Charlie Peete was born on February 22, 1929 in Franklin, Virginia. He made his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on July 17, 1956 after being called up from triple A Omaha. He became the fifth African American to play for the Cardinals. Peete was a great left handed hitter who had been groomed to be the first full time African American starting position player.
Peete had begun his professional career playing in the Canadian leagues in the early 50’s. Many African American players played there as the Negro leagues began to wind down with the invention of radio, television, and of course integration. The Canadian leagues were very different from the major leagues of America. The fan base was predominately white but they lacked the hang ups of those in the states. Players were frequently invited into the homes of fans and integrated into Canadian life without much hassle. Tom Alston, the first African American baseball player to play for the St. Louis Cardinals had also played in the Canadian leagues as well as Pumpsie Green, the first African American to play for the Red Sox, and John Kennedy the first African American to play for the Philadelphia Phillies.
From the Canadian leagues Peete went to his native state of Virginia and played for the Portsmouth Cubs of the Piedmont League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the minor league draft of 1954 and sent to Omaha. He excelled in Omaha, batting .317 in 1955 and leading the league with an average of .350 in 1956. A thumb injury limited his production at the big league level and Peete decided to head to winter ball in Venezuela. He took his wife and three children with him. On November 27, 1956 the small plane he and his family were on crashed into a mountain near Cevilla, Venezuela. All 25 people aboard where killed.
Omaha erected a monument in his honor and in Portsmouth, Virginia there is now a Charles Peete little league.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Distinguished Careers - African American players
Position Players
Lou Brock – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 2nd in runs, 2nd in hits, 10th in RBI’s. Lou Brock is one of the 5 best Cardinal position players ever. He is in the Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame. Brock, generally regarded as a speed guy, also had over 100 Home Runs for the Cardinals.
Ozzie Smith – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 6th in runs, 6th in hits, 15th in RBI’s. Ozzie Smith is one of the 10 best Cardinal position players ever. He is in the Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame. Although Ozzie is generally regarded as one of the greatest defensive players ever his offensive numbers are also extremely good. His 1987 season is one of the best in St. Louis Cardinal history.
Curt Flood – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 11th in runs, 8th in hits, 18th in RBI’s. Curt Flood is one of the 15 best Cardinal position players ever. He is not in the Hall of Fame nor the Cardinal Hall of Fame. I think he should be in both. He should make the Cardinal Hall of Fame as a player and the national Hall of Fame for his stance when he was traded to the Phillies.
Willie McGee – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 16th in runs, 11th in hits, 14th in RBI’s. Willie McGee is one of the 15 best Cardinal position players of all time. He is not in the Hall of Fame and shouldn’t be but I see no reason why he isn’t in the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of fame.
Ray Lankford – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 9th in runs, 15th in hits, 9th in RBI’s. Ray Lankford is one of the 15 best Cardinal position players of all time. While he lacks the fan support of Willie McGee, he is statistically as good or better. They both will not make the national Hall of Fame but they should both be in the St. Louis Cardinal hall of fame
Bill White – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 25th in Runs, 19th in hits, 19th in RBI’s. Bill White is one of 25 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Phillies would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color for that team.
George Hendrick – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 41st in Runs, 34th in hits, 24th in RBI’s. George Hendrick is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with Cleveland would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color for that team.
Terry Pendleton – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 47th in runs, 41st in hits, 37th in RBI’s. Terry Pendleton is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Braves would also qualify him as a distinguished person of color with that team.
Vince Coleman – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 28th in Runs, 37th in hits, 89th in RBI’s . Vince Coleman is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stolen base numbers are not only 2nd on the Cardinals but 6th of all time.
Garry Templeton – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 44th in Runs, 40th in hits, 60th in RBI’s. Garry Templeton is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with San Diego would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Brian Jordan – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 58th in runs, 59th in hits, 42nd in RBI’s. Brian Jordan is one of the 60 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Braves would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Bernard Gilkey – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 62nd in runs, 74th in hits, 74th in RBI’s. Bernard Gilkey is one of the 70 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Mets would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Lonnie Smith – Ranking as a Cardinal player: 73rd in runs, 92nd in hits, 123rd in RBI’s. Lonnie Smith is one of the 100 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with Atlanta would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Starters
Bob Gibson – Rankings as a Cardinal Player – 1st in innings, 1st in wins, 1st in strikeouts. Bob Gibson is the best starting pitcher in St. Louis Cardinal history and is in the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame and the national baseball Hall of Fame.
