Redbirds Champions: 1982 St. Louis Cardinals

The 1982 St. Louis Cardinals played an entertaining brand of baseball, built on speed and defense. Whitey Herzog, a baseball visionary, constructed and piloted the roster, tailoring his team for the AstroTurf and spacious dimensions of Busch Stadium. Herzog traded for closer Bruce Sutter, speedsters Lonnie Smith and Willie McGee, and defensive wizard Ozzie Smith, adding to a talented roster that included Bob Forsch, Keith Hernandez, and George Hendrick.

The result was an exhilarating season filled with winning streaks, numerous obstacles, and one unforgettable steal of home. Despite hitting the fewest home runs in the major leagues, the Cardinals won the National League pennant and overcame the Milwaukee Brewers, baseball's most powerful team, in the World Series.

This exhaustive account chronicles the Cardinals' journey from Herzog's rebuild to the final out of the Fall Classic. Hundreds of sources, including original interviews, were compiled to revisit the championship season and tell the backstories of the eclectic group of players who reached baseball's pinnacle.

The Cardinals' style of play was a departure from the traditional power-hitting approach, focusing instead on speed and defense. Whitey Herzog's strategic vision was a crucial factor in the team's success. He assembled a roster that complemented the unique characteristics of Busch Stadium, taking advantage of the AstroTurf surface and expansive outfield dimensions.

The addition of players like Bruce Sutter, Lonnie Smith, Willie McGee, and Ozzie Smith was instrumental in the Cardinals' winning formula. Sutter's dominance as a closer, the speed and defense of Smith and McGee, and Ozzie Smith's defensive brilliance all contributed to the team's success.

Despite the lack of power hitters, the Cardinals were able to win games through their relentless base-running, timely hitting, and exceptional defensive play. The season was marked by numerous dramatic moments, including an unforgettable steal of home that exemplified the team's daring and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Cardinals' triumph in the National League pennant race and their subsequent World Series victory over the powerful Milwaukee Brewers were remarkable achievements. This book delves into the backstories of the players who made up this eclectic group, shedding light on the personal journeys and challenges they faced on their way to the pinnacle of the sport.

The exhaustive research and original interviews that went into this account provide a comprehensive and captivating look at the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals' championship season. Readers will be transported back in time, reliving the excitement and drama that unfolded as this team overcame obstacles and defied expectations to become champions.

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