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ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL GIFT CARDS

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most popular professional baseball teams in the United States. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the Cardinals have a long and storied franchise history dating back to the late 1800s. With 11 World Series championships to their name, the Cardinals have a very passionate and dedicated fanbase. As a result, Cardinals gift cards make excellent presents for diehard fans of the team.

There are a few different options for Cardinals gift cards that fans can use. One of the most flexible is a general Cardinals team store gift card. This can be redeemed online at cardinals.com or in-person at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals team store sells a wide assortment of merchandise including jerseys, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, collectibles, and more. A gift card allows the recipient to select exactly what they want from the store.

Gift cards are also available specifically for concessions at Busch Stadium. These can be used to purchase food, drinks, and other items from vendors during Cardinals home games. Popular concession stand foods include hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, crackerjacks, pizza, nachos, soda, beer, and water. Having a concessions gift card ensures fans never go hungry while cheering on their favorite players.

Online, the Cardinals offer digital e-gift cards that can be emailed to the recipient. Senders can customize the e-card with a personalized message. E-gift cards have the same spending power as physical cards but are more convenient since they don’t require shipping. Recipients receive the code immediately upon the gift being sent and redeemed online or at the ballpark.

In addition to general team store and concessions cards, specialized gift cards are available focused on particular areas inside Busch Stadium. For example, gift cards can be purchased for the Budweiser Terrace or Cardinals Nation restaurant/bar locations. This allows fans 21 and over to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and the party atmosphere in these premium social clubs.

Gift cards are also sold specifically for the Cardinals team shop inside Busch Stadium. This separate retail store has exclusive game-used Memorabilia, authenticated signed items, limited edition collectibles, and one-of-a-kind pieces not found online. Dedicated team shop cards let recipients handpick a special keepsake unique to their Cardinals fandom.

For fans looking to experience a Cardinals home game in luxury, suite gift cards can be purchased. Various all-inclusive luxury suite packages are available for individual games and promotional dates. Suites include premium seating, an all-you-can-eat buffet, an open bar, in-suite television broadcasts, and other amenities not available elsewhere in the ballpark. These lavish gifts treat recipients to the ultimate game day extravaganza.

Gift cards bought in increments of $25, $50, $100 allow senders flexibility in their budget while still providing a fun and useful present. Larger denominations like $250 or $500 cards exist as well for truly splurge-worthy gifts. Cards never expire, so recipients can take their time spending the balance at their leisure.

Unique designs on the physical gift cards themselves also let senders further personalize their gifts. Options range from classic red foil Cardinals logos to pictures of beloved franchise stars like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Yadier Molina gracing the fronts. This visual touch adds Cardinals spirit and nostalgia to what’s already a fun and thoughtful present.

With a wide selection of gift card options focused around the Cardinals and Busch Stadium experiences, fans have many excellent choices for baseball enthusiasts on their shopping lists. From flexible team store cards to the ultimate luxury of suite packages, Cardinals gift cards make memorable presents any dedicated fan is sure to treasure. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, these redeemable gifts show recipients their Cardinal pride is appreciated and give them something to look forward to at their next game at Busch.

As fervent supporters of the Cardinals know, fandom runs deep in St. Louis. Giving the gift of experiences and merchandise tied to the historic franchise is a thoughtful way to bring fans closer to the team they love. With useful spending power and design details capturing the Cardinals’ tradition of excellence, these redeemable presents make any true-red fan feel their support doesn’t go unnoticed. From youngsters just starting their baseball journeys to longtime generational followers, Cardinals gift cards connect generations of fans to America’s most storied MLB team.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The St. Louis Cardinals have a rich history in Major League Baseball dating back to the late 1800s. As one of the most iconic franchises in sports, Cardinals players have been prominently featured on baseball cards for generations of collectors. The 2022 season saw another talented roster take the field at Busch Stadium, with many stars appearing on various baseball cards released that year.

Some of the most notable Cardinals on 2022 cards included veteran stars like Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina, as well as blossoming young talent like Dylan Carlson and Nolan Gorman. Wainwright, the venerable 40-year old ace, continued pitching effectively in 2022 with a 3.71 ERA over 27 starts. He remained a highly sought after name for collectors, appearing in many premium card products from Topps, Bowman, and Panini. Molina also found himself on cards late into his legendary career, which just ended after 19 seasons with St. Louis behind the plate.

Paul Goldschmidt had a monster campaign in 2022 by batting .317 with 35 home runs and 115 RBI, topping many MVP ballot rankings. The first baseman lived up to his five-year, $130 million contract extension by producing at an elite level offensively. Goldschmidt’s outstanding numbers made him one of the top Cardinals highlights across all trading card inserts, parallels, autographs, and memorabilia pieces released during and after the season. Along with Wainwright and Molina, Goldschmidt was prominently featured on many high-end cards showcasing the team’s veteran stars.

On the younger end of the Cardinals roster, outfielder Dylan Carlson had a breakout sophomore season by hitting .267 with 20 homers and 82 RBI. The 23-year old established himself as a core piece of the batting order and was highly sought after by collectors. Carlson autographed rookies, refractors, and autographs were hot items on the secondary card market all year from sets like Topps Chrome, Topps Archives, and Topps Project 70. Third baseman Nolan Gorman also debuted in 2022 at age 22, batting .226 but showing prodigious power with 19 homers in just 80 games. Gorman rookies and prospects cards gained rapid value as he started to live up to his hype in the majors.

