January 26 in Cardinals History

In 1919, the Cardinals announce that Branch Rickey will serve as the manager along with the job as General Manager.

The Cardinals purchased Hod Ford from the Cincinnati Reds in 1932.

The Cardinals purchased Skeeter Scalzi in 1940 from the New York Giants

The Cardinals traded Eddie Erautt, Dick Sisler and $100,000 to San Diego (PCL) for Tom Alston in 1954.

Birthdays

Charlie Gelbert –1906 – He was the Cardinals’ starting shortstop from 1929 to 1932, including the pennant-winning team of 1930, as well as the team that won the 1931 World Series. He finished 25th in voting for the 1931 National League MVP for playing in 131 games and having 447 at bats, 61 runs, 129 hits, 29 doubles, 5 triples, 1 home run, 62 RBI, 7 stolen bases, 54 walks, .289 batting average, .365 on-base percentage, .383 slugging percentage, 171 total bases and 4 sacrifice hits.

Gelbert’s career was nearly ended when he severely injured his left ankle in a hunting accident, costing him two full seasons. He returned in 1935, but spent the rest of his career as a utility infielder. In nine seasons, Gelbert played in 876 games and had 2,869 at bats, 398 runs, 766 hits, 169 doubles, 43 triples, 17 home runs, 350 RBI, 34 stolen bases, 290 walks, .267 batting average, .336 on-base percentage, .374 slugging percentage, 1,072 total bases and 49 sacrifice hits.

Bob Uecker (1934) Uecker signed with his hometown Milwaukee Braves in 1956, spending several years in the minor leagues with various affiliate clubs before making his major league debut in 1962. As a backup catcher, he played for the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves from 1962 to 1967. Lifetime .200 hitter. He went on to become an announcer, comedian. actor and many other venues of entertainment. 

Tom Bruno (1953) -He played parts of four seasons in the majors from 1976 until 1979 for the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, and St. Louis Cardinals. Primarily a relief pitcher, Bruno won 7 games in his major league career. His best season came in 1978. Bruno compiled a 4–3 record, a 1.107 WHIP, and an impressive 1.99 ERA. On August 11, 1978, Bruno picked up the only save of his major league career. He pitched a flawless 12th inning, striking out the side, to nail down a 4-1 Cardinals victory over the Mets.

Deaths

  • Del Rice 1983
  • Ray Yochim 2002
  • Bud Byerly 2012