Relievers
Lee Smith – Rankings as a Cardinal Player – 2nd in saves – 2nd in games finished. Lee Smith is in the top 5 relievers in Cardinal history. He should be in the baseball Hall of Fame. His stats with the Cubs and the Red Sox would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color for those teams.
stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/
Lou Brock – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 2nd in runs, 2nd in hits, 10th in RBI’s. Lou Brock is one of the 5 best Cardinal position players ever. He is in the Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame. Brock, generally regarded as a speed guy, also had over 100 Home Runs for the Cardinals.
Ozzie Smith – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 6th in runs, 6th in hits, 15th in RBI’s. Ozzie Smith is one of the 10 best Cardinal position players ever. He is in the Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame. Although Ozzie is generally regarded as one of the greatest defensive players ever his offensive numbers are also extremely good. His 1987 season is one of the best in St. Louis Cardinal history.
Curt Flood – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 11th in runs, 8th in hits, 18th in RBI’s. Curt Flood is one of the 15 best Cardinal position players ever. He is not in the Hall of Fame nor the Cardinal Hall of Fame. I think he should be in both. He should make the Cardinal Hall of Fame as a player and the national Hall of Fame for his stance when he was traded to the Phillies.
Willie McGee – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 16th in runs, 11th in hits, 14th in RBI’s. Willie McGee is one of the 15 best Cardinal position players of all time. He is not in the Hall of Fame and shouldn’t be but I see no reason why he isn’t in the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of fame.
Ray Lankford – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 9th in runs, 15th in hits, 9th in RBI’s. Ray Lankford is one of the 15 best Cardinal position players of all time. While he lacks the fan support of Willie McGee, he is statistically as good or better. They both will not make the national Hall of Fame but they should both be in the St. Louis Cardinal hall of fame
Bill White – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 25th in Runs, 19th in hits, 19th in RBI’s. Bill White is one of 25 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Phillies would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color for that team.
George Hendrick – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 41st in Runs, 34th in hits, 24th in RBI’s. George Hendrick is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with Cleveland would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color for that team.
Terry Pendleton – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 47th in runs, 41st in hits, 37th in RBI’s. Terry Pendleton is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Braves would also qualify him as a distinguished person of color with that team.
Vince Coleman – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 28th in Runs, 37th in hits, 89th in RBI’s . Vince Coleman is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stolen base numbers are not only 2nd on the Cardinals but 6th of all time.
Garry Templeton – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 44th in Runs, 40th in hits, 60th in RBI’s. Garry Templeton is one of the 50 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with San Diego would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Brian Jordan – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 58th in runs, 59th in hits, 42nd in RBI’s. Brian Jordan is one of the 60 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Braves would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Bernard Gilkey – Rankings as a Cardinal player: 62nd in runs, 74th in hits, 74th in RBI’s. Bernard Gilkey is one of the 70 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with the Mets would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Lonnie Smith – Ranking as a Cardinal player: 73rd in runs, 92nd in hits, 123rd in RBI’s. Lonnie Smith is one of the 100 best Cardinal position players of all time. His stats with Atlanta would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color with that team.
Starters
Bob Gibson – Rankings as a Cardinal Player – 1st in innings, 1st in wins, 1st in strikeouts. Bob Gibson is the best starting pitcher in St. Louis Cardinal history and is in the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame and the national baseball Hall of Fame.
Relievers
Lee Smith – Rankings as a Cardinal Player – 2nd in saves – 2nd in games finished. Lee Smith is in the top 5 relievers in Cardinal history. He should be in the baseball Hall of Fame. His stats with the Cubs and the Red Sox would also qualify him as a distinguished player of color for those teams.
stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/
Friday, March 27, 2009
Distinguished Careers - Hispanic players.
When one thinks of career awards most people think of the Baseball Hall of Fame. After all, it’s the highest achievement a player can earn after they are done playing. There are some teams that have their own Hall of Fame. The St. Louis Cardinals have one and it's basically every player in the national baseball hall of fame that went in as a Cardinal and Kenny Boyer. The Boston Red Sox also have a team Hall of Fame. The requirements are far less stringent. Players are eligible for induction if they have played 3 years with the Red Sox and been out of baseball for at least 3 years.
Each Hall of Fame serves a purpose as does the criteria for getting into the Hall of Fame. When I look at the careers of players of colors who played for the St. Louis Cardinals I have developed my own criteria for deciding who should be noted for their distinguished careers. I feel that any player of color whose statistics rank them in the top 100 St. Louis Cardinal position players or the top 50 pitching starters or the top 25 pitching relievers. The St. Louis Cardinals have had nearly 2000 players in their history.