Pitchers like Miles Mikolas, Steven Matz, and Jordan Hicks also enjoyed strong seasons and appeared across many Cardinals team sets and parallels. Relievers like Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos were vital to the late-inning bullpen successes, featuring favorably on inserts highlighting the pitching staff. Veterans like Corey Dickerson and Lars Nootbaar provided quality depth off the bench and occasionally popped up on special edition cards. Even reserve catcher Ivan Herrera appeared on some rookie cards after making his MLB debut in September.

No Cardinals team collection would be complete without notable rookie cards of the franchise’s top prospects waiting for their chances in St. Louis. Second baseman/outfielder Jordan Walker and third baseman Jordan Walker dazzled in the minors and found themselves on many Bowman Chrome and Paper rookie cards as two of the club’s most prized talents. Outfielder Elijah Cabell and pitchers Michael McGreevy, Zach Thompson, and Andre Pallante had their early career cards released, primed to join the Cardinals roster in the coming years.

When it came to special sets beyond the standard Topps and Bowman releases, Panini provided some unique relic and autograph cards exclusively featuring Cardinals throughout 2022. Examples included rare Goldschmidt and Wainwright jersey pieces from Prizm and Donruss products. Allen & Ginter also issued interesting insertion cards containing unusual objects like a Paul Goldschmidt pine tar-stained bat knob or a Yadier Molina catcher’s mitt swatch.

Upper Deck created premium autograph cards of stars layered together in dramatic fashions, such as Molina’s ink paired with Jim Edmonds from The Cup release. Topps Archive Snapshots spotlighted memorable moments in Cardinals history through special photographic reproductions on cards. Topps also took to releasing special painted portrait cards of Wainwright and Molina to highlight their historic careers together in St. Louis.

In the exploding NFT sports card market, Topps released its MLB Candy Digital Skybox collection containing animated Cardinal highlights like Goldschmidt’s powerful swings. Dapper Labs debuted its highly anticipated MLB Topps NFT platform featuring current and legendary Cardinals in 2022 as well. As with physical cards, the vibrant secondary marketplace for virtual parallel and autograph editions got card collectors excited about unlocking new St. Louis content.

As one of the most cherished franchises in baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals will continue producing new generations of stars and memory-making seasons to be forever commemorated on collectible trading cards. The 2022 campaign upheld that tradition with a great roster providing incredibly fun and valuable cardboard across the entire sports card spectrum. With young talent emerging and franchise icons still adding to their legacies, Cardinals cards will undoubtedly remain a driving force in the hobby for many years ahead.

ST LOUIS POST DISPATCH CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS

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For over a century, baseball fans in St. Louis have enjoyed collecting and trading unique baseball cards produced by the city’s daily newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Although they never achieved the same national popularity as Topps or Bowman cards, Post-Dispatch Cardinal baseball cards hold a special place in the history and nostalgia of the St. Louis baseball fanbase.

The Post-Dispatch began including small baseball cards as promotional inserts in their newspaper starting in the 1890s, making them some of the earliest baseball cards in existence. These early prototypes usually featured just a black and white image of a player on the front with basic stats on the back. They captured the local fan’s passion for the newly established St. Louis Cardinals franchise in its early American Association and National League years.

In the 1920s, the Post-Dispatch started producing higher quality, glossy baseball cards as color printing technology advanced. These multi-player “taxi squad” cards showed 4 or 5 Cardinal players per card and included more detailed stats and bios. They became highly coveted collectors items for fans to swap and trade throughout the season. Legendary stars of the 1920s Cardinals dynasties like Rogers Hornsby, Jim Bottomley, and Bob O’Farrell were some of the first Cardinal legends to be memorialized on Post-Dispatch cards.

In the 1930s, the Post-Dispatch began issuing single player cards on thicker stock paper similar to modern card designs. Notable Hall of Famers immortalized in the 1933 and 1934 issues included pitcher Joe Medwick and outfielders Frankie Frisch and Jesse Haines. While crude by today’s standards, these eye-catching renderings of Cardinals stars dressed in pinstriped 1930s uniforms have endured as some of the most visually appealing of the early Post-Dispatch sets.

After a hiatus during World War 2, the Post-Dispatch resumed their beloved baseball card insert program in 1947 introducing them on a much wider scale. Over 500,000 cards of top current and past Cardinals were inserted into the newspaper per issue that season, making collection and trades a mainstream phenomenon among local youth. Rookie Cards of future stars like Stan Musial in 1941 and Enos Slaughter in 1938 have high demand among collectors today.

The early 1950s saw Post-Dispatch experiment with innovative new card designs like the popular “red-frame” or “zip strip” cards featuring mini bios. These cards helped Memoralize the glorious “Gashouse Gang” era champions and immortalized the legendary pitcher-outfield combiniation of Ted Wilks and Enos Slaughter that led the team. The cards attained a high-gloss, near-magazine quality finish by this point.

As the 1950s rolled on, the Post-Dispatch cards began to showcase more photography and action shots on thick, durable card stock. Future Hall of Famers like Musial, Schoendienst, Gibson, and Brock were prominently featured in their prime. Beloved stars of the 1960s championship cores like Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Tim McCarver came to define the Post-Dispatch aesthetics during this peak period for Cardinals fandom in St. Louis.

