Those are the same three I’d choose. Good call DG…

1. Musial

2. Gibby

3. Albert (by the time he is done…does that count?)

Answered my own question. I agree with you as well, DG. Though I want to put the Wizard in there, I know it is only because of my childhood.

Couldn’t agree more as these guys had HUGE performance, influence on the game, or both –
1) Stan the Man - pure hitter
2) Gibby - pure power
3) El Hombre - hitter with power
Looking at retirees only, and looking performance and influence you’ve gotta go with add either Hornsby or Brock. Can we make it Top 4??

I think Albert belongs. My 3 are:
Stan Musial
Bob Gibson
Albert Pujols

Good arguments can be made for Rogers Hornsby and Ozzie Smith, but if confined to three picks, I take 6, 45 and 5. 6manfan

I agree. It’s too early to tell about Albert, but maybe he’ll take over the number three slot eventually. He might even be number two and push Gibby to number three. Stan the Man will always and forever be number one.

I agree with DG, Musial was easily the greatest Cardinal, Gibson was the greatest pitcher. Hornsby brought ST Louis their first World Series ever. He was also probably the greatest 2nd baseman. He hit for power in a time when there wasn’t much power. The man also batted over .400 multiple times, you can’t leave him out.

Can’t go wrong with your three DG…I really liked seeing Hornsby in there because I don’t believe he gets the overall notice he deserves in Cardinal history (more by the fans then anyone else). The Rajah is arguable the greatest righthanded hitter of all time.
One other name I want to throw out for consideration even though he isn’t in the group…Ted Simmons. I’m not saying he should be one of the three, but I think he deserves consideration in this group…and 23 should be retired!

100% agreement.

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Brock

Top three has got to include Musial and Gibson and after that number three boils down to either Ozzie or Albert.

Musial, Hornsby, Gibson

DG,

Hornsby, Musial and Gibby are the top selections (not in that order). I don’t think there is any question. To have seen 2 of the 3 greatest Cardinals play in 3 Busch Stadiums has been a privilege. Albert may earn his way onto this list but he has quite a few years to go.

In a slam dunk I have to agree with you DG. The Players you picked came to mind when I first started reading your article. In fairness to the players of the dead ball era I had to cast a vote toward Hornsby for the third slot. He led the Cards to their first World Series title in 1926. He was Branch Ricky’s first defining gem of a player.

Musial has to be number one for so many reasons. But to make this brief how about the well known fact that Stan the Man was a Cardinal his entire career and played in 24 ALLSTAR games during his HOF 22 year career.

I cast my second vote for Bob Gibson. He also played his entire career in St. Louis. His Hall of Fame feats are many also. But my gosh we BIRD LAND birds all should know what a fearsome competitor Gibby was. I loved his attitude with ball players from the other team. He treated them as an enemy. No fraternizing with the other side. Also, when he took the ball he was not looking for bullpen help to get him a win. He planned on pitching NINE every game. Another era gone by. I miss that era so much. The love of money has taken much of the flavor out of the game.

But here they are in Bird Land pecking order:

Stan “the Man” Musial
Bob Gibson
Rogers Hornsby

Very special mention to Lou Brock AND Ozzie Smith. We’ll see where Pujols lands when his career is over. Hopefully the HOF will have number 5 landing in it one day wearing the Birds on the Bat also.

There are clearly five players on this list. Musial is automatic. Gibson, Hornsby, Ozzie and Pujols are the other four. It’s a tough cut down to three. Gibby seems obvious, but you can make a case for Hornsby and Pujols instead. It’s the impossible argument of pitchers vs. hitters. Ozzie is probably the easiest (yet difficult) cut of the five, which tells you what a tough list it is.

Even without projecting anything, in a career of eight season, I think you have to include Albert. He already brings almost everything to the table that the other top candidates have.

– Leader of the team in an era that includes a World Championship and post season in five of seven seasons.
– Offensive monster. No need to preach to the choir on this one.
– Gold glover. Won the award in only his third full season at first base, which must be something close to unprecedented. (Aside: Thinking of otheres winning GGs at new positions, Mark Grudzielanek won it in KC in his seventh season at 2B.)
– Highly decorated career. 1 MVP (should be two, maybe three), 1 GG, rookie of the year, batting title.