With that said - I will commence with the two rolls of distinguished players of color and comment on whether or not these players have achieved any other designations upon retiring and if they should.
Hispanic players Distinguished Career Awards for Players who played and or currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Each Hall of Fame serves a purpose as does the criteria for getting into the Hall of Fame. When I look at the careers of players of colors who played for the St. Louis Cardinals I have developed my own criteria for deciding who should be noted for their distinguished careers. I feel that any player of color whose statistics rank them in the top 100 St. Louis Cardinal position players or the top 50 pitching starters or the top 25 pitching relievers. The St. Louis Cardinals have had nearly 2000 players in their history.
With that said - I will commence with the two rolls of distinguished players of color and comment on whether or not these players have achieved any other designations upon retiring and if they should.
Hispanic players Distinguished Career Awards for Players who played and or currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Position Players
Albert Pujols – Ranking as a Cardinal player: 14th in hits, 8th in runs, 6th in RBI’s. Clearly Albert Pujols heads this list for the St. Louis Cardinals. Albert is one of the 10 best Cardinal position players to ever play. Albert is not a national Hall of Fame member yet but at his current pace he will have the statistics to become one in his 12th or 13th season.
Julian Javier - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 16th in hits, 19th in runs, 30th in RBI’s. Julian Javier is one of the 25 best Cardinal position players to ever play. Julian is not a national Hall of Fame member and it would be a stretch to put him in. He and Albert give the St. Louis Cardinals a 1st and 2nd base Dominican Republic all star squad.
Edgar Renteria - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 35th in hits, 37th in runs, 36th in RBI’s, 35th in total bases. Is one of the top 50 Cardinal position players of all time. He is just outside of this realm in most statistical categories. Edgar is a current player and has not qualified for the Hall of Fame as of yet in my opinion. To get there he needs another 1,000 hits, currently at 2,000. He has played 13 seasons and his numbers are going down rather than up. It remains an outside possibility. He is the best Columbia born player to ever play for the St. Louis Cardinals. Edgar’s 3 years in Florida and World Series heroics would probably put him on Florida’s list of distinguished players of color.
Jose Oquendo - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 53rd in hits, 75th in runs, 86th in RBI’s. Oquendo’s stats fit him into the top 75 Cardinal position players of all time. He is also extremely popular among fans.
Fernando Vina - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 78th in hits, 77th in runs, 132nd in RBI’s. Vina’s stats put him into the conversation of the top 100 Cardinal position players of all time. He would also make Milwaukee’s list of distinguished players of color. One other thing, I for one, loved his salsa. He continues a fine tradition of players of Cuban descent for the Cardinals.
Pedro Guerrero - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 88th in hits, 142th in runs, 48th in RBI’s. Guerrero’s stats put him in the conversation of the top 100 Cardinal position players of all time. His career numbers are not worthy of national Hall of Fame mention. He is the third player from the Dominican Republic to make this list.
Orlando Cepeda - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 98th in hits, 100th in runs, 78th in RBI’s. In his short time here amassed enough stats to be considered in the discussion of the top 100 Cardinal position players of all time. Cepeda who is in the Hall of Fame and would make any national Hall of Fame for Hispanic players and should also make any list for the Giants and Braves. He becomes the second player from Puerto Rico to make this list.
Starters
Joaquin Andujar - 33rd in innings pitched, 32nd in strikeouts, 31st in Wins. One of the top 50 starters in St. Louis Cardinal history. He is not in the Hall of Fame nor should he be. He would also make the list of distinguished players of color for Houston.
Jose De Leon is 44th in innings pitched, 14th in strikeouts, and his 43 wins are tied for 61st. I think he fits into the conversation of the Cardinals 50 best starters and that is why he is on this list. His 12 year career will not qualify him for the national Hall of Fame. He makes the list of distinguished players of colors for the Pirates and maybe the White Sox.
Relievers
Diego Segui – Ranking as a Cardinal player: 16th in saves, 28th in games finished. Kansas City and Oakland distinguished players of color.
Mike Perez - Ranking as a Cardinal player: 22th in saves, 20th in games finished.