Although competitors like Topps gained more ground nationally in the 1960s, the Post-Dispatch still distributed over 1 million cards per year inserted in the newspaper read by millions of area fans. Innovations like “traded” variation cards showing players on new teams kept collectors engaged year-round. Beloved coach/broadcaster Joe Garagiola even received his own player card in 1967 a testament to his influence.

By the 1970s, age had caught up to newspaper inserts as a viable business model for sports cards. Topps attained the exclusive MLB license and mass produced packaging won out. The Post-Dispatch ended decades of Cardinals card inserts, with the final issues spotlighting stars of the 1970’s NL pennant winners like Lou Brock, Joe Torre, and Garry Maddox. They had secured their place in baseball and St. Louis history as the original chroniclers of the Cards franchise.

While no longer in production, vintage Post-Dispatch Cardinals cards remain popular with collectors today. Exceptional early 20th century examples can fetch thousands. Even common 1970s issues hold nostalgia value for generation of St. Louis fans. Periodic reprint sets by independent companies help preserve the iconic Post-Dispatch design legacy. No other city’s sports franchise has been so thoroughly documented from its earliest days through visual collectables by its local newspaper. For over 100 years, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch brought the Cardinals directly to fans’ doorsteps and memories through the universal tradition of the baseball card. Their unique chronicle of Cardinals history will forever remain a cherished chapter in the story of America’s pastime in St. Louis.

MCDONALD’s ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1987, McDonald’s restaurants launched a hugely popular promotional campaign to distribute baseball cards featuring players from the St. Louis Cardinals franchise. Over the next four years from 1987 to 1990, McDonald’s would produce over 100 different Cardinals baseball cards as part of their McDonald’s Major League Baseball Collector Card Series. The unique partnership between McDonald’s and the Cardinals helped popularize the franchise across their Midwest fanbase and introduced many young children to Cardinals players through these memorable trading cards.

The idea of including baseball cards with McDonald’s Happy Meals was pioneered in 1984 with a set featuring players from various Major League teams. This initial promotion was a big success for McDonald’s, showing them the potential of using sports-themed memorabilia to attract customers, especially young families. In 1987, McDonald’s sought localized promotions through exclusive team deals. The St. Louis Cardinals were an obvious choice as the long-established hometown favorites with a massive local following.

The 1987 inaugural McDonald’s Cardinals set included 11 cards featuring star players like Ozzie Smith, Tom Herr, Terry Pendleton, and John Tudor. True to their branding, the fronts of the cards highlighted the players’ stats while the backs provided biographical career summaries. They were distributed from March through May to coincide with the beginning of the Cardinals season. Customers eagerly collected the full 1987 rookie set, fueling demand for future years.

In 1988, McDonald’s doubled down with their Cardinals promotion by releasing 22 new cards from April through June. Still featuring the core lineup, the expanded set also included backup players and minor leaguers. Fan favorites like Jose Oquendo, Todd Worrell, and Terry Mulholland joined household names like Willie McGee and Tony Peña. The addition of depth players unlocked more strategic trading potential among collectors.

The success of the first two years emboldened McDonald’s to go even bigger for their 1989 McDonald’s Major League Baseball Collector Card Series: Cardinals Edition. A staggering 52 cards were produced from March through August, easily the most comprehensive collection to date. In addition to regular starters, utility players, and prospects made their McDonald’s debuts. Even former Cardinals greats like Lou Brock and Bob Forsch received salute cards as legendary alumni. With more than double the total cards of 1987, completion of the coveted ’89 set became an epic quest for young collectors.

For the 1990 and final season, McDonald’s issued another large set of 45 St. Louis Cardinals cards from April through July. By this point, the promotion had helped ingrain McDonald’s as synonymous with Cardinals baseball in the minds of Missouri kids and families. New additions kept interests high, such as rookie slices of future stars Ray Lankford and Todd Stottlemyre. Fan-favorite reliever Lee Smith also received a proper sendoff after departing the team. The 1990 collection represented a true celebration of a great four-year run between McDonald’s and the Cardinals.

In total, McDonald’s distributed over 230 unique baseball cards through their groundbreaking St. Louis Cardinals tie-in promotion from 1987 to 1990. The level of success and nostalgia it brought to a whole generation of Midwest fans far exceeded any expectations back when the original deal was signed. As the sets progressed each year, the quality and production values also improved with sharper designs and photography. It indelibly imprinted the Cardinals brand onto area McDonald’s restaurant culture through the magic of affordable sports collectibles inserted into Happy Meals.

Even after the official McDonald’s MLB promotion ended, Cardinals mania continued in the form of countless swapped, bought, and treasured cards accrued by eager area children over four golden summers. Completed sets from each era now hold immense nostalgic and monetary value for die-hard collectors today. Memorabilia aficionados and franchise historians rightly consider the McDonald’s St. Louis Cardinals issues to be legendary in the world of baseball cards and promotional tie-ins. With their innovative cross-marketing strategy, McDonald’s helped strengthen a storied sport-food brand connection that still throbs at the heart of the St. Louis community to this day. If not for that pioneering 1987 deal, a whole generation may have missed out on theirchance to forever cherish “their” St. Louis Cardinals through these iconic burger-fueled cards.

