 History
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| 2001 |
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The Cardinals, having posted 17-8 and 13-14 records the first two months of the 2000 season, juxtaposed that early-season pattern and sat in second place at the 2001 season's one-third mark. This time they went 12-12 in April, dropping into fifth place, before winning 10 consecutive games May 7-17 and vaulting briefly into first. A 1-8 road trip in early June was the primary cause of that month's 11-16 record, and by the All-Star break, the Cardinals were 43-43 and eight games behind division-leading Houston. That was still their situation, but with a 57-55 record, as they opened play August 9, before going on an 11-game win streak that triggered the club's postseason drive. The pair of double-figure win streaks were the first for a Cardinal ballclub in the same season since 1941. And the Cardinals' fans continued showing their support, as 3,113,091 paid their way into Busch Stadium, marking the fourth consecutive season, and sixth in club history, of three-million-plus attendance. More on 2001 > |
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| 2004 |
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Widely expected to finish in third place, the Cardinals defied all expectations, except perhaps their own, with 105 wins and the franchise's first pennant in 17 years. Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds posted MVP-caliber seasons, Albert Pujols put up his usual amazing numbers and the August addition of Larry Walker helped St. Louis lead the National League in runs scored. Meanwhile, Chris Carpenter headed a pitching staff of relative no-names that combined with an airtight defense to lead the league in runs allowed as well. Four starters totaled at least 15 wins, topped by Jeff Suppan's 16, as the Cardinals defeated the Dodgers and Astros in the playoffs to advance to the World Series. There they ran into the mighty Red Sox and were swept, giving Boston its first World Series title since 1918. |
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| 2005 |
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Coming off their first National League pennant since 1987, the Cardinals cruised to another NL Central championship, 11 games ahead of the second-place Astros. Slugger Albert Pujols garnered his first MVP trophy, producing a .330 average with 41 homers and 117 RBIs as he carried a Redbirds' offense that was limited by injuries to Scott Rolen and Larry Walker. Gold Glove center fielder Jim Edmonds enjoyed a solid season at the plate with 29 dingers, while Reggie Sanders went deep 21 times despite playing in just 93 games. Newcomers David Eckstein and Mark Grudzielanek formed a solid double play combination, with both middle infielders posting a .294 average. On the pitching side, Chris Carpenter earned his first Cy Young Award with a masterful campaign, highlighted by a 21-5 mark and a 2.83 ERA. The club's four other starters won at least 13 games as St. Louis swept San Diego in the NL Division Series before falling to Houston in a thrilling six-game NL Championship Series. |
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| 2006 |
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After having to wait until the final day of the regular season to clinch a playoff spot, with an 83-78 record, the 2006 Cardinals put together a postseason run that no Cardinals fan will ever forget. The Cards were led in the regular season by All-Star slugger Albert Pujols, who batted .331 with 49 home runs and 137 RBIs. Chris Carpenter anchored the pitching staff, going 15-8 with a 3.09 ERA.
In the postseason, the Cards got by the Padres in the divisional series in four games and then faced off against the Mets in the NLCS. The thrilling series came down to a Game 7 and two unexpected players became heroes. Catcher Yadier Molina hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth to break a 1-1 tie. Then, closer Adam Wainwright, filling in for the injured Jason Isringhausen, clinched the pennant for the 2006 Redbirds by striking out Carlos Beltran with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, sending the Cards to the World Series for the second time in three seasons.
This time the Cards were able to finish it off, by beating the Tigers in five games. Shortstop David Eckstein earned World Series MVP honors, hitting .364 for the series. Wainwright would again close it out for the Cards, this time striking out Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge and clinching the Cardinals first World Series Title since 1982. Wainwright finished the postseason without giving up a run and striking out 15 in 9 2/3 innings and picking up three saves.
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| 2007 |
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The reigning World Series champions lost their ace on Opening Night when Chris Carpenter went down with an elbow injury, and they never really regained their footing. It was an extremely difficult year in a wide range of ways, as reliever Josh Hancock passed away in a car wreck and utility player Scott Spiezio sought treatment for substance abuse.
The off-field troubles overshadowed a game-but-overmatched team's efforts on the field. Remarkably, after their early challenges, the Cardinals pulled within a game of first place in September, only to slump and fall out of contention. Five straight wins at the end of the season put a better face on the final record, though, and manager Tony La Russa spoke frequently of his fondness for how the team fought.
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| 2008 |
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The reigning World Series champions lost their ace on A team forecast by many to be an afterthought made an admirable and inspiring run at a playoff spot but ultimately fell short. The '08 Cardinals got off to a hot start and held first place in late May. They climbed to 13 games over .500 in mid-June, but much of the rest of the season was a slog. A June injury to ace Adam Wainwright knocked the Cards for a loop, though pitchers like Kyle Lohse and Todd Wellemeyer picked up some of the slack.
On the offensive side, Albert Pujols had a typically brilliant season, winning his second MVP, falling just short of a batting title and setting career highs in on-base percentage and walks. He was complemented by breakout star Ryan Ludwick, who also garnered some MVP votes, and emergent years from Rick Ankiel and Skip Schumaker. A young team throughout the season, the Cards finished with 86 wins, their highest total since 2005, and lots of admiration for their dogged but ultimately fruitless pursuit of the postseason.
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