League
Central Interstate League
The Central Interstate League was a minor league baseball league that operated from 1888-1889.-Former Teams:The following are former teams that made up the Central Interstate League:*Bloomington Reds, 1888*Burlington Babies, 1889...
in 1889, the Western Association in 1895, the Central League in 1900, and the Mississippi Valley League in 1933. Their longest minor league affiliation, however, was with the Three-I League
Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League
The Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League was a minor league baseball organization that operated for the better part of 60 years, mostly in those three states. It was popularly known as the Three-I League and also sometimes jokingly as the Three-Eye League....
, in which Springfield competed from 1903 to 1914, from 1925 to 1932, in 1935, from 1938 to 1942, and from 1946 to 1949.
In 1948, Springfield hosted a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was a women's professional baseball league founded by Philip K. Wrigley which existed from 1943 to 1954. During the league's history, over 600 women played ball.-History:...
, the Springfield Sallies. They finished the season in last place with a 41–84 record.
Springfield experienced its highest level of minor league baseball during 1978–1981, when it hosted the Springfield Redbirds of the Class Triple-A American Association
American Association (20th century)
The American Association was a minor league baseball league at the Triple-A level of baseball in the United States from to and to . Together with the International League, it contested the Junior World Series which determined the championship team in minor league baseball, at least for the...
. The Redbirds, a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate, won the playoff for the league championship in 1980. The Redbirds' move to Louisville in 1982 was the impetus for the Springfield Cardinals entering the Midwest League as an expansion franchise that season.
When the Cardinals moved to Madison in 1994, the Midwest League's Waterloo Diamonds
Waterloo Diamonds
Located in Waterloo, Iowa, the Waterloo Diamonds were a baseball team that formed in 1989 and lasted until 1993. A member of the Midwest League, they were affiliated with two teams in 1989-the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. From 1990 to 1993, they were affiliated solely with the Padres....
moved to Springfield and became the Springfield Sultans. The Sultans were affiliated with the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
in 1994 and with the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
in 1995. In 1995 the Sultans moved to Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan
Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County. The 2010 Census places the city's population at 114,297, making it the fifth largest city in Michigan...
, where they became the Lansing Lugnuts
Lansing Lugnuts
The Lansing Lugnuts are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays, that plays in the Midwest League.The Midwest League came to Lansing, Michigan in 1996. The franchise began in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1955; after two seasons it moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where it...
.
After the departure of the Sultans, independent league baseball came to Springfield with the Springfield Capitals of the Frontier League
Frontier League
The Frontier League, based in Sauget, Illinois, is a professional, independent baseball organization located in the Midwestern United States, Western Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. It operates mostly in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is not affiliated with either...
, who played from 1996 to 2001. Since 2008, baseball is represented in Springfield by the amateur Springfield Sliders
Springfield Sliders
The Springfield Sliders are a collegiate summer league baseball team in the Prospect League. They play at Robin Roberts Field at Lanphier Park and are based in the city of Springfield, Illinois. The Sliders formed in November 2007 and were an expansion franchise for the 2008 season...
of the wood-bat Prospect League
Prospect League
The Prospect League is a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of college players from North America and beyond. All players in the league must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate. Players are not paid so as to maintain their college eligibility...
.
1982 to 1987
The Springfield Cardinals arrived in the Midwest League in 1982 as one of four expansion teams, as the league increased from eight teams to 12. The Springfield team was owned bjdbhf hjoeru7wnpbv09wgy the St. Louis Cardinals organization and was their second Class A affiliate; they retained an affiliation with the Gastonia Cardinals of the South Atlantic LeagueSouth Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
.
The first season of the Springfield Cardinals began auspiciously as they won the Midwest League's Central Division with a 83–53 record, 13½ games ahead of the second place Beloit Brewers
Beloit Snappers
The Beloit Snappers are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Minnesota Twins, that plays in the Midwest League.Beloit joined the Midwest League as an expansion franchise in 1982. They were a Milwaukee Brewers farm team from its beginning through 2004; they switched to the...