The McDonald’s St. Louis Cardinals baseball card promotion from 1987 to 1990 proved hugely influential on both a local cultural level as well as how sports merchandising partnerships could be leveraged. By assembling over 230 unique cards celebrating the Cards players and history, McDonald’s helped spread Cardinalmania across their entire Midwest footprint. For countless kids, the anticipation of each new season’s McDonald’s reveal fueled both baseball and fast food fandom. The legacy of these classic cardboard slices still resonates strongly today, a testament to effective brand synergy between McDonald’s, the Cardinals, and their legions of regional fans. They will surely remain a cherished memento from the childhood collection of any child of the 1980s or 1990s who grew up loving St. Louis’ home team.

2022 ST LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 St. Louis Cardinals baseball team looks to improve upon their 90-72 record from 2021 and return to the postseason. As Cardinals fans eagerly await the start of the new season, they can scratch that baseball itch by collecting 2022 Cardinals baseball cards featuring their favorite players. This year’s Cardinals roster remains competitive with many established stars still in the fold alongside some promising young talent. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key Cardinals players who will have baseball cards released in 2022 box sets and packs.

Perhaps the greatest Cardinal of this generation is veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Now entering his 4th season in St. Louis after a blockbuster trade from Arizona, Goldschmidt remains incredibly consistent and productive at the plate. Despite being 34 years old, Goldschmidt batted .299 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI in 2021, finishing 6th in MVP voting. His legendary work ethic and dedication to staying in peak physical condition have allowed Goldschmidt to remain one of MLB’s elite first basemen well into his 30s. Cardinals fans will be eager to add the latest Goldschmidt baseball cards to their collections in search of his distinctive left-handed swing captured on the front.

Nolan Arenado has only been in St. Louis for one season after arriving in a trade with Colorado, but he has quickly endeared himself to Cardinals fans with his dazzling defense at third base and his improved offensive production from his final years with the Rockies. Arenado put together an All-Star caliber campaign in 2021 with 34 home runs and 105 RBI, finishing third in NL MVP voting. At just 31 years old, Arenado remains in his prime and should continue posting amazing all-around stats for years to come. Arenado’s 2022 baseball cards will be hot commodities given his new contract and status as a franchise cornerstone.

Another key producer who will certainly garner card collector interest is veteran outfielder Tyler O’Neill. After a breakout 2021 season that saw him slug 33 home runs and drive in 80 runs, O’Neill has established himself as a true power threat from the left side of the plate. When O’Neill gets hot at the plate, he is capable of carrying the Cardinals offense for extended stretches. His emerging star power coupled with his boundless energy and emotion on the field have made O’Neill a fan favorite. Young collectors will want to obtain O’Neill’s rookie cards, while all fans will look for another big season captured on his latest base cards.

On the mound, ace right-hander Adam Wainwright continues turning back the clock at the advanced age of 40 years old. Wainwright put together one of the best seasons by any pitcher in 2021, going 17-7 with a 3.05 ERA and leading the NL in wins. Now entering his 17th season with St. Louis, Wainwright has cemented his status as not just one of the greatest Cardinals ever, but as one of the best control pitchers of his generation. The respect and admiration Cardinals fans have for Wainwright cannot be overstated, making his 2022 cards a must-have for fans both young and old.

Perhaps the most exciting player collectors can look for on 2022 Cardinals cards is young outfielder Dylan Carlson. After a strong rookie campaign in 2020, Carlson broke out in his sophomore season by batting .266 with 20 HRs and 65 RBI at just 22 years old. Carlson made major improvements to his plate approach and power numbers, demonstrating why he is considered the club’s future star in both center field and as a lineup anchor. With his talent and pedigree, Carlson has the upside to one day compete for MVP awards. Savvy collectors may want to snap up his affordable base cards now before his star and collecting price ascends even higher in the future.

In addition to the above cornerstone names, fans can look forward to cards for other important contributors like catcher Yadier Molina, shortstop Paul DeJong, utilityman Tommy Edman, and veteran starters Miles Mikolas and Jack Flaherty when healthy. Young hurlers like Matthew Liberatore and pack opening hitters like Juan Yepez give the Cardinals an exciting mix of grizzled veterans and emerging stars to chase across all 2022 card products. As Opening Day approaches, Cardinals fans can get their baseball fix scoping out the plethora of players from their club available in the new season’s card releases. Collectors both local to St. Louis and worldwide will enjoy tracking these key Redbirds and adding them to their collections.

With a talented veteran core and influx of youthful additions, the 2022 Cardinals have a successful season within their reach. As the club tries to return to October baseball, fans will have a renewed passion for collecting that could drive demand and increases in value for certain Cardinals stars. Following another captivating season on the diamond, 2023 could bring about even greater fervor from collectors for stars like Goldschmidt, Arenado, Carlson and more in hopes of commemorating their latest accomplishments on cardboard. No matter the on-field results, 2022 promises to deliver an exciting new crop of baseball cards for collectors to chase featuring this iconic MLB franchise and it’s top performers both old and new.

ST LOUIS CARDS BASEBALL SCORE

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball. They have won 11 World Series titles and countless division championships over their long tenure in the National League. Here is an in-depth look at the Cardinals baseball score throughout their history including notable games, players, and eras that have defined the franchise.

