Major League Baseball: St. Louis Cardinals All-Stars – Building the Best Cardinals All-Time Lineup
Updated Jul. 14, 2025, 3:18 p.m. ET
Bob Gibson’s remarkable performances from the mound, Ozzie Smith’s spectacular vaults and backflips onto the field, and Albert Pujols’ home runs that seemed to soar beyond the Gateway Arch—these are just a few reasons why the St. Louis Cardinals are considered a storied franchise in baseball, trailing only the New York Yankees in terms of World Series titles. With a rich history filled with iconic players, the Cardinals have had their fair share of legends who have soared even higher than their mascot.
Manager: Tony La Russa
The Cardinals claimed their last two championships with Tony La Russa at the helm, where he managed from 1996 to 2011. During La Russa’s tenure, the team posted a commendable 1,408 wins against 1,182 losses, earning three National League pennants and two championships. ph365 slot His last season, 2011, culminated in a World Series title, capping off his legacy as the franchise’s winningest manager.
Starting Pitcher: Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson represents a cornerstone of the Cardinals franchise. Spending his entire career in St. Louis from 1959 to 1975, Gibson was instrumental in both the 1964 and 1967 World Series, where he earned MVP honors. With nine postseason starts for the Cardinals, he achieved a phenomenal 1.89 ERA and tallied 92 strikeouts. Notably, he completed eight of those nine starts, reflecting his incredible skill. Gibson, a two-time Cy Young Award winner and nine-time All-Star, holds several franchise records, including 3,251 strikeouts and 255 complete games.
Reliever/Closer: Jason Isringhausen
Acquired in 2002, Jason Isringhausen bolstered the Cardinals’ bullpen, becoming a vital asset over his six seasons with the team from 2002 to 2007. With a 2.66 ERA and an average of 34 saves per season, his 2004 campaign included a National League-high 47 saves. To this day, Isringhausen leads the franchise with 217 saves fb777.bet login. okebet agent log in
Catcher: Yadier Molina
Yadier Molina is renowned as one of the finest catchers in MLB history, having devoted his entire career to the Cardinals from 2004 to 2022. Not only was he excellent defensively, but Molina also showed impressive batting prowess, achieving a .358 batting average during the 2006 postseason. This nine-time Gold Glover and 10-time All-Star ranks highly in franchise history across various categories, including defensive WAR and total bases.
1B: Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols was undoubtedly one of the most feared hitters during his 11-year stint with the Cardinals from 2001 to 2011. Over that period, he consistently exceeded 30 home runs and 100 RBIs every season, claiming multiple MVP awards and leading numerous offensive categories. His performance during the Cardinals’ World Series runs in 2006 and 2011 was spectacular, lessening the team’s opposition to a mere formality.
2B: Rogers Hornsby
The legendary Rogers Hornsby, who was part of the Cardinals’ 1926 championship team, is remembered for his extraordinary hitting ability and versatility in the infield. He won six consecutive batting titles and was a dominant force at the plate, boasting a remarkable lifetime average of .359 during his time with the Cardinals.
3B: Ken Boyer
Ken Boyer, another star on the Cardinals’ roster, played pivotal roles during the 1964 World Series championship. A mainstay at the hot corner, Boyer was known for his consistent offensive production and received multiple accolades, including an MVP award and five Gold Gloves.
SS: Ozzie Smith
Regarded as one of the greatest shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith was acquired by the Cardinals in 1982 and quickly became a team essential. His defensive skills earned him 12 Gold Gloves, and his engaging style of play thrilled fans and players alike.
OF: Stan Musial
Stan Musial stands as a trademark of hitting excellence, ranking fourth in MLB history with 3,630 career hits. An All-Star in nearly every season of his 22-year tenure with the Cardinals, Musial was a prolific hitter and two-time MVP.
OF: Jim Edmonds
Jim Edmonds will forever be remembered for his stellar performances with the Cardinals from 2000 to 2007. Averaging 35 home runs and 98 RBIs during his peak, Edmonds provided a left-handed power presence and played a critical role in the team’s 2006 championship run.
OF: Lou Brock
Lou Brock, acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 1964, became a linchpin for the Cardinals. Known for his speed, Brock leads the franchise with 888 stolen bases and enjoyed a stellar career marked by a high batting average and five All-Star selections. color game philippines
DH: Ray Lankford
Ray Lankford made his mark in the 1990s with significant home run production and base-stealing ability. pbet casino His talent extended to both offense and defense, as he delivered impressive performances across his time with the team.
Honorable Mentions:
- Whitey Herzog (manager)
- Dizzy Dean (starting pitcher)
- Harry Brecheen (starting pitcher)
- Adam Wainwright (starting pitcher)
- Jesse Haines (starting pitcher)
- Howie Pollet (starting pitcher)
- Bruce Sutter (reliever/closer)
- Ted Simmons (catcher)
- Mark McGwire (1B)
- Red Schoendienst (2B)
- Scott Rolen (3B)
- Curt Flood (OF)
- Willie McGee (OF)
- Enos Slaughter (OF)
- Matt Holliday (OF)
- Brian Jordan (OF)
- Joe Medwick (OF/DH)
- Edgar Renteria (SS/DH)
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