The only thing lacking for Albert is longevity, if eight years isn’t good enough for you. Hornsby had “only” 11 full seasons in St. Louis, leaving at age 30. It’s no knock on the Rajah, but he only played part of his best seasons in St. Louis, so that’s one reason to favor the others. I would rather list five, but if it has to be three:

Musial
Pujols
Gibson

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Ozzie
3A. Brock

Right now is has to be:

Musial Gibson Hornsby

You can’t put Albert on their just yet. He will likely end up on their and may crack into the top two, or even the top. But we have to wait until his numbers flesh out.

Hornsby was player/manager of our first World Title team. He hit over .400 a few times. He was the inspiration for Ted Williams hitting style.

I think you also have to take championships into account. Part of what makes Musial so fantastic is not that he was our best hitter, but that he had the most successful run as our star player. Let’s hope Albert will give Stan a run for his money

It is difficult, indeed, to pick only three. Musial is a lock, of course, and it would be impossible to argue with Gibson. But who is number 3? A case can be made for most of those others have chosen, so it is more a matter of deciding who to leave off. In my list, I drop Hornsby and Ozzie as they both had part of their career elsewhere. If Carlton had stayed longer with the Cardinals, he would fit that description as well. One name I haven’t seen but who, I believe, deserves mention is Curt Flood. He remains my all-time favorite Cardinal center fielder, but doesn’t make my top three. Only injury keeps Dizzy off the list. My pick for right now is Lou Brock at number 3. But my prediction is that in another 10 years, number three will go to big number 5, Albert Pujols. So:

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Brock (until 2018, then Pujols)

Musial and Gibson are the obvious top two. Not counting Albert yet, the number 3 slot is a bit tougher and more open to personal choice. The 80’s were my favorite Cardinal era and Ozzie was my favorite player so I am going with him for the number 3 slot. Hard for me to leave out Lou as he was my favorite 70’s era player.

Who else could it be. Gibby is one of the best pitchers ever. And Stan the Man, Mr. Cardinal. Hornsby is the name anyone who knows Cardinal Baseball would name. Good call

The 2 obvious are Musial and Hornsby, who hit .400 3 times as a Cardinal, unbelieveable numbers by todays standards. The third I am not quite so sure about, mayber its Ozzie

agreed - funny you mentioned how many would lean toward living legends, only to have so many comments picking others over Rogers Hornsby, one of the greatest baseball players of all time. If Pujols ends his career with a .358 average like Hornsby, then he’ll get the nod.

Now - what about the Phillies??

1) Schmidt
2) Carlton
3) Ashburn?

Pujols
Gibson
Musial

No Brainer

Musial, Gibson, and Hornsby are absolutely correct. Nobody else even close. Albert isn’t in the top five(Ozzie and Brock)

Hornsby HAS to be in there - he AVERAGE .400 over FIVE seasons….FIVE SEASONs!!! STAN has to be in there - no justification required…..

I love Gibby - but Dizzy was Gibby before Gibby so I am torn on # 3…

the good news is there is a number of these guys to choose from…:)

What about Frankie Frisch? Marty Marion? Jesse Haines (19 years - 210 wins), Jim Bottomley?? Steve Carton - oh wait…..nevermind…

Speaking of Bottomley - How bout the BROWNIES - prior to O’s???

1.

1. Musial 2. McGwire 3. Hornsby

This is a hard choice, only 3? Well here goes; Every St. Louis boy from my generation grew up on the stories of Stan “The Man” Musial. My father saw him play and as a child, I attended his last home game at the old Busch on Grand. His records are those others wish to attain. In fact, if Stan had played in any other city than St. Louis, i.e., New York, no one would have ever heard of DiMaggio. In fact the only thing Joe D. accomplished was a 56 game hitting streak. So CArdinal #1 is #6.

I have to agree with Bob Gibson. I live in Central Illinois now, CArdinal Country over the hated Cubbies, and the concensus is that when you needed one game, had to have that game, Gibby was the man. He backed down from no hitter, in fact, unlike todays prima donnas, he refused to let a hitter get comfortable in the batter’s box. He would associate with other pitchers during All-Star competition, and focussed on the opposing players as the enemy. The best of a CArdinals nation in pitching.