The Cardinals began playing in the American Association in 1882 and joined the National League in 1892 where they have remained ever since. One of their earliest stars was pitcher Bob Caruthers who won 40 games for them in 1884. Throughout the late 19th century, they developed a passionate fan base in St. Louis but saw little postseason success. That changed in the 1920s when future Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby emerged as one of the best hitters in baseball history. Hornsby led the Cardinals to World Series titles in 1926 and 1928, hitting over .400 both seasons.

The 1930s saw the Cardinals rise to even greater heights led by the infamous “Gashouse Gang.” Managed by Frankie Frisch, this ragtag group of players known more for their scrappiness than talent shocked the baseball world by winning the 1934 World Series over the heavily favored Detroit Tigers. Star pitcher Dizzy Dean led the NL in wins that year with 30. Throughout the decade, the Cardinals remained competitive mainly because of Dean and fellow ace Paul Dean along with positional stars like Joe Medwick.

It was in the 1940s when the Cardinals ascended to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball. Led by veteran star Enos Slaughter and young sluggers like Stan Musial, the Cardinals won World Series in 1942, 1944, and 1946. In 1942, they erased a 3-1 deficit to beat the Yankees in seven games. Musial emerged as one of the game’s all-time greats, winning MVP awards in 1943, 1946 and 1948 while hitting .376 with 39 home runs and 130 RBI in 1948.

The 1950s saw the Cardinals remain a force led by Musial and newcomers like franchise hits leader Lou Brock and ace Bob Gibson. They won the World Series in 1964 against the Yankees led by Gibson’s famous complete game shutout in Game 7. Gibson went on to win two Cy Young Awards that decade while Brock stole a then-record 118 bases in 1974 on his way to the Hall of Fame.

In the 1960s, the Cardinals continued finding young stars like pitcher Bob Gibson and outfielder Lou Brock who stole a then-record 118 bases in 1974. Gibson famously threw a complete-game shutout in Game 7 of the 1964 World Series to beat the Yankees. He went on to win two Cy Young Awards that decade. Throughout the late 60s and 70s, the Cardinals remained competitive mainly because of veteran managerial brilliance from Red Schoendienst and later Whitey Herzog.

It was Herzog who led the Cardinals resurgence in the 1980s. Behind pitching staffs that annually pitched the fewest innings but allowed the fewest runs, and offensive stars like Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, and Terry Pendleton, the Cardinals won division titles from 1982-85 and the 1982 and 1987 World Series. In 1982, they came back from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Brewers, capped by Darrell Porter’s walk-off single in Game 7. The 1987 “Hammerin’ Cardinals” blasted a record 35 home runs in October.

The lean years followed in the late 1980s and 1990s until Albert Pujols emerged in the early 2000s. Pujols immediately established himself as one of the game’s best and led the Cardinals to the 2004 and 2006 pennants. They were led by pitcher Chris Carpenter in 2004 and a lights-out bullpen in 2006. Pujols delivered iconic home runs in both Series, including a game-tying blast in the 9th inning of Game 4 in 2004 off of Brad Lidge. The Cardinals also relied on young pitching like Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina to extend their run of success, winning the Wild Card in 2012 and 2014 NL pennants.

In the 2010s, the Cardinals continued finding ways to win despite limited financial resources compared to large market clubs. Between 2011-2015, they made the postseason four times including earning 100 wins in 2015. That year, they were led by ace Adam Wainwright and veteran bats like Matt Holliday but fell short in the NLDS again to the Cubs. In 2019, they won 90 games and nearly chased down the Braves and Brewers for a postseason berth. Throughout the past decade+, the Cardinals have exemplified the value of strong player development, fundamentals, pitching, and a knack for getting the most out of role players in response to criticism about their payroll limitations.

From the early 20th century stars like Rogers Hornsby to modern-day greats Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, and Yadier Molina, the Cardinals have created a sustained culture of success unrivaled in baseball spanning over 120 years. Their 11 World Series titles places them 3rd all-time behind only the Yankees and Giants. Through analytical baseball minds like Branch Rickey, shrewd trades of prospects for impact MLB talent, expert player development, and clutch postseason performances, the Cardinals have cemented themselves as the ‘Republic’s Team’ and one of the model franchises in professional sports. Their loyal fanbase eagerly awaits their next championship and the continuation of their remarkable legacy built on baseball excellence in St. Louis.

ST LOUIS BASEBALL CARDS

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The rich history of baseball in St. Louis is closely tied to the history of baseball cards produced to feature St. Louis players and teams. From the early tobacco cards of the late 1800s to the modern era, St. Louis has been prominently featured in the collectible card industry.

Some of the earliest St. Louis baseball cards came from tobacco companies in the late 1800s as they began inserting cards into cigarettes and chewing tobacco products. In 1886, the American Tobacco Company produced cards as part of its cigarette and plug tobacco brands. One of the standout stars featured was Tip O’Neill, an outfielder who spent six seasons with the St. Louis Browns from 1883-1888. Other stars of that era like Bob Caruthers and Charles Comiskey also appeared in those early tobacco issues showcasing the St. Louis franchises.