. The league championship was determined by a two-round, four-team playoff among the winners of the three divisions plus a wild-card team. In the first round of the post-season playoffs, the Cardinals fell to the Appleton Foxes
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are a minor league baseball team of the Midwest League, and the Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, and are named for timber rattlesnakes. The team plays its home games at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium...
two games to none. Their playing manager was Dave Bialas, and outfielder Alan Hunsinger led the league with 102 runs batted in. Future major leaguer Danny Cox
Danny Cox
Danny Bradford Cox , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1983 to 1988, the Philadelphia Phillies from 1991 to 1992, the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992, and then the Toronto Blue Jays from 1993 to 1995, when he retired...
pitched in 15 games, going 5–3 with a 2.56 earned run average (ERA) and 68 strikeouts in 84⅓ innings.
In 1983, Springfield won the Southern Division with a 80–59 record, nine games ahead of the Burlington Rangers
Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, that plays in the Midwest League. Their home is in Burlington, Iowa.-History:...
. In the playoffs, they defeated the Cedar Rapids Reds
Cedar Rapids Kernels
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are a Class A minor league baseball team based in Iowa. It is affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and plays in the Midwest League.-Franchise history:...
two games to none, but then fell to the Appleton Foxes in the championship round three games to one. The Cardinals' roster featured catcher Bob Geren
Bob Geren
Robert Peter Geren is a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager. During a 5-year playing career, he played for the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres . He managed the Oakland Athletics from 2007 through 2011...
, who hit .265 with 24 home runs, and pitcher Pat Perry
Pat Perry
William Patrick Perry was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched from 1985-1990 for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.-External links:...
, who appeared in six games with a 1–1 record and a 2.22 ERA. Outfielder Curt Ford
Curt Ford
Curtis Glenn Ford , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1985-1990. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies...
won the league's Most Valuable Player Award, hitting .290 with 20 home runs and a league leading 91 runs batted in.
In 1984, Springfield again won the Southern Division, posting a 70–69 record that placed them four games ahead of the second place Peoria Chiefs
Peoria Chiefs
The Peoria Chiefs are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, from Peoria, Illinois. They play in the Midwest League....
. In post-season play they beat the Beloit Brewers two games to none, but again fell to the Appleton Foxes in the championship three games to two. Joseph Rigoli replaced Bialas as manager. The roster included catcher Tom Pagnozzi
Tom Pagnozzi
Thomas Alan Pagnozzi is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. Primarily a catcher, Pagnozzi also made 40 appearances at first base and seven appearances at third base during his 12-season career, which spanned from 1987 to 1998.Initially a backup catcher and utility...
, who hit .283 with 10 home runs, and third baseman Jim Lindeman
Jim Lindeman
James William Lindeman is a former Major League Baseball player. He played mostly in the outfield and at first base, appearing in parts of nine seasons in the majors from until .- Professional career :...
, who hit .271 with 18 home runs. On August 8, John Martin pitched the team's first no hitter against the Wausau Timbers
Wausau Timbers
The Wausau Timbers were a minor league baseball team.The team began as the Wausau Mets in 1978, but left the affiliation with the New York Mets and went co-op...
, winning 2–0.
The next season, the Cardinals had their first losing record, finishing 66–74 and tied for second place in the Southern Division, nine games behind the Peoria Chiefs. Lloyd Merritt took over as manager, and their roster included pitchers Jeff Fassero
Jeff Fassero
Jeffrey Joseph Fassero is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Montreal Expos:Fassero was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 22nd round of the amateur draft, but he bounced around in the minors for several years until he joined the Montreal Expos in...
, who went 4–8 with a 4.01 ERA, and Mike Hartley
Mike Hartley
Michael Edward Hartley is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He is an alumnus of East Carolina University.Signed as an amateur free agent by the St...
(2–7, 5.12). Harry McCulla led the league in hitting with a .317 batting average.
In 1986 they returned to first place in the Southern Division and posted the best record in league, 87–53. Gaylen Pitts
Gaylen Pitts
Gaylen Richard Pitts is an American professional baseball manager and coach, and a former third baseman at the Major League Baseball level. He is currently the special assistant for player development for the St...
took over as manager and was named Manager of the Year. In the playoffs, Springfield fell to the Peoria Chiefs in the first round, two games to none. Craig Wilson
Craig Wilson (third baseman, born 1964)
Craig Wilson is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball from through , primarily as a third baseman but also playing at second base and in the outfield.Wilson was selected in the 20th round of the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft by...
played second base and hit .274 with one home run. Pitcher Jeff Oyster led the league in wins with a 17–7 record.
