Welcome to Part 2 of a special “Celebrating 20 Years at Busch III” installment. We continue honoring those Cardinal Nation has lost in the 20 years since Busch Stadium III opened.
Celebrating 20 Years at Busch III: Honoring Those Who Cardinal Nation Has Lost
Joe Cunningham
Joe Cunningham was one of the Cardinals’ most reliable hitters during the late 1950s and early 1960s. A two-time All-Star, Cunningham was known for his exceptional ability to get on base and for his disciplined approach at the plate. In 1959, he batted .345 and leading the league in on-base percentage. Although he played before the Cardinals’ championship run of the 1960s reached its peak, Cunningham helped bridge the gap between earlier eras and the teams that would soon contend for titles.
Even in retirement, Cunningham continued to have an impact on the Cardinals. He spent time as a coach, both in the minors and the majors, and helped create community programs, such as high school games at Busch Stadium and elementary programs to help children say no to drugs.
Cunningham died on March 21, 2021.
Bruce Sutter
Bruce Sutter changed the role of the relief pitcher in St. Louis and throughout baseball. Acquired by the Cardinals before the 1981 season, Sutter became one of the most feared closers in the game. Armed with his devastating split-finger fastball, he anchored the bullpen for Whitey Herzog‘s Cardinals and played a critical role in the club’s 1982 World Series championship.
Sutter saved the final game of the 1982 World Series and became a symbol of the Cardinals’ winning teams of the 1980s. His dominance helped pave the way for modern closers and earned him election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. For Cardinals fans, he remains one of the most important pitchers in franchise history and a defining figure of the Whiteyball era.
Sutter died on October 13, 2022. He had been recently diagnosed with cancer. Following his passing, Commissioner Rob Manfred honored his legacy:
“Bruce Sutter was the first pitcher to reach the Hall of Fame without starting a game, and he was one of the key figures who foreshadowed how the use of relievers would evolve. Bruce will be remembered as one of the best pitchers in the history of two of our most historic franchises.”
Tim McCarver
Tim McCarver enjoyed two highly successful careers connected to the Cardinals—first as a player and later as a broadcaster. As a catcher, he helped guide the Cardinals’ pitching staffs and was a key contributor to the 1964 and 1967 World Series championship teams. His close working relationship with Bob Gibson became one of the most famous pitcher-catcher partnerships in baseball history.
After retiring as a player, McCarver became one of baseball’s most recognizable broadcasters, working alongside Joe Buck for many seasons on Fox. His insight, preparation, and ability to explain the game made him a fixture on national broadcasts for decades. After stepping down from the national role, McCarver continued his broadcasting career for the Cardinals, working alongside Dan McLaughlin.
McCarver died of heart failure on February 16, 2023.
Mike Shannon
Mike Shannon occupied a unique place in Cardinals history because he became beloved both on the field and behind the microphone. As a player, he helped the Cardinals win World Series titles in 1964 and 1967 and was a member of the 1968 National League championship team. Though injuries shortened his playing career, his connection to the franchise was far from over.
For more than 50 years, Shannon served as the voice of Cardinals baseball on the radio. His colorful stories, humor, and unmistakable broadcasting style made him a companion to generations of fans listening across the Midwest. His home run call of “get up, baby! Get up! Oh yeah!” is ingrained in the minds of Cardinal Nation. Few people have ever represented Cardinals baseball for as long or as passionately as Shannon, making him one of the most cherished figures in franchise history.
Shannon died on April 23, 2023, after suffering a stroke. He had been dealing with various other ailments as well.
Whitey Herzog
Whitey Herzog was one of the most influential managers in Cardinals history. Taking over in 1980, he transformed the franchise into a perennial contender by emphasizing speed, defense, athleticism, and aggressive base running. His approach became known as “Whiteyball,” and it perfectly suited the artificial-turf era of Busch Stadium II.
Under Herzog’s leadership, the Cardinals won the 1982 World Series, captured three National League pennants (1982, 1985, and 1987), and became one of baseball’s dominant franchises during the decade. Beyond the victories, Whitey gave the Cardinals a distinct identity that fans still celebrate today. His Hall of Fame career and enduring influence ensure that he will always be remembered as one of the greatest managers in franchise history.
Herzog died on April 15, 2024.
Orlando Cepeda
Orlando Cepeda’s Cardinals career lasted only three seasons, but his impact on franchise history was enormous. Acquired before the 1966 season, Cepeda immediately became one of the National League’s most feared hitters. In 1967, he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, batting .325 with 25 home runs and 111 RBIs while helping lead the Cardinals to a World Series championship. His powerful bat gave St. Louis the middle-of-the-order force it needed during one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
Cepeda’s popularity extended far beyond his statistics. He became one of baseball’s pioneering Latino stars and remained a beloved ambassador for the game long after his retirement. Though he spent only part of his Hall of Fame career in St. Louis, Cardinals fans remember him as a key figure in the 1967 championship season and one of the greatest first basemen ever to wear the Birds on the Bat.
Cepeda died on June 28, 2024.
Walt Jocketty
Walt Jocketty reshaped the Cardinals’ franchise during his tenure as general manager from 1994 to 2007. He assembled the teams that dominated the National League Central for much of the late 1990s and early 2000s, acquiring and developing many of the players who became Cardinals legends. Under his leadership, the club brought in stars such as Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, Chris Carpenter, and Larry Walker, while also building around homegrown talent like Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.
Jocketty’s greatest achievement came with the 2006 World Series championship, the Cardinals’ first title in 24 years. His aggressive roster-building philosophy helped return St. Louis to baseball’s elite and laid the groundwork for continued success after his departure. Many fans view him as one of the most successful executives in franchise history.
Jocketty died on April 25, 2025.
Tom Nieto
Tom Nieto’s playing career with the Cardinals was relatively brief, but he was on the 1985 pennant-winning team. After retiring, Nieto spent time helping to develop players, including managing the Palm Beach Cardinals (the Cardinals’ High-A affiliate). His professionalism and baseball intelligence earned him respect throughout the sport.
Nieto died from a heart attack on March 27, 2026.
Dick Hughes
Dick Hughes is best remembered for one remarkable season that helped propel the Cardinals to a World Series championship. In 1967, the right-hander won 16 games, earned National League Rookie of the Year honors, and became an important part of a pitching staff led by Bob Gibson. His unexpected emergence gave St. Louis valuable depth during one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.
Though injuries shortened his major league career, Hughes remained an important member of the Cardinals’ history because of his contributions to the 1967 championship team. Cardinals fans remember him as a key contributor to a title-winning season.
Hughes died on May 6, 2026.
Thank You!
Both parts of this installment were certainly lengthy. Thank you for taking the time to read both.
The Cardinals are one of MLB’s most successful franchises. Many figures have helped shape its history.
As said earlier, the purpose of this article was to honor those Cardinal Nation has lost. Hopefully, it was successful.
Main Photo: Scott Rovak- Imagn Images