In the early 20th century, the most dominant baseball card producer was the American Tobacco Company, issuing sets under brands like Allen & Ginter, Mayo Cut Plug, Sweet Caporal. Stars of the great St. Louis teams of that era appeared prominently, including the famous 1914 “Brownies” world champions. Players like George Sisler, Jack Quinn, and Sherry Magee were featured in the tobacco issues of the time as heroes in St. Louis. In 1911, the most coveted card for St. Louis collectors was the Sherry Magee card from that year’s Sweet Caporal set, which recently sold at auction for over $6,000 in gem mint condition.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Goudey Gum Company introduced innovative new technologies like color photographs and fluorescent inks. Goudey highlighted stars of the renowned “Gashouse Gang” St. Louis Cardinals teams that won world titles in 1934 and 1942. Hall of Famers like Dizzy Dean, Pepper Martin, and Billy Southworth got major coverage in classic Goudey sets. Dean’s memorable poses throwing wicked pitches make his 1933 and 1934 Goudey cards some of the most iconic in the company’s storied history.

Around the same time period, the St. Louis-based manufacturer World Color Printing also started mass-producing regional sets focused specifically on the Cardinals, Browns, and local Negro League clubs. Their 1937 offering showcased stars Stan Musial and Enos Slaughter in their early Cardinals days. WCP continued making St. Louis-centric sets well into the 1950s. As the only dedicated baseball card maker based in St. Louis, WCP cards remain a hugely popular category for local collectors today.

In the post-World War II era as the modern mass-produced baseball card boom took off, iconic St. Louis stars continued to shine. In 1952, rookie cards of future Cardinals legend Stan “The Man” Musial and pitcher Curt Simmons were issued in the iconic Bowman set that year. Bowman would also release rookie cards for Hall of Famers Lou Brock in 1962 and Ted Simmons in 1968. Topps carried on the tradition in the 1950s and 1960s with action shots and biography cards for Musial and Brock in their annual flagship issues.

The 1960s also saw landmark sets come out of St. Louis. In 1965, the regionally-distributed Dan Dee Potato Chips set paid tribute to the Cardinals 1964 pennant winners with photo cards of Bob Gibson, Curt Flood, and others. In 1968, the stadium giveaway set inside bags of Frisch’s Bread captured the “Charleston Blue” logo and designs of that era’s Cardinals uniforms. For collectors in St. Louis and beyond, these sets resonate as memorable tie-ins to the great Cardinals teams of that time.

In the 1970s through today, the dominant manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss have continued highlighting St. Louis stars in their annual National sets. Rookie cards of Keith Hernandez, Ozzie Smith, and even big name active stars like Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina receive placement befitting the talents and significance of these St. Louis icons. Molina’s varied Donruss cards between 2002-2021 tracing his evolution as a franchise cornerstone are a testament to this. Regional issues from Score and Leaf brands in the 1990s-2000s also paid homage to St. Louis with throwback designs.

Upper Deck even produced a full season-long commemorative card set for the 100-year anniversary of the Cardinals franchise in 1992. The 150-card Premier Edition set was a collector favorite, offering variations of club legends in historic uniforms. Panini currently holds the MLB license and has put out well-received modern retro-style sets saluting Cardinals greats like Gibson, Musial, and Brock too.

For over 135 years, baseball cards have chronicled the stars, successes, and heritage of baseball in St. Louis. From those earliest tobacco issues to today’s technologically advanced hobby products, collectors can trace the rich history that bonds St. Louis and its beloved Cardinals and Browns franchises through the affordable cardboard collectibles now treasured by fans around the world. The stories preserved on baseball cards ensure that the legends who wore the St. Louis uniform will always have a cherished place in sports history.

ST LOUIS CARDS BASEBALL

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The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1882, the Cardinals are the oldest team based in St. Louis continuously playing in the National League. They have won 11 World Series titles and 19 National League pennants. Considered one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball, the Cardinals have won more games than any other National League team and second most of any franchise overall.

The Cardinals originated as a replacement team for the discontinued St. Louis Brown Stockings. The franchise has used various nicknames over the years including the “Perfectos”, the “Terriers”, and the “Robins”, before adopting the Cardinals name in 1908. Some of the more notable events in the Cardinals long history include their first World Series appearance in 1926, the legendary “Gashouse Gang” team of the 1930s, Stan Musial’s Hall of Fame career in the 1940s and 1950s, and the dominant teams of the 1960s and 1970s led by Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Orlando Cepeda that captured two World Series titles.

Entering their 140th season in 2022, the Cardinals have called Busch Stadium home since 2006 after relocating from old Busch Memorial Stadium. Over the decades, Busch Stadium and its predecessor Sportsman’s Park played host to many of baseball’s all-time greats including Rogers Hornsby, Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Ozzie Smith, and Albert Pujols. The team has developed a loyal and passionate fanbase in St. Louis known as “Cardinal Nation” thanks to consistently competitive teams and an organizational commitment to tradition.

Some key moments in Cardinals history:

1882 – The franchise is established as the St. Louis Brown Stockings, later renamed the Brownies. They join the American Association for the 1882 season.

1892 – The team, now known as the Browns, join the upstart National League to replace the bankrupt Cleveland Spiders franchise.

1900 – New owner Helene Britton changes the team name to the Perfectos.

1902 – The name is changed again to the Cardinals.

1926 – The “Gashouse Gang” team makes the Cardinals’ first World Series appearance, losing to the Yankees. Rogers Hornsby wins the NL batting title with a .424 average.

1928 – The Cardinals defeat the Yankees 4-0 in the World Series, capturing their first championship.

