RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The 1936 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs was marked by intense competition between the two National League rivals. Throughout the season, both teams demonstrated strong performances and sought to secure a spot in the playoffs.
August was a crucial month for both the Cardinals and the Cubs. The Cardinals, led by their star player Dizzy Dean, had a standout season with exceptional pitching performances. Dean was a dominant force on the mound and played a pivotal role in the Cardinals' success throughout the year. In August, Dean continued to excel, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's best pitchers.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs showcased their offensive firepower during the 1936 season. Players like Gabby Hartnett and Billy Herman led the team's hitting attack, providing consistent contributions to the lineup. In August, the Cubs' offense remained potent, putting up impressive numbers in key games.
The rivalry between the two teams intensified during their matchups in August. The Cardinals and the Cubs were neck-and-neck in the standings, making each head-to-head encounter critical for both sides. These games were fiercely contested and had a significant impact on their positioning in the standings.
Overall, the 1936 season saw the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy in the National League. With Dizzy Dean's dominant pitching and the Cubs' powerful hitting, both teams made their case for a spot in the playoffs. The competition between the Cardinals and the Cubs, especially during the pivotal month of August, added excitement to the baseball season and further solidified the historic rivalry between these two storied franchises.
On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals...
St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field. The starting pitchers for the day were Davis for the Cardinals and Thompson for the Reds. The 1939 season was a significant one, with the Reds sitting atop the National League and the Cardinals not far behind. The Reds were looking to clinify their first pennant since 1919, while the Cardinals were hoping to repeat their World Series success from just a few years prior in 1934. The game was also set against the backdrop of an eventful season for Major League Baseball, with the first televised baseball game taking place earlier that year, and the onset of World War II casting uncertainty over future seasons.
The game started off with both teams holding their own, with the first inning ending scoreless. The second inning, however, saw a shift in momentum when the Reds' shortstop Myers hit a home run, sending Lombardi and Craft home and giving the Reds a 3-0 lead. This was a significant moment in the game, as Myers' home run was only his ninth of the season. Despite the Cardinals' best efforts, they were unable to score in the second inning, leaving the Reds with a comfortable lead.
In the following innings, the Cardinals made several attempts to close the gap. Their most significant scoring opportunity came in the third inning when Medwick hit a double, his second of the game, allowing the Cardinals to score their only run. Despite this, the Reds' defense, led by Thompson, managed to hold the Cardinals at bay. The Cardinals' pitching staff also worked hard to prevent the Reds from extending their lead, with Davis, Shoun, Bowman, Warneke, and Weiland all taking the mound throughout the game. However, the Reds' early lead proved insurmountable, and the game ended with a 3-1 victory for the Reds.
After this game, the Cincinnati Reds went on to win the National League pennant, their first in 20 years, and advanced to the World Series. However, they were defeated by the New York Yankees in a four-game sweep. Despite their loss in this particular game, the Cardinals had a strong season, finishing second in the National League. The 1939 season also saw several individual accomplishments, with Johnny Mize of the Cardinals leading the league in home runs and RBIs, and Lombardi of the Reds winning the National League MVP award.