In 1987, the Cardinals had their best season, posting a 94–46 record that was 23 games ahead of the Peoria Chiefs, who finished second in the Southern Division, and 12 games ahead of the second best team in the league, the Kenosha Twins. In the first round of the playoffs, they beat the Clinton Giants
Clinton LumberKings
The Clinton LumberKings are a Midwest League Class A minor league baseball team based in Clinton, Iowa, USA, affiliated with the Seattle Mariners.-History:Clinton joined the Midwest League in 1954 and is the oldest franchise in the league...
two games to one, but they again fell short in the championship, losing to Kenosha three games to one. Pitts was again at the helm, and Todd Zeile
Todd Zeile
Todd Edward Zeile is a former catcher, third baseman, and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1989 to . After graduating from UCLA, where he played as a catcher, Zeile played for 11 Major League teams during his career: the St...
(then a Springfield catcher) won the Most Valuable Player Award (which he shared with Greg Vaughn
Greg Vaughn
Gregory Lamont Vaughn is a former Major League Baseball left fielder and right-handed batter who played for the Milwaukee Brewers , San Diego Padres , Cincinnati Reds , Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Colorado Rockies . He was born in Sacramento, California, where he attended Kennedy High School...
of the Beloit Brewers), hitting .292 with 25 home runs and a league leading 106 runs batted in. Pitcher Bob Faron led the league in wins with a 19–2 record while recording a 2.14 ERA, and Mike Pérez
Mike Perez (baseball)
Michael Irvin Pérez "Mike" Ortega is a former American professional baseball player who was a pitcher in the Major Leagues for eight seasons in the 1990s. Perez played college baseball for the University of Florida and Troy State University, and thereafter, he played professionally for the St...
posted a 6–2 record and 0.85 ERA in 84⅓ innings as a relief pitcher.
1988 to 1993
In 1988, the Midwest League expanded to 14 teams and switched a split-season format with two divisions, with the first- and second-half winners appearing in the first round of the playoffs. Springfield placed fifth in the Southern Division in the first half with a 32–37 record, but won the second half with a 49–21 record. In the first round of the playoffs, they fell to the Cedar Rapids Reds, two games to none. Their manager was Mark DeJohn and their roster included outfielders Bernard GilkeyBernard Gilkey
Otis Bernard Gilkey is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. Primarily a left fielder, Gilkey occasionally played right field as well. He also played a small number of games as a center field,...
, who hit .244 with six home runs, and Ray Lankford
Ray Lankford
Raymond Lewis Lankford and grew up in Modesto, California where he attended Grace M. Davis High School. Ray was a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres from to . He was known for his combination of power, speed, and defensive...
, who hit .284 with 11 home runs.
The next season, Dan Radison
Dan Radison
Daniel John Radison is an American coach and instructor in professional baseball. On November 20, 2009, he was appointed first-base coach of the Washington Nationals by newly named permanent manager Jim Riggleman....
took the reins as manager. Springfield again won the Southern Division's second half, this time with a 41–27 record, after placing fourth in the first half with a 32–35 record. In the post-season playoffs they defeated Cedar Rapids in the first round, two games to none, before falling to the South Bend White Sox
South Bend Silver Hawks
The South Bend Silver Hawks are a U.S. Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks, that plays in the Midwest League....
three games to none in the championship round.
In 1990 the Cardinals experienced their second losing season, placing fifth in the division in the first half with a 32–38 record and sixth in the second half with a 31–38 record. The following season was the team's worst performance, as they finished the first half in last place at 28–39 and the second half in fifth place at 30–40.
In 1992, the Cardinals returned to winning, finishing the season with a 84–56 overall record that was the second best in the league. However, they were unable to win their division in either half, as their 42–28 record in the first half placed them third, while an identical 42–28 record in the second half was good for second place. Thus, they missed out on the playoffs for the third season in a row. Rick Colbert was manager and their roster included outfielder John Mabry
John Mabry
John Steven Mabry is a former Major League Baseball player. He had 898 career hits in 3409 at bats , with 96 home runs and 446 RBI...
