The St. Louis, Missouri based, Saint Louis Cardinals is an American Major League Baseball team. Established in 1882, the team became a part of the Central Division of National League in 1892. 

History of Saint Louis Cardinals

The Saint Louis Cardinals was called St. Louis Brown Stockings in 1882, St Louis Brown from 1883-1898 and St. Louis Perfectos during the year 1899. Frank DeHauss Robinson bought the team in 1889. “Cardinals” this nickname was given by William McHale, the sportswriter of St. Louis Republic in the year 1900. 

The Saint Louis Cardinals have played their first game on May 2, 1892 as St. Louis Brown Stockings. Before 1900, they have not won any championships. The beginning of the 20^th century also brought a huge failure for the Saint Louis Cardinals team as it was descended to 5^th place with a poor record of 65-75. After a lot of struggle, they finished no better than third place between 1901 and 1925. 

Year 1926 blessed them with the World Championship. With 92-61 they get hold of the World Championship in 1927 once again. The Cardinals claimed the World Championship thrice during 1928-1940. During this period, Dean along with his younger brother, Paul, won 49 games in the year 1934, which is still a single season record for brothers. In the early 1940s, the Cardinals dominated the National League as they won the World Championship 3 times between 1941-46.

The Cardinals lost their reputation due to their endeavor to not partake in any of the games against the Brooklyn Dodgers, as they had signed a black player named Jackie Robinson. It was only in 1958 that a black player, Curt Flood, was included in the Cardinals team. The team performed unusually awful after 1947, they could hardly manage third position during the years 1947-1960. 

The Cardinals claimed 4 Division Championships and 3 World Championships in the next 30 years. The team grabbed three National League Pennants in the year 1960. 

The fans of the Cardinals were hugely disappointed due to the worst performance of the team during the early 90s. The stunning performances of Ozzie Smith and a few other skilled players made it possible for the Cardinals to win 4 Division Championships during 1996-2004. 

Some of the Hall of Fame players of the Cardinals include Grover Cleveland, Bill Mckechine Alexander RHP, Joe Medwick and Red Schoendienst whereas some of the retired numbers amongst the Cardinals are Red Schoendienst #2, Stan Musial #6, Ken Boyer #14 and Enos Slaughter #9. 

Stadium History of Saint Louis Cardinals

Initially, the team opted for Robinson Field for their game. The Cardinals played there from year 1892 to 1920. The Busch Stadium, located at the Majestic Gateway Arc and the banks of Mississippi River, is the current playground for the Cardinals. Originally known as Sportsman’s Park between 1920 and 1952, the stadium was renamed by August Busch who bought it from St. Louis Brown in 1953. 

The Saint Louis Cardinals was inaugurated in 1966 whereas the Cardinals played there for the first time on May 12, 1966. Busch Stadium has seen 6 World Series. The Cardinals win the World Championship in 1967 & 1982 but unfortunately faced defeat in 1968, 1985, 1987 & year 2004. At this time, Busch Stadium is amongst the most awesome stadium for both the spectators and players.