I’m tied up over the 3rd member, I can see Dizzy, Rogers, Lou and Enos, but I go towards the Wizzard. Ozzie was the man on defense, became an offensive threat and was the thread that kept the Cardinals as a perennial threat and World Series Champion during the 80’s. Forget the flip on opening day, look at the only homer he ever hit left handed agfainst the Dodgers in the 85 playoffs. The Wizzard.

I think Musial & Gibson as numbers 1 & 2, respectively, are no-brainers. As for #3, I’m not sure how Derrick gave Hornsby the nod over Brock, because estimating the value of each against the other is something of an apples-to oranges comparison. And no numbers cruncher could better measure the importance of Brock than my Cardinal red soul! The same sentiment, I’m sure, goes for those who witnessed Hornsby. To me, these two share the number 3 slot…for now. As many have suggested (and presumably hope), Pujols may well eventually have to be listed in the top 3. If the Yankees don’t lure him away, Albert may even challenge for the near-sacred top spot, don’t you think?

I agree, DG. Musial was the greatest, Gibby the best competitor and Raja was the most balanced in a tough era.

Wheres the love for Lou? Stan, Bob, and Lou. Brocks base burglars, Brock’s 3000 hit club, Brockabrellas, this guy was Mr. Cardinal for 2 decades along with Gibby.

1.Gibson 2.Pujols 3.Musial

I completely agree on the top two picks…. I would have to say that I am not too familiar with Hornsby, perhaps a P-D columnist can expand on this subject with a feature on him. My #3 would be Lou Brock. He was such a impact player in 1964 (and again in ‘67 & ‘68, though overshadowed by Cepeda and Gibson in those years) that the Cardinals would have not won the World Championship without him. Of course, it helped that Ken Boyer carried the team in the first half and was the NL MVP that season too. Despite the individual accomplishments, the intrinsic beauty of baseball is that it is a ultimate team sport. It is very interesting that when players sacrifice their stats for the sake of only winning, what an effect it has on a baseball team.

I don’t understand how Ozzie cracks the top three. Fantastic defense is a given. But so so on offense by comparison. Brock and Pujols are above Ozzie.

I’ve got a better questions for you, All Time starting lineup:

Brock (CF), Hornsby (2B), Pujols (1B, Musial (LF), Medwick (RF), Simmons(C), Boyer (3B), Smith (SS), Gibson (P)

Here is a brief quote from “Wikipedia” that will shed some light on Rogers Hornsby’s career. This brief speaks volumes of his deserving standing for the top three.

“Until Barry Bonds reached the peak of his career in 2001, Hornsby was without a serious rival as the best hitter in the history of the National League. He is the only player to win the National League Triple Crown twice. His career batting average of .358 is the highest in National League history, and also the highest in major league history for any right-handed hitter. His batting average for the 1924 season was .424, a mark that no player since has matched. The Baseball Hall of Fame elected Hornsby in 1942. He has also been given a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame”.

Is this survey only for people over 65? Believe it or not, there are Cardinals fans that are younger than that. To me, Rogers Hornsby, Stan Musial, Enos Slaughter and Dizzy dean, are about as remote as Andrew Jackson, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Copernicus.

Lou Brock is a HOFer and an all-time great Cardinal. But there is no way in Hades that he can make the top three list, and certainly not ahead of Hornsby. The Rajah led the NL in batting six times in 11 full seasons in St. Louis. (He won another batting crown in 1928, after leaving the Cardinals.)

1 Gibson-Power
2 Brock-Speed
3 Ozzie-Grace

I guess Tonys list of smartest people ever would only include the guy that invented viagra, the guy that won so many times on Jeopardy, and the guy that invented compact discs.

He also probably lists Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson as the best “musicians” ever.

As a note Tony, I’m 28 and would argue long for the Rajah. If you’re going to appreciate baseball then you have to know its history. Otherwise you’re just another ignorant baseball fan, like Cub fans.

I am impressed, and can only say I agree with one-three.