Juan Acevedo – Ranking as a Cardinal player: 26th in saves, 44th in games finished. Detroit distinguished players of color.
stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/
Thursday, March 26, 2009
All Time Hispanic At Bat Leaders St. Louis Cardinals
1. Julian Javier, 2B, 5,631 Cardinal at bats, 11th all time on the Cardinals, 5,722 total major league at bats, 489th all time in the majors.
2. Albert Pujols, 1B, 4,578 Cardinal at bats, 18th all time on the Cardinals, 4,578 total major league at bats, 845th all time in the majors. Currently active with the Cardinals.
3. Edgar Renteria, SS, 3,357 Cardinal at bats, 33rd all time on the Cardinals, 7,140 total major league at bats, 237th all time in the majors. Currently active in the majors.
4. Jose Oquendo, Utility, 2,685 Cardinal at bats, 52nd all time on the Cardinals, 3,202 at bats, 1,416th all time in the majors.
5. Fernando Vina, 2B, 1,999 Cardinal at bats, 79th all time on the Cardinals, 4,240 total at bats, 970th all time in the majors.
6. Pedro Guerrero, 1B/OF, 1,790 Cardinal at bats, 90th all time on the Cardinals, 5,392 total at bats, 576th all time in the majors.
7. Yadi Molina, C, 1,734 Cardinal at bats, 93rd all time on the Cardinals, 1,734 total at bats, 2,426th all time in the majors. Currently active with the Cardinals.
8. Orlando Cepeda, 1B, 1,615 Cardinal at bats, 106th all time on the Cardinals, 7,927 total at bats, 137th all time in the majors.
9. Luis Alicea, 2B, 1577 Cardinal at bats, 108th all time on the Cardinals, 3,971 total at bats, 1,098th all time in the majors.
10. Miquel Gonzalez, C, 1573 Cardinal at bats, 109th all time on the Cardinals, 2,829 total at bats, 1617th all time in the majors.
Stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/.
2. Albert Pujols, 1B, 4,578 Cardinal at bats, 18th all time on the Cardinals, 4,578 total major league at bats, 845th all time in the majors. Currently active with the Cardinals.
3. Edgar Renteria, SS, 3,357 Cardinal at bats, 33rd all time on the Cardinals, 7,140 total major league at bats, 237th all time in the majors. Currently active in the majors.
4. Jose Oquendo, Utility, 2,685 Cardinal at bats, 52nd all time on the Cardinals, 3,202 at bats, 1,416th all time in the majors.
5. Fernando Vina, 2B, 1,999 Cardinal at bats, 79th all time on the Cardinals, 4,240 total at bats, 970th all time in the majors.
6. Pedro Guerrero, 1B/OF, 1,790 Cardinal at bats, 90th all time on the Cardinals, 5,392 total at bats, 576th all time in the majors.
7. Yadi Molina, C, 1,734 Cardinal at bats, 93rd all time on the Cardinals, 1,734 total at bats, 2,426th all time in the majors. Currently active with the Cardinals.
8. Orlando Cepeda, 1B, 1,615 Cardinal at bats, 106th all time on the Cardinals, 7,927 total at bats, 137th all time in the majors.
9. Luis Alicea, 2B, 1577 Cardinal at bats, 108th all time on the Cardinals, 3,971 total at bats, 1,098th all time in the majors.
10. Miquel Gonzalez, C, 1573 Cardinal at bats, 109th all time on the Cardinals, 2,829 total at bats, 1617th all time in the majors.
Stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/.
All Time African American At Bat Leaders for the St. Louis Cardinals
1. Lou Brock, OF, 9,125 Cardinal at bats, 2nd all time on the Cardinals, 10,332 total major league at bats, 18th all time in the majors.
2. Ozzie Smith, SS, 7,160 Cardinal at bats, 3rd all time on the Cardinals, 9,396 total major league at bats, 43rd all time in the majors.
3. Curt Flood, OF, 6,318 Cardinal at bats, 7th all time on the Cardinals, 6,357 total major league at bats, 356th all time in the majors.
4. Willie McGee, OF, 5,734 Cardinal at bats, 9th all time on the Cardinals, 7,649 total major league at bats, 166th all time in the majors.
5. Ray Lankford, OF, 5,417 Cardinal at bats, 12th all time on the Cardinals, 5,747 at bats, 484th all time in the majors.
6. Bill White, 1B, 4,165 Cardinal at bats, 20th all time on the Cardinals, 5,972 total at bats, 427 all time in the majors.
7. Vince Coleman, OF, 3,535 Cardinal at bats, 30th all time on the Cardinals, 5,406 total at bats, 573rd all time in the majors.
