St. Louis Cardinals: The 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

The St. Louis Cardinals have a storied history filled with players who have impacted the franchise throughout the years. But which ones are the greatest of the great? These are the four players we believe belong on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore.

Picking just four players wasn’t easy, and there will likely be plenty of debate about this list. With a passionate fan base like the St. Louis Cardinals have and scores of players who have made their own marks on the team through the years, it makes sense that there will be some arguments on who does or doesn’t belong on this list.

However, we’re diving into the debate head first.

St. Louis Cardinals: Stan Musial belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Musial, affectionately known as “Stan the Man,” made an impact on the St. Louis Cardinals that continues to resonate through generations of baseball enthusiasts.

Musial’s 22-year career, all spent with the Cardinals, is a testament to his unwavering loyalty and unparalleled skill. His batting prowess was nothing short of legendary, amassing an astounding 3,630 hits, 475 home runs, and a lifetime .331 batting average. His sweet left-handed swing and consistent offensive output made him one of the most feared hitters in the game’s history as he earned seven career batting titles.

A 24-time All-Star and three-time MVP, Musial led the Cardinals to three World Series titles. His legacy is immortalized in the hearts of Cardinals fans and the annals of baseball history, solidifying him as a cornerstone of the franchise and a timeless symbol of what it means to be a true legend of the game.

St. Louis Cardinals: Bob Gibson belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Bob Gibson’s impact on the St. Louis Cardinals is a legendary tale of dominance, leadership, and unwavering determination that continues to resonate in the minds of Cardinals fans today. A towering figure on the mound, Gibson’s influence on the Cardinals and the game as a whole is immeasurable.

Gibson’s name became synonymous with pitching excellence. His fierce competitiveness and unparalleled skill elevated him to legendary status during his 17-year career, all spent with the Cardinals. Gibson’s standout moments include his remarkable 1968 season, where he posted a staggering 1.12 ERA, a feat that may never be equaled again in the modern era. His two Cy Young Awards and two World Series MVPs attest to his prowess on the biggest stages.

His presence was a driving force behind the Cardinals’ successes, including World Series championships in 1964 and 1967. In that 1967 win over the Boston Red Sox, Gibson started three games and had a 1.00 ERA in 27.0 innings, striking out 26.

Gibson’s competitive fire often translated into memorable on-field confrontations, cementing his reputation as an intimidating force. In his 1992 autobiography, “Stranger to the Game,” he wrote, “I actually used about nine pitches — two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a change-up, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman.”

You can explore the 10 best games of Gibson’s illustrious career and what made them so special by clicking here.

St. Louis Cardinals: Rogers Hornsby belongs on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

While the first three entrants into our version of Mount Rushmore may not have much debate surrounding them, adding the fourth face to the mountain is where it gets tricky.

Could this be Yadier Molina? What about Albert Pujols? Maybe Lou Brock? There are plenty of possibilities, but we are going with Hornsby here because of what he did for the franchise as a player and manager.

As a player, Hornsby’s prodigious talent at the plate was nothing short of extraordinary. His exceptional batting skills, exemplified by his .358 career batting average, remain a testament to his hitting prowess. Hornsby’s ability to consistently drive in runs and his knack for getting on base were instrumental in the Cardinals’ triumphs during the late 1910s and early 1920s.

With Hornsby slashing .317/.388/.463 during the regular season, the team advanced to the World Series and won the franchise’s first-ever title, downing the New York Yankees.

During his 23-year playing career, Hornsby was a member of the Cardinals for 13 seasons, logging a .995 OPS and 177 OPS+ during that time.

Oh, and Hornsby was also the manager of that 1926 team, the second of two seasons he would be at the helm for the Cardinals, leading them to a 153-116 mark. In his Hall of Fame career, he would manage six teams over 14 seasons.