Add a fourth, Lew Brock, maybe Albert Pujols for a fifth maybe fourth. But then he is a career still in the making…I mean so is Chris Carpenter such a career.

But, for sure…a quality post, with three top quality selections

According to career OPS:

Pujols
Hornsby
Musial

If El Hombre does not count since he is still playing these are my picks.

1. Stan
2. Bob Gibson
3. Red

I don’t think an every 4th/5th day player can be in your top three all time (And Dizzy was as good as Gibby anyway), so mine are:

1. Musial
2. Hornsby
3. Brock

(With Albert moving up fast)

My votes go to Musial, Gibson and Pujols. Or possibly Musial, Gibson and Hornsby. Or Musial, Gibson and Cardinal Richeleux (sp?).
How about the three greatest Pirates? I guess Clemente, Wagner and Stargell. Or Clemente, Wagner and Traynor. Or Clemente, Wagner and Jean LaFitte.
As you can see, it’s easier to name two rather than three.
Yankees? Ruth, Gehrig and Mantle. Mantle, Maris and Whitey Ford. Ruth, Gehrig and Abe Lincoln.
Mets? Gotta be Seaver, Staub and Gooden, with a bow to Beverly Sills.
And for the bonus round —
Royals? Brett, White and Saberhagen. Or Brett, White and Princess Diana.
Rays? Boggs, Evan Longoria and whoever that good starter is they’ve got now. Also Ray Bolger.

Commish,

I whole-heartedly agree with your three selections and you also got them in the correct order. There may be a day when Albert Pujols may join the company of these three gentlemen and super-stars, but he is not yet in their class as of yet.

I only disagree with the order.
1.) Musial
2.) Hornsby
3.) Gibson

I wanted to include Brock and Pujols may find himself on the list one day soon, but the top 3 are gold for now.

I agree..

Musial…
Gibson…
Hornsby

1. Gibson
2. Musial
3. Smith
If there were a fourth place, it would be Hornsby

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Dean/Pujols — Dean is clearly the best/most famous from a spectacular era of Cardinal baseball that is largely overlooked by this generation, though without the Gas House gang, Cardinal baseball doesn’t nearly the tradition that it currently enjoys. Pujols is clearly the best of this era.

I agree too: Musial, Gibson, Hornsby

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Pujols

1) Musial
2) Gibson
3) Brock

1. Musial
2. Brock
3. Gibson

I cannot judge prior to 1958. I saw my first Cardinal game at age 7. Hornsby et al can all be honorable mention, I guess.

1. Stan the Man

2. Gibson

3. El Hombre

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Hornsby

As good as Albert will be when it is all said and done, he ain’t done yet.

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Schoendienst

I’ll throw in a vote for Red in the top three based on his overall accomplishments as a player, coach and manager for a half century! But I expect it will be Hornsby - a can’t-lose scenario.

Pujols, Hornsby, Gibson. All due respect to Mr. Stan.

My top 3 are:

1. Musial

2. Hornsby

3. Gibson

Musial Gibson Hornsby

Great Time watching as young kid Gibson, Brock and Bill White

1. Stan Musial
2. Bob Gibson
3. Albert Pujols
4. Ozzie Smith
5. Lou Brock

1. Willie McGee

2. Albert Pujols

3. Ted Simmons

Royals???

1. Don Denkinger
2. Don Denkinger
3. Don Denkinger

Can’t argue with the picks or the order.
1. Stan
2. Gibby
3. Hornsby
Lou would be fourth and Boyer fifth.
Ozzie was a nice player and a great SS I loved watching, but in my eyes is over-loved in STL and I wouldn’t have put him in the HOF or even consider him for this list.

When I read the headline, I made two quick decisions, then came time for the third name. After the strange feeling of not including Ozzie Smith, Brock, and the others, Hornsby was the obvious choice.

While any of the retired numbered players could make the list, isn’t it great that the Cardinals have such a strong history that the choices are difficult because so many past players were at such a high level?

1. Musial
2. Pujols
3. Hornsby

Gibson and Ozzie would be tied for fourth. I stumbled onto ‘60 Minutes’ last night and they interviewed statistical guru Bill James, who stated that Albert is the best player in the game today.

