Redbirds: Baseball, Beer, Scandals & Celebrations in St. Louis

The figure who casts the longest shadow on St. Louis baseball is Branch Rickey, despite never pitching an inning or taking an at-bat for the team. From 1876 to 1925, three different National League teams in St. Louis never finished higher than second place. However, everything changed when the St. Louis Cardinals became the league's most dominant team. Over a twenty-one-season period, 1926 to 1946, the Cardinals won nine pennants and six World Series titles, and Rickey is the biggest reason why.

Rickey's life, career, and impact are an often-told story, but the emphasis is largely on his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers and the story of Jackie Robinson. However, even without Robinson, Rickey would still deserve a place in the Hall of Fame, and that honor would be deserved because of his pioneering work with the Cardinals.

Mr. Rickey's Redbirds, though, is not just his story. It's the story of all the incredible players he scouted, signed, or traded and the talented executives he hired, fired, or deeply influenced over the years. It's the story of baseball told through a city and a franchise that proudly claims more World Series titles than any other National League team.

For decades, the St. Louis Cardinals club was defined by Rickey's presence – or his absence. His impact on the team was immense, and he is widely regarded as the biggest reason for the Cardinals' dominance in the 1926 to 1946 period. During this time, the team won an impressive nine pennants and six World Series titles, cementing their status as one of the most successful franchises in National League history.

Rickey's contributions to the Cardinals went beyond his work as a manager or executive. He was a true pioneer in the world of baseball, and his scouting prowess and ability to identify and develop talented players were instrumental to the team's success. He also hired and fired a number of talented executives over the years, deeply influencing the direction of the franchise.

The story of the St. Louis Cardinals is, in many ways, the story of Branch Rickey. While his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his role in the integration of baseball are more well-known, his impact on the Cardinals is equally, if not more, significant. The team's proud history of World Series titles and their status as one of the most successful franchises in the National League can be directly attributed to Rickey's pioneering work and vision.

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