, who hit .268 with 11 home runs, third baseman Dmitri Young
Dmitri Young
Dmitri Dell Young is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Young is 6'2" and 275 pounds...
, who hit .310 with 14 home runs, and pitcher Doug Creek
Doug Creek
Paul Douglas Creek is a former Major League Baseball pitcher with a nine year career from 1995–1997, 1999–2003, and 2005. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit...
, who went 4–1 with a 2.61 ERA.
In 1993, the Cardinals won the first half title in the Southern Division with a 41–26 record. In the second half their 37–32 record placed them in second place, seven games behind the Clinton Giants. Facing the Giants in the first round of the playoffs, they fell two games to none in what would be their final Midwest League games. Their roster included T. J. Mathews
T. J. Mathews
Timothy Jay Mathews is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of eight season in Major League Baseball, primarily as a relief pitcher, from 1995 to 2002....
, who went 12–9 with a 2.72 ERA, and John Frascatore
John Frascatore
John Vincent Frascatore , is a former professional baseball pitcher who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1994-2001. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays...
, who went 7–12 with a 3.78 ERA. On August 13, Mathews pitched the Cardinals' second, and last, no hitter, shutting out the Burlington Bees
Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, that plays in the Midwest League. Their home is in Burlington, Iowa.-History:...
4–0. Second baseman Joe Biasucci won the league's Most Valuable Player Award after hitting .289 and leading the league in home runs with 26.
Attendance dropped to 110,189 in 1993 (compared to 175,017 in 1991), and the St. Louis organization was unhappy with the aging facility, so they decided to sell the franchise. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
, which had lost the Madison Muskies
Madison Muskies
The Madison Muskies were a Class A minor league baseball team that played in the Midwest League from 1982 to 1993 in Madison, Wisconsin. They were an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics...
to Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, obtained the Springfield franchise, and it became the Madison Hatters
Madison Hatters
The Madison Hatters were a minor-league baseball team based in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1994. A Class A minor league baseball affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, they were a member of the Midwest League...
.
Team record
| Year | Record | League rank | Division | First half | Second half | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 83–53 | 2nd | 1st | — | — | Dave Bialis | Lost in first round |
| 1983 | 80–59 | 2nd | 1st | — | — | Dave Bialis | Lost championship series |
| 1984 | 70–69 | 7th | 1st | — | — | Joseph Rigoli | Lost championship series |
| 1985 | 66–74 | 8th (t) | 2nd (t) | — | — | Lloyd Merritt | — |
| 1986 | 87–53 | 1st | 1st | — | — | Gaylen Pitts Gaylen Pitts Gaylen Richard Pitts is an American professional baseball manager and coach, and a former third baseman at the Major League Baseball level. He is currently the special assistant for player development for the St... |
Lost in first round |
| 1987 | 94–46 | 1st | 1st | — | — | Gaylen Pitts | Lost championship series |
| 1988 | 81–58 | 3rd | — | 5th | 1st | Mark DeJohn | Lost in first round |
| 1989 | 73–62 | 5th | — | 4th | 1st | Dan Radison Dan Radison Daniel John Radison is an American coach and instructor in professional baseball. On November 20, 2009, he was appointed first-base coach of the Washington Nationals by newly named permanent manager Jim Riggleman.... |
Lost championship series |
| 1990 | 63–76 | 9th | — | 5th | 6th | Keith Champion | — |
| 1991 | 58–79 | 13th | — | 7th | 5th | Mike Ramsey Mike Ramsey (infielder) Michael Jeffrey Ramsey was a Major League Baseball infielder. He attended Appalachian State University.Ramsey played for Roswell High School. He was drafted in the 26th round of the 1972 amateur draft by the Chicago Cubs, but did not sign. In 1975, Ramsey was again drafted, this time in the 3rd... |
— |
| 1992 | 84–56 | 2nd | — | 3rd | 2nd | Rick Colbert | — |
| 1993 | 78–58 | 3rd | — | 1st | 2nd | Mike Ramsey | Lost in first round |
Sources:
Players who appeared in Major League Baseball
The following position players appeared in at least 10 games with the Springfield Cardinals and also appeared in at least 500 Major League Baseball games:- Bernard GilkeyBernard GilkeyOtis Bernard Gilkey is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, and Atlanta Braves. Primarily a left fielder, Gilkey occasionally played right field as well. He also played a small number of games as a center field,...
played for Springfield in 1987–1988 and went on to a 12-season career as a major league left fielder, from 1990 to 2001. He played for St. Louis from 1990 to 1995 and had his best season with the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
in 1996. He played with five teams altogether, and had a career .275 batting average with 118 home runs and 546 runs batting in.