Quite frankly, I’m surprised that Hornsby’s feats are well-known enough in the Cardinals blogosphere to have him included by so many people. Often, I feel people’s knowledge of history only begins the year they were born…and I doubt most bloggers are ninety years old (!)

Stan “The Man” Musial is number 1, Rogers Hornsby is 2, Albert Pujols is 3 on my list.

By the way I voted “Three Finger” Brown as number 1 for the Cubs on ESPN, because he is the only one on the list to have ever worn a Cub uniform for a World Series Championship, all be it a 100 years ago.

Based on Star Power.

1. Gibby
2. Ozzie
3. Big Mac

Based on the best!

1. Stan the Man
2. Gibby
3. Ozzie

Sorry all, Brock was great, but he wasn’t half the player Albert is. Hornsby is a tough omission, but Albert is that good.

1. Musial
2. Pujols
3. Gibson

You have it right. Albert may one day be on the list, but Musial, Gibson and Hornsby cannot be challenged at this point in time.

1. Stan
2. Bobby
3. Rogers
Lou, Albert, OZ

Minneapolis Redbird Crew

Stan
Gibby
Ozzie

Albert is climbing the ranks though.

1. Musial, 2. Pujols, 3. Gibson.
Anyone that does not include Musial cannot possibly know anything about Cardinal baseball or baseball period for that matter. He is not only the best Cardinal ever, but one of the 5 best players ever. If he would have played in New York he would be remembered as the best player to ever step on the field.

Musial
Gibson
McGwire

Showing my age I have to go for Musial Hornsby and Gibson. If ’Big Albert continues his performance level for the remainder of his career, it would be a real tough call on who would comprise the top three.

My three picks would be:

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Schoendienst
with Lou Brock a close fourth.

1) Mulder
2) Clemente
3) Chris Duncan

Because if these players would have been healthy. We be in the playoff.

Just kidding.

I agree with Phil

“1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Schoendienst
with Lou Brock a close fourth.”

Musial and Gibson for sure. The third one is tough, it could be Albert. I would put Hornsby or Medwick before Ozzie. This drill makes you remember all the great players that we had the pleasure of seeing over the years.

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Hornsby

I believe in Albert remains in the bat and birds for another 5 years and continues his current hitting dominance, he will easily supplant Hornsby in this list. Ozzie just doesn’t quite have enough juice, although he and Gibson each revolutionized the game in their own way.

I’m a little surprised that Dizzy Dean hasn’t gotten more mention, but I completely understand where the Mozart reference comes from. Sure, there are fans younger than 65. Heck, I imagine Cardinals eNation is a majority of fans age tween to baby boom, with most probably right around my age.

That said, I never shared a year with JFK, Martin Luther King or Ernest Hemingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald or, heck, Chaucer, but I can appreciate them. Mozart’s music may be from another time, but it is timeless. Same with historically significant leaders or supreme writers … and exceptional baseball players.

I may not have seen Hornsby play. Heck, my grandfather only read about the second baseman for the Cardinals. But there’s reason we know his name.

Just like we still know Mozart’s music.

Or Chaucer’s tales.

dg
-30-

Gibson,Brock,Musial (Pujols will make the list when he is finished playing)

I completely agree with your selections, they are mine as well

1. Stan Musial

2. Bob Gibson

3. Rogers Hornsby

I agree with BG’s selection, and in the same order. Pujols is worthy of consideration, but needs more years of the same productivity.

I agree –

Musial
Gibson
Hornsby

A modern 3 –

Brock
Ozzie
Flood

Sorry, Albert does not qualify as great yet

I’d agree with GForce (for the future). It’s an exciting time for Cardinals fans. How many more years of doing his thing will it take Albert to become a no-brainer selection for the Cards’ top 3? For so long, Stan Musial was (and still is) without question the greatest of all Cardinals. I think, though that the time will come eventually when El Hombre makes us think twice.

My 3 (for now)
1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Schoendienst (Player & Manager)

I have to agree with you on your choices. I can see folks wanting to add Ozzie and Albert but how do you displace any of these three.. you can’t. There are so many true stars that have come through the ranks of the St. Louis Cardinals that I can see it being difficult and no matter what you think of him you have to add MaGwire to the list. I’m still of the thought that the three you put up are were they should be

1 - Dizzy Dean 2 - Mark McGwire 3 - Pepper Martin

1 McGwire 2 Dean 3 Brock

I think Albert HAS to be included in the top three - equal to Gibson.