1930-1934 – Led by future Hall of Famers Dizzy Dean, Joe Medwick, and Frankie Frisch, the team wins pennants in 1930, 1931, 1934 and wins the 1934 World Series.

1942 – Stan Musial makes his debut, beginning a Hall of Fame career that will see him accumulate 3,630 hits by his retirement in 1963.

1944 – The Cardinals defeat the St. Louis Browns in the “Streetcar Series”, a best-of-three playoff for the American League title after the regular season ended in a tie.

1946 – The Cardinals defeat the Red Sox 4-3 in the World Series, bringing their championship total to five.

1964 – Managed by Johnny Keane, the Cardinals defeat the Yankees 4-3 in the World Series, led by Series MVP Ken Boyer and pitcher Bob Gibson.

1967 – Under new manager Red Schoendienst, the Cardinals capture the World Series title again, sweeping the Red Sox. Bob Gibson posts a 1.12 ERA.

1968 – Led by Gibson’s modern record 1.12 ERA and 300+ strikeouts, the Cardinals three-peat as World Champions, defeating the Tigers 4-3.

1982 – Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith joins the Cardinals, beginning a career spent entirely in St. Louis that will see him set the all-time record for defensive assists at shortstop.

1985 – After trailing the Dodgers 3–1 in the NLCS, the Cardinals rally with three straight wins to claim the National League pennant.

1987 – The Cardinals defeat the Twins 4-3 in the World Series for their first championship since 1967, led by Series MVP Frank Viola.

2004 – Albert Pujols signs with the Cardinals and quickly establishes himself as a franchise cornerstone, winning three NL MVP awards between 2005-2009.

2006 – The Cardinals defeat the Tigers 4-1 in the World Series, bringing their championship total to 11.

2011 – Led by MVP Ryan Theriot and pitching ace Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals complete an improbable late-season run to capture the Wild Card spot and go on to defeat the Rangers in 7 games to win the franchise’s 12th World Series title.

Over their 140 year history, few franchises have compiled the winning tradition and player accolades of the St. Louis Cardinals. From their early Gashouse Gang teams to the championship cores of Musial, Gibson and Pujols, the Cardinals prove themselves year after year as one of baseball’s premier organizations committed to crafting winners and creating memories for their devoted fanbase in St. Louis. Their sustained success on the field is a tribute to the passionate support they receive from Cardinal Nation.

SELL BASEBALL CARDS ST LOUIS

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Selling Baseball Cards in St. Louis – What You Need to Know

St. Louis is home to a very active baseball card collecting and trading scene. With the long history and popularity of baseball in St. Louis, there is high demand for vintage and modern baseball cards featuring St. Louis Cardinals players, teams, and related memorabilia. If you have a collection of baseball cards you want to sell, either as a serious investor cashing out or just to declutter, here are some tips for maximizing your profits and finding buyers in the St. Louis area.

Determine Card Values and Conditions

The first step is to carefully go through your entire collection and evaluate each individual card. Take note of important details like the player, year, brand (Topps, Fleer, etc.), any unique variations, and most importantly the condition or grade of the card. Heavily played or damaged cards will be worth much less than crisp “near mint” examples. You can use online price guide sites like PriceChopper, Collectable or check recent eBay sold listings to establish market values for each card based on its condition and attributes. Taking the time for this valuation process upfront will help you price your cards competitively and avoid leaving money on the table.

Find Local Card Shops and Stores

Once you know your collection’s value, the next step is finding interested buyers locally in St. Louis. Some of the top card shops that regularly buy, sell and trade include:

Collector’s Corner (Kirkwood, MO) – Large shop with a great buylist and knowledgeable staff. Host frequent card shows.

The Cardsmith (Brentwood, MO) – Smaller store specializing in vintage St. Louis Cardinals cards and memorabilia.

Gateway Card Shop (Hazelwood, MO) – Family owned since the 1980s, large inventory of cards on display.

Ballpark Sports Cards (Fenton, MO) – Another long-running store with strong ties to the local card community.

Call ahead or visit these shops to discuss selling your entire collection or individual premium cards. Most will make you a cash offer on the spot or give you a “buylist” price for common cards they need for their inventory.

Advertise Online Through Buylists and Platforms

Even once you reach out to local shops, you’ll likely have various other cards that don’t quite fit their needs or aren’t quite valuable enough for them to make an offer on. That’s where advertising your inventory online comes in handy. You have a few good options:

Seller forums like Sports Card Forum allow you to post a “have” list and seek trade offers or potential buyers.

Sites like COMC (Collectors.com) or eBay let you easily list individual cards for sale on a consignment basis and handle payments.

Check “buylists” from national distributors like Blowout Cards or Sportlots to see pricing they will offer to purchase cards directly from collectors like yourself.

Social media marketplaces on Facebook are very active, both locally in St. Louis groups and more broadly through sports card flipping groups.

Take High Quality Photos

Whether selling to a shop locally or listing cards online for remote buyers, taking clear, well-lit photos of the front and back of each card is paramount. Invest in a lightbox or window lighting setup and focus your phone camera for pin-sharp images. Describe each card fully and point out any flaws so buyers know exactly what they are getting. Photos go a long way in establishing trust and fetching the best possible prices.

