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