- - 10 of the Most Thrilling Moments in Cardinals Franchise History

Owen ChaseDecember 26, 2025 at 10:36 PM

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The St. Louis Cardinals have a rich history marked by high-pressure games and unforgettable plays. This team has delivered moments that still stand out years later.

This article follows a tightly curated list of the most thrilling, game-defining moments in the club’s modern and historical timeline.

David Freese’s Two-Strike Triple Saves Game 6

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While trailing 7–5 in the ninth inning of Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, David Freese came up with two outs and two strikes. His line drive sailed just past Nelson Cruz and slammed off the wall in right. It tied the game and extended the Cardinals’ season. They’d later win the game in the 11th.

Ozzie Smith Hits First Left-Handed Home Run In NLCS Walk-Off

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Ozzie Smith had never homered left-handed before Game 5 of the 1985 NLCS. Then came a fastball he pulled just fair down the right-field line. The moment became legendary for its improbability and Jack Buck’s call: “Go crazy, folks! Go crazy!”

Grover Cleveland Alexander Strikes Out Tony Lazzeri In 1926

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With the bases loaded in the seventh inning of Game 7 of the 1926 World Series, Alexander came out of the bullpen to protect a one-run lead. He struck out future Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri and ended the threat. The Cardinals held on to defeat the Yankees for the franchise’s first championship.

Albert Pujols’ Home Run Off Brad Lidge Silences Houston

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It looked like Houston was headed to the World Series. That was until Albert Pujols stepped up in the ninth inning of Game 5 in the 2005 NLCS and launched one into orbit. Brad Lidge turned, didn’t move. The ball smacked the train track roof. The Astros were crushed, at least until Game 6.

Jack Clark’s Ninth-Inning Homer Clinches Pennant

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Down by a run, two outs in the ninth, and the pennant on the line–Jack Clark took Tom Niedenfuer deep for a three-run bomb that gave the Cardinals the lead and the series. The image of Pedro Guerrero throwing his glove in frustration became a symbol of a season ended.

Harry Walker’s Double And Slaughter’s Dash Win 1946 Series

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There was no holding back in Game 7 of the 1946 World Series. Harry Walker’s double sent Enos Slaughter running through a stop sign at third and all the way home from first. He made it. The “Mad Dash” is still one of the boldest baserunning decisions in baseball history, and it won the title.

Wainwright Freezes Beltran To End NLCS

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Carlos Beltrán was one of the most feared hitters in baseball, but in 2006, rookie Adam Wainwright proved he was no ordinary closer. With the bases loaded in Game 7 of the NLCS, Wainwright trusted his curveball on a full count and watched Beltrán take it for strike three. The Mets stood still, the Cardinals poured onto the field, and a defining moment in Wainwright’s career was born.

Mark McGwire Breaks Single-Season Home Run Record

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On September 8, 1998, McGwire broke Roger Maris’ 37-year-old single-season home run record with his 62nd of the year. The line drive barely cleared the left-field fence, estimated at just 341 feet. The moment marked a pivotal chapter in baseball’s return from the 1994 labor dispute, even as the record was later eclipsed.

Albert Pujols Joins the 700 Home Run Club In 2022

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With one big night in 2022, Albert Pujols went from a legend to a 700-home-run hitter. He hit No. 699 and No. 700 in the same game, both against Dodgers pitchers. As he rounded the bases after the second, you could see him wiping his eyes.

Willie McGee Delivers Two Homers And A Key Catch

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Willie McGee made a historic impact during the 1982 World Series, but his defining moments spanned multiple games. In Game 3, McGee hit two home runs, becoming just the third rookie in World Series history to accomplish that feat and powering the Cardinals to a 6–2 win. Later in the series, during Game 6, McGee made a crucial leaping catch in center field to rob Brewers slugger Gorman Thomas of a potential home run. That defensive play preserved the Cardinals’ lead and helped push the series to a decisive Game 7, which St. Louis went on to win.

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Source: “AOL Sports”