Find Memorabilia Buyers as Well

Many collectors in St. Louis are also interested in vintage baseball memorabilia beyond just cards, whether it’s signed balls/bats, programs, tickets or unique one-of-a-kind items. Places like Rallying Sports offer consignment sales of game-used memorabilia, while online auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Grey Flannel regularly sell Cardinals memorabilia to bidders nationwide. Reach out to those outlets if you have prized non-card collectibles as well to maximize the return on your baseball collecting investments over the years.

Package and Ship Smartly

Should you sell cards through an online platform, you’ll want to invest in the proper supplies to protect rare cards during shipment. For valuable items, use air-tite holders, toploaders or penny sleeves followed by cardboard team bags for economy. Then surround securely within bubble mailers between two sturdy pieces of cardboard. Be sure to get tracking info and insure shipments for valuable consignments. Presentation and security are key to protecting condition and building trusting seller reputations online as the St. Louis card scene grows globally through digital marketplaces.

Take some time to properly assess your collection’s value, leverage local St. Louis card shops as best as possible, supplement through online platforms, photograph professionally and ship safely. With a strategic sell-off approach and focus on customer service, you can maximize profits from your baseball card selling endeavors in St. Louis and beyond.

ST LOUIS CARDS BASEBALL ON RADIO

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The History of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball on Radio

The St. Louis Cardinals have a long, storied history with radio broadcasts dating back to the 1920s. Some of the most iconic voices in baseball history have called Cards games over the radio waves for generations of fans. While television changed how many fans consumed sports, radio remains an integral part of connecting Cardinals Nation with their beloved team.

One of the earliest Cardinals broadcasters was Harry Caray, who began calling games for the team in 1945 at the age of 25. Caray brought an enthusiasm and catchphrase-filled style that endeared him to listeners. His signature calls of “Hey! Hey!” after Cardinals home runs became legendary. Caray would spend over a decade behind the mic for St. Louis, helping establish the foundation for Cardinals radio traditions.

In the late 1940s and 1950s, the team was blessed with another legendary announcer in Jack Buck. Known for his smooth delivery and storytelling abilities, Buck spent over 50 years associated with the Cardinals in various roles. He called games from 1954 through the 1960s, helping the franchise reach new fans during the inception of televised broadcasts. Buck brought nuanced analysis and historic context that educated and entertained generations of listeners.

Through the 1960s and 1970s, Cardinals fans were treated to the dulcet tones of longtime announcer Joe Garagiola. In addition to his broadcasting work, Garagiola was a first baseman for St. Louis early in his playing career in the 1940s. He brought that unique player perspective blended with humor and witty observations. Garagiola’s folksy style resonated with Midwest audiences for over two decades with the Cardinals.

The 1980s saw Mike Shannon take over as the Cardinals’ signature radio voice. A former player and coach, Shannon’s enthusiastic calls from the booth made him a fan favorite. Shannon’s boisterous homerisms like

“It might be! It could be! It is! A home run!” punctuated big moments in games. His distinctive delivery combined baseball knowledge with unabashed Cardinals fandom. Shannon continues to entertain listeners over 40 years later today in his role as a beloved broadcaster.

In 1990, another future broadcasting legend joined the Cardinals. Al Hrabosky took on color commentary duties alongside Mike Shannon, bringing his intense energy and catchphrases. “The Mad Hungarian” provided spirited analysis and conversations that allowed listeners to feel like they were part of the broadcast booth. Hrabosky’s passion for the game and team further enthralled generations of radio listeners.

Continuing the legacy of great broadcasting, Dan McLaughlin took over play-by-play duties from Shannon in 1996. McLaughlin brought a polished delivery while also displaying his immense knowledge and love for Cardinals history. His fluidity calling the action allowed Cardinals Nation to follow along and celebrate successes. McLaughlin remains the primary radio voice today, guiding fans through thrilling wins and heartbreaking losses with empathy and nuance.

As the 2000s progressed, John Rooney joined the booth as the color commentator, bringing a unique perspective as both a local product and former minor league player in the Cardinals system. Alongside McLaughlin, the duo formed one of the most knowledgeable and likable partnerships in baseball. Rooney’s insights mixed with historical context informed while also making connections to fans.

In the modern era of Cardinals radio, Rick Horton answers fan phone calls and provides pre-game/post-game reporting, entertaining listeners with his inquisitive interviews and ability to break down complex stats in an easy to digest manner. Horton blends statistical analysis with lighthearted conversation to give fans complete coverage.

Several legendary Cardinals have lent their voices to radio over the years. Hall of Famers like Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith and Bob Gibson have provided expert color commentary when not touring or in their post-playing careers. Their special insights as former players complemented Shannon, Hrabosky and others in educating new generations of Cardinals fans.

Through iconic broadcasters like Harry Caray, Jack Buck and Joe Garagiola, to modern standouts like Mike Shannon, Al Hrabosky, Dan McLaughlin and John Rooney, St. Louis Cardinals baseball has been defined on radio. Generations of listeners both in St. Louis and nationwide have celebrated championship seasons and bonded with relatives over the radio broadcast booth. While media consumption changes over eras, Cardinals radio remains a treasured link connecting the franchise to devoted fans as an integral part of the storied legacy and tradition of this iconic MLB club. With dedicated broadcasters guiding the way through gameplay and nostalgia, Cardinals baseball on radio continues educating new generations of devoted followers.