Amazin's Upset Cards

The 1949 St. Louis Cardinals one win out of four against the 1970 New York Mets, coupled with a loss by the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League East Division title. However, the Cardinals looked like anything but a post season team in the series, with poor defensive play, a weak offense that did not hit in the clutch, and so-so pitching.

The first inning of game one was a predictor of things to come, as the Cardinals made three “poor” plays, committed an error and surrendered a walk to aid the Mets in taking a 3-0 lead. The Cardinals went on to commit two more errors in the game, and the Mets cruised to an 8-3 win behind Tom Seaver.

Game two saw the Redbirds bounce back to look more like themselves, winning a tight 4-3 contest despite being outhit 11-7. Red Munger earned his sixth win of the year, striking out 8 and walking only 1. Relief help from Howie Pollet and Gerry Staley nailed down the win.

The Mets took control again in games three and four. Jerry Koosman, Ron Taylor and Cal Koonce combined on a five hitter as the Mets took game three 5-1. Donn Clendenon drove in three of the Mets tallies.

In game four Cards manager Bike Mike used a mostly makeshift lineup to close out the campaign, resting most of his starters. The Mets had all the fun with a 16-3 laugher. Clendenon again was a big stick, homering his first two times up and driving in 4. Tommie Agee added a home run and another 4 RBI.

A concern for the Cardinals is a prolonged slump by star Stan Musial. The Man was hitting .427 on September 8, but went just 15 for 73 over the remainder of the season, a .205 pace. And he got worse at the end, going only 2 for his last 21, both hits singles. He had a league leading 39 RBI with six games left to get into the 40s, but did not drive in another run. Stan will need to get hot again if the Cardinals expect to advance in the post season.

Bike Mike