Albert Fred "Red" Schoendienst was a central figure in the world of Major League Baseball, known for his long-standing association with the St. Louis Cardinals. Born on February 2, 1923, in Germantown, Illinois, Schoendienst grew up in a large family during the Great Depression. His journey into professional baseball began when he signed with the Cardinals as an amateur free agent in 1942. However, his career was interrupted by military service during World War II, delaying his major league debut until 1945.

Schoendienst quickly established himself as a reliable second baseman. In his rookie season, he batted .278 and demonstrated exceptional defensive skills. Over the next few years, he became a fixture in the Cardinals' lineup, known for his consistent hitting and fielding prowess. In 1946, he played a crucial role in helping the Cardinals win the World Series, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, Schoendienst was a regular participant in the All-Star Game, earning selections in ten consecutive seasons from 1948 to 1957. His ability to make contact and avoid strikeouts made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals. In 1953, he led the National League in hits with 200 and posted a career-high batting average of .342.

In 1956, Schoendienst was traded to the New York Giants, and later that year, he was dealt to the Milwaukee Braves. His tenure with the Braves proved fruitful, as he helped the team secure a World Series title in 1957. Despite battling tuberculosis in 1958, which required surgery and sidelined him for much of the season, Schoendienst made a remarkable comeback in 1959.

Returning to the Cardinals in 1961, he transitioned into a player-coach role, eventually retiring as a player in 1963. However, his involvement with baseball was far from over. Schoendienst became the Cardinals' manager in 1965, a position he held until 1976. Under his leadership, the Cardinals won the World Series in 1967 and the National League pennant in 1968.

After stepping down as manager, Schoendienst remained with the Cardinals organization in various coaching and advisory capacities. His influence extended beyond the field, as he became a mentor to younger players and a respected figure within the baseball community. In recognition of his achievements, Schoendienst was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.

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