Obviously, he’s still active and he’s played less than eight years, but I think even his first 7 1/2 years in the bigs would put him on the list. EVERY single year of his career has been an MVP caliber performance. Musial, of course, displayed that same ability from the beginning through the late ’50’s; in other words, Albert’s career - times two…(!)

Gibson (along with Koufax, Marichal, Drysdale) was a dominant pitcher of his generation, and the Cardinals’ best, but he didn’t become a successful pitcher until 1963 and tapered off after 1970. He, of course, was a powerhouse during those years with 1968 being the BEST performance by ANY pitcher in the 20th Century. Yet, his won/lost record after 1970 was 61-57 and his era hovered around 3.40 - good, but certainly not spectacular.

So, I’ll put Albert’s first 7.5 years against Gibson’s 7.5 year run from 1963 through 1970 (Gibby was injured for 1/2 of 1967).

1. Stan-The-Man
2. The Rajah
3. Phat Albert or Hoot Gibson (toss-up)

McGwire? Seriously? On lists that didn’t include Pujols … please explain. Though, McGwire did help build the Cardinals of the 2000s by walking away from a salary the Cardinals then used elsewhere.

HORNSBY WAS THE GREATEST HITTER IN CARDINAL HISTORY.
SO ITS:
MUSIAL
HORNSBY
GIBSON

You have to go with the late 90s outfield:
1. Brian Jordan
2. Ron Gant
3. Ray Lankford

I nominate:
1. Stan The Man Musial (The Number One Cardinal of all time)
2. Bob Gibson (One of the toughest pitchers ever)
3. Rogers Hornsby ( Never saw him, but my dad told me a lot about him)

Wonder why Mark Mcquire hasn’t been mentioned? People shure do hold a grudge for a long time.

1.) Musial (Top ten player of all time)
2.) Hornsby (Greatest 2b of all time)
3.) Ozzie ( Greatest defensive player of all time)

Now…who are the three in the OTHER direction?

1. Juan Agosto
2. Al Santorini
3. Jeff Brantley

Top 3 Cardinals

1. Stan-he is Mr. Cardinal
2. Gibby-I will argue til the day I die that Bob Gibson is the best right-handed pitcher in baseball’s modern era
3. Ozzie-The Wizard was probably the greatest defensive shortstop of all time

I still like Mark McGuire. I like Albert Pujols. I like Lou Brock.

Pujols??? No doubt that if he keeps on his current pace he’ll be an all-time Cardinal great and an all-time MLB great too. Of course that is also assuming he remains a Redbird for a large part of his career. This is an all-time list, not a “he’s gonna be an all-timer some day in the future” list. The top 3 have to be:

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Brock (with Hornsby a close 4th.)

Hey maybe we should put Jim Edmonds on this list, oh wait he’s a Cub so now we can’t even acknowledge how great and valuable he was in St. Louis, right Bernie? Dopey Cardinal “Nation”.

1) Musial
2) Gibson
3) Pujols

Musial
Schoendienst
Gibson
Ken Boyer
Lou Brock
Rogers Hornsby

The list could go on and on but with “the Captain” at 3rd Base, Gibby on the mound and Lou on base there could be a definite tie for third place. With Hornsby the stories I have been told about his greatness we could have a forth member of the third place voting. I appreciate what Albert has been doing over his career but he just doesn’t hit the top three list just yet he is close. I think that this could lead to some interesting arguments, especially with the die-heart Cardinal fans in St. Louis. We forgot Enos with his mad dash. So let’s just say every one in Cardinal Nation will have their own top three.

Folks, Pujols doesn’t qualify yet. I’ve seen Pujols. I’ve met him before. I’ve talked to him before. He’s a good guy and a fantastic player but The Cardinals have a very long and storied history that has numerous legendary players through out that history. When and if Pujols reaches the status of a legend then I could see an arguement for including him but that hasn’t happened yet.