- Ray LankfordRay LankfordRaymond Lewis Lankford and grew up in Modesto, California where he attended Grace M. Davis High School. Ray was a former center fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres from to . He was known for his combination of power, speed, and defensive...
played for Springfield in 1988 before going on to a 14-season career in the majors as a center fielder and left fielder. He played for St. Louis from 1990 to 2001 and returned in 2004 after playing part of 2001 and 2002 for the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. Lankford placed third in the voting for the 1991 National League Rookie of the Year Award and was named to the 1997 National League All-Star team1997 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 1997 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 68th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 8, 1997 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio, the home of the...
. His career average was .272 with 238 home runs and 874 runs batted in.
- John MabryJohn MabryJohn Steven Mabry is a former Major League Baseball player. He had 898 career hits in 3409 at bats , with 96 home runs and 446 RBI...
played for Springfield in 1992. His major league career spanned 14 seasons (1994–2007) and eight teams, primarily as an outfielder and first baseman. He hit .263 for his career with 96 home runs and 446 runs batted in.
- Tom PagnozziTom PagnozziThomas Alan Pagnozzi is a former Major League Baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. Primarily a catcher, Pagnozzi also made 40 appearances at first base and seven appearances at third base during his 12-season career, which spanned from 1987 to 1998.Initially a backup catcher and utility...
played for Springfield in 1984 and played in the majors for 12 seasons (1987–1998), all of them with the St. Louis Cardinals. As a catcher, he won three Gold GloveRawlings Gold Glove AwardThe Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
awards and was named to the 1992 National League All-Star team1992 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 1992 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 63rd playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 14, 1992 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California, the...
. Over his career he hit .253 with 44 home runs and 320 runs batted in.
- Dmitri YoungDmitri YoungDmitri Dell Young is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Young is 6'2" and 275 pounds...
played third base for Springfield in 1992. In 13 major league seasons (1996–2008) with four teams, he mostly played outfield and first base and was a designated hitter. Over his career he hit .292 with 171 home runs and 683 runs batted in. Young was twice selected for an All Star team—in 20032003 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 74th midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues constituting Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 15, 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois, the home of the Chicago...
, while playing for the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, and in 20072007 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 78th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 10, 2007, at AT&T Park, the home of the NL's San Francisco Giants...
, while playing for the Washington NationalsWashington NationalsThe Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
—and in 2007 he was recognized as the National League Comeback Player of the Year.
- Todd ZeileTodd ZeileTodd Edward Zeile is a former catcher, third baseman, and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1989 to . After graduating from UCLA, where he played as a catcher, Zeile played for 11 Major League teams during his career: the St...
was a catcher when he won the Midwest League Most Valuable Player Award for Springfield in 1987, but he played most of his 16 major league seasons as a third baseman. In a major league career that lasted from 1989 to 2004 and included 11 teams, he hit .265 with 253 home runs and 1,110 runs batted in.
The following pitchers appeared in at least five games with Springfield and also pitched at least 250 games or 700 innings in Major League Baseball:
- Danny CoxDanny CoxDanny Bradford Cox , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1983 to 1988, the Philadelphia Phillies from 1991 to 1992, the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992, and then the Toronto Blue Jays from 1993 to 1995, when he retired...
pitched for Springfield in their 1982 inaugural season and also pitched one game there (presumably a rehab assignment) in 1990. His major league career spanned 11 seasons (1983–1988, 1991–1995) and four teams. He pitched 278 games, including 174 starts, with a 74–75 record and a 3.64 ERA. In 1985 he went 18–9 with a 2.88 ERA for the National League pennant-winning St. Louis Cardinals. In 1993 he was a relief pitcher for the World Series champions, the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
.