8. Terry Pendleton, 3B, 3,433 Cardinal at bats, 32nd all time on the Cardinals, 7,032 total at bats, 258th all time in the majors.
9. George Hendrick, OF, 3,326 Cardinal at bats, 35th all time on the Cardinals, 7,129 total at bats, 239th all time in the majors.
10. Garry Templeton, SS, 2990 Cardinal at bats, 42nd all time on the Cardinals, 7,721 total at bats, 156th all time in the majors.
Stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/
2. Ozzie Smith, SS, 7,160 Cardinal at bats, 3rd all time on the Cardinals, 9,396 total major league at bats, 43rd all time in the majors.
3. Curt Flood, OF, 6,318 Cardinal at bats, 7th all time on the Cardinals, 6,357 total major league at bats, 356th all time in the majors.
4. Willie McGee, OF, 5,734 Cardinal at bats, 9th all time on the Cardinals, 7,649 total major league at bats, 166th all time in the majors.
5. Ray Lankford, OF, 5,417 Cardinal at bats, 12th all time on the Cardinals, 5,747 at bats, 484th all time in the majors.
6. Bill White, 1B, 4,165 Cardinal at bats, 20th all time on the Cardinals, 5,972 total at bats, 427 all time in the majors.
7. Vince Coleman, OF, 3,535 Cardinal at bats, 30th all time on the Cardinals, 5,406 total at bats, 573rd all time in the majors.
8. Terry Pendleton, 3B, 3,433 Cardinal at bats, 32nd all time on the Cardinals, 7,032 total at bats, 258th all time in the majors.
9. George Hendrick, OF, 3,326 Cardinal at bats, 35th all time on the Cardinals, 7,129 total at bats, 239th all time in the majors.
10. Garry Templeton, SS, 2990 Cardinal at bats, 42nd all time on the Cardinals, 7,721 total at bats, 156th all time in the majors.
Stats compiled from http://www.mlb.com/ and http://www.baseball-reference.com/
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Intergration in St. Louis.
When most people think of major league baseball being integrated in St. Louis they think of the St. Louis Cardinals being warned by the commissioner of baseball against boycotting Jackie Robinson in 1947. Although the Cardinals deny this accusation it is still considered to be part and parcel of baseball lore. After all St. Louis was the southern most city in the major leagues for a long time and many people felt it represented the thoughts and attitudes of the deep south.
In some ways this was true. The Cardinals did have segregated seating from 1925 - 1945 but on the field the Cardinals followed along with the majority of major league baseball where Cubans and other Hispanic and Spanish descent players played some important roles.
The first player of color to play professional baseball in St. Louis was Alfredo Cabrera in 1913. Cabrerra was a shortstop who played in one game on May 16 and went 0 - 2. He was from the Canary Islands which is just off the coast of Africa. In a sense, Cabrera was not only the first person of Spanish decent to play for the Cardinals, he was the first African player ever in the majors.
If that’s not shocking enough the second player of color to play for the Cardinals was a Cuban catcher named Miguel Gonzalez in 1915. In 1928 Pepper Martin an Osage Indian began a career with the St. Louis Cardinals that would put him on 4 All Star teams. In 1938, Gonzalez became the first Hispanic manager in all of the major leagues when he was named interim manager for the Cardinals. He was also named interim manager for the Cardinals in 1940.
So 20 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color line for baseball the St. Louis Cardinals had a Cuban manager. 25 years before that the St. Louis Cardinals had it’s first Spanish born player and the first and only African born player in the majors.
The first player of color to play professional baseball in St. Louis was Alfredo Cabrera in 1913. Cabrerra was a shortstop who played in one game on May 16 and went 0 - 2. He was from the Canary Islands which is just off the coast of Africa. In a sense, Cabrera was not only the first person of Spanish decent to play for the Cardinals, he was the first African player ever in the majors.
If that’s not shocking enough the second player of color to play for the Cardinals was a Cuban catcher named Miguel Gonzalez in 1915. In 1928 Pepper Martin an Osage Indian began a career with the St. Louis Cardinals that would put him on 4 All Star teams. In 1938, Gonzalez became the first Hispanic manager in all of the major leagues when he was named interim manager for the Cardinals. He was also named interim manager for the Cardinals in 1940.
So 20 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color line for baseball the St. Louis Cardinals had a Cuban manager. 25 years before that the St. Louis Cardinals had it’s first Spanish born player and the first and only African born player in the majors.
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