Admittedly being a baby boomer I have a tendancy to gravitate towards such players as Musial, Gibson and Brock. Stan the man was a fantastic player who was a huge contributer to too many world series wins to not be on the list. Gibson, besides from being on two world series winners, was a pitcher that was feared through out the league during his era. He dominated his position and was the best at it. Brock, same world series issues as well as being a fantastic outfielder and the quintisential stolen base king. He revolutionized stealing bases and was the picture of the 1960’s Cardinal teams that were built for speed. The Busch stadium of old was huge before they moved in the walls and the Cardinals dominated that stadium through their use of speed.

Pujols is a great player, a fantastic slugger, and a driving force with the team but do you think his defensive play at first base yet qualifies him as the best first baseman in the league? Each of the players I listed were often listed as the best at their position. Before I would consider Pujols, I’d place Ozzie in the top three. The 70’s were lost years for the cardinals. Ozzie was a huge part in reviving the team and giving us the exciting play of the 80’s Cardinals. Pujols is well on his way to getting there but he’s not there yet.

This is just an “if” and a “hopefully”. In this order.

1. Pujols
2. Musial
3. Gibson

“If” El Hombre makes it 20 healthy years in a Redbird uniform, imagine what his all time numbers will look like.

Average .330+
Homers 700-800
RBI’s 2000-2500
Runs 2000ish
Slugging % .600+
OPB .450+
Gold Gloves & MVP’s hopefully 5+ each
Worlds Series Hopefully over 1

As great a storied tradion as the Cardinals have had, these numbers would rank at the top, and near the top of the all time greats of the game. Let’s hope we see this happen and hope The Man also sees this happen. We really have something special in this guy. Albert and A-Rod are easily the top 2 in baseball right now.

BTW Who did ESPN pick as their top 3?

1. Musial
2. Brock
3. Gibson

Ozzie Smith (my idol)
Bob Gibson
Dizzy Dean

No man was prouder to be a Cardinal or a greater competitor than Enos “Country” Slaughter. I’d want him on my team and I’d bet that my boyhood idol Stan Musial would too!

Pujols over Hornsby assuming he remains a career Cardinal as were Musial and Gibson, but not Hornsby. Otherwise Brock I think. He and Gibson highlighted the Cards of the 60s. Hard to leave Ozzie out.

I concur, Hornsby, Musial and Gibby are impossible to argue with as the top three in Cards history. That only begs the question of batting order. I say, on basebal merits alone, Hornsby, Musial and then Gibby(though that’s a bit unfair comparing a pitcher to field players).

Stan Musial is in a stratosphere all by himself, simply because he may be one of the truly finest gentlemen that has ever graced the planet, much less a Cards uniform. He is the best case I can think of for cloning.

Pretty good chance Albert will nudge one of those three out as he reaches - and then shatters - various milestones and Cards records. Another World Series championship or two would cinch his place in the pantheon of Redbird gods.

I hate to mention the guys above without at least a tip-of-the-cap to Joe Medwick, Kenny Boyer, Dizzy Dean, Ozzie Smith and, particularly, Lou Brock. Not in the top three, or even top ten, is a sentimental favorite, Bob Forsch, who just flat made himself dependable starting pitcher and could swing the bat remarkably well.

Of course those names bring even more to mind. How about a nod to two other guys associated with the Cards. Harry Caray and Jack Buck could make even the dullest game sound like the 7th game of the World Series. Not many like those two come around, especially in these days of mochachino mass media sports extravaganzas and pretty boy talking heads who are not, at heart, artists who paint larger-than-life pictures one well-placed word at a time.

1. Gibson
2. Musial
3. Hornsby

Lou Brock
Albert Pujols
Stan )The Man) Musial

Just to be different…

Musial
Hornsby
Dean

Mostly because I don’t think Diz is getting the attention he deserves.
Dizzy’s career ERA: 3.02 — Gibby: 2.91
Dizzy’s SO/BB ratio: 2.57:1 — Gibby: 2.33:1
1 MVP each
They didn’t have Gold Gloves back then. Tough call, but I gotta go with Diz…

I agree whole-heartedly. Those are the 3 that came immediately to mind. Of course, it might be that it