- Doug CreekDoug CreekPaul Douglas Creek is a former Major League Baseball pitcher with a nine year career from 1995–1997, 1999–2003, and 2005. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit...
was a starter in the six games he pitched for Springfield in 1992, but his major league career was spent primarily as a left-handed relief pitcher. He went 7–14 with a 5.32 ERA in 279 games and 289⅓ innings pitched. He played for nine seasons (1995–1997, 1999–2003, 2005) and with seven major league teams.
- Jeff FasseroJeff FasseroJeffrey Joseph Fassero is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Montreal Expos:Fassero was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 22nd round of the amateur draft, but he bounced around in the minors for several years until he joined the Montreal Expos in...
pitched for Springfield in 1985 and went on to pitch 720 games (2,033⅔ innings), including 242 starts, with nine major league teams over 16 seasons (1991–2006). His career record was 121–124 with 25 saves and a 4.11 ERA.
- John FrascatoreJohn FrascatoreJohn Vincent Frascatore , is a former professional baseball pitcher who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1994-2001. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays...
was a starter for Springfield in 1993, but was a relief pitcher for most of his seven major league seasons (1994–1995, 1997–2001). He pitched 274 games and 371 innings for three teams, posting a 20–17 record and a 4.00 ERA.
- T. J. MathewsT. J. MathewsTimothy Jay Mathews is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of eight season in Major League Baseball, primarily as a relief pitcher, from 1995 to 2002....
also was a starter for Springfield in 1993 and worked from the bullpen in the major leagues. He pitched 362 games and 435⅓ innings for three teams during eight major league seasons (1995–2002). His record was 32–26 with 16 saves and a 3.82 ERA.
- Mike PérezMike Perez (baseball)Michael Irvin Pérez "Mike" Ortega is a former American professional baseball player who was a pitcher in the Major Leagues for eight seasons in the 1990s. Perez played college baseball for the University of Florida and Troy State University, and thereafter, he played professionally for the St...
was relief pitcher with Springfield in 1987. He pitched in the major leagues for eight seasons, from 1990 to 1997, appearing in 313 games with three teams. His record was 24–16 with a 3.56 ERA in 346 innings.
Another former Springfield Cardinal player has gone on to become a major league manager:
- Bob GerenBob GerenRobert Peter Geren is a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager. During a 5-year playing career, he played for the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres . He managed the Oakland Athletics from 2007 through 2011...
played for Springfield in 1983 and went on to play five seasons in the majors (1988–1991, 1993) with the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
and the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. He played 307 games, mostly as a catcher, and hit .233 with 22 home runs and 76 runs batted in. Since 2007 he has served as the manager of the Oakland AthleticsOakland AthleticsThe Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
.
In addition, the following players also played at least one game for Springfield and one game in Major League Baseball:
- Scott Arnold
- Brian BarberBrian BarberBrian Scott Barber is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher, born in Hamilton, Ohio. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1st round of the 1991 amateur draft, and was later signed to a minor league contract...
- Allen BattleAllen BattleAllen Zelmo Battle is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1991 amateur draft...
- Joe BoeverJoe BoeverJoseph Martin Boever is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. A career reliever, Boever was most notable for throwing a palmball pitch. Nicknamed Boever The Saver, he debuted in 1985 and was a closer for the 1989 Atlanta Braves collecting 21 saves...
- Rod Brewer
- Kirk BullingerKirk BullingerKirk Matthew Bullinger is a former middle relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Montreal Expos , Boston Red Sox , Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros . He batted and threw right-handed...
- Frank Cimorelli
- Tim ConroyTim ConroyTimothy James Conroy was a pitcher for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals ....
- John CostelloJohn Costello (baseball)John Reilly Costello is a former relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres . He batted and threw right-handed....
- Ken DayleyKen DayleyKenneth Grant Dayley is a former professional baseball player. A left-handed pitcher, Dayley played all or part of eleven seasons in Major League Baseball between 1982 and 1993.- Braves :...
- Mike DifeliceMike DiFeliceMichael William DiFelice is a former Major League Baseball journeyman catcher and is currently the manager of the Rookie-level Kingsport Mets in the New York Mets organization. He is a graduate from the University of Tennessee, and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 11th round of the...
- Tom Dozier
- Steve Engel
- Bryan EversgerdBryan EversgerdBryan David Eversgerd is an American former professional baseball player. A pitcher, Eversgerd played in Major League Baseball from 1994 to 1998.-External links:...
- Bien Figueroa
- Mike Fitzgerald
- Curt FordCurt FordCurtis Glenn Ford , is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1985-1990. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies...
- Mark Grater
- Mike GulanMike GulanMichael Watts Gulan is a retired Major League Baseball third baseman. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the St...
- Joe HallJoe Hall (baseball)Joseph Geroy Hall is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played during three seasons in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1988 amateur draft...
- Mike HartleyMike HartleyMichael Edward Hartley is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He is an alumnus of East Carolina University.Signed as an amateur free agent by the St...
- Jeremy HernandezJeremy HernandezJeremy Stuart Hernandez is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Hernandez, who is of Mexican descent, played in five seasons in the major leagues, from until . During that time, he pitched in 133 games, all in relief.-External links:...
- Hilton Howard
- Aaron HolbertAaron HolbertAaron Keith Holbert is a former Major League Baseball infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds....
- Ricky HortonRicky HortonRicky Ness Horton is an American former Major League Baseball player who pitched from 1984-1990. He was known as Ricky during his playing career, but now goes by Rick. He currently provides color commentary for television broadcasts of the St...
- Randy HuntRandy HuntJames Randall Hunt is a former Major League Baseball catcher. Hunt made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1985 season. He had three hits in 19 at-bats in a total of 14 games. He moved to the Montreal Expos in the 1986 season...
- Keith JohnsKeith Johns (baseball)Robert Keith Johns Jr. is a former infielder in Major League Baseball. He batted and threw right-handed. The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Johns in the sixth round of the 1992 amateur draft. The Cardinals traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1997, and the Brewers sent him to the Baltimore Orioles...
- Matt KinzerMatt KinzerMatthew Roy Kinzer, , is a former NFL punter and MLB pitcher. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2nd round of the 1984 amateur draft. During 1987 NFL strike, he served one game as a punter for the Detroit Lions. He recorded seven punts for a 34.0 yard average...
- Jim LindemanJim LindemanJames William Lindeman is a former Major League Baseball player. He played mostly in the outfield and at first base, appearing in parts of nine seasons in the majors from until .- Professional career :...
- Bill LyonsBill LyonsWilliam Allen Lyons is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He played in parts of two seasons in the majors, and , for the St. Louis Cardinals, primarily as a second baseman.-External links:...
- Lonnie MaclinLonnie MaclinLonnie Lee Maclin was a Major League Baseball left-fielder. Maclin played for the St. Louis Cardinals in the season. In 12 career games, Maclin had 1 hit, in 13 at-bats. He batted and threw left-handed....
- Mike MilchinMike MilchinMichael Wayne Milchin is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He played for the Minnesota Twins for 26 games during the 1996 Minnesota Twins season and the Baltimore Orioles for 13 games during the 1996 Baltimore Orioles season.-External links:...
- Pat PerryPat PerryWilliam Patrick Perry was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched from 1985-1990 for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.-External links:...
- Steve PetersSteve Peters (baseball)Steven Bradley Peters is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Peters pitched in 56 games in and for the St. Louis Cardinals.-Sources:...
- Marc RonanMarc RonanEdward Marcus Ronan is a retired Major League Baseball catcher who played in six games for the St. Louis Cardinals in . Ronan also spent eleven seasons in the minor league organizations of the Cardinals, Florida Marlins, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies.- External links :...
- Da Rond Stovall
- Lee TunnellLee TunnellByron Lee Tunnell is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Tunnell pitched all or part of six seasons in the majors, between and , for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Minnesota Twins...
- Tom UrbaniTom UrbaniThomas James Urbani is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for four seasons. He played for the St...
- Paul Wilmet
- Craig WilsonCraig Wilson (third baseman, born 1964)Craig Wilson is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball from through , primarily as a third baseman but also playing at second base and in the outfield.Wilson was selected in the 20th round of the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft by...
External links
- Photos and memories of Springfield Cardinals in Lanphier Park by Mets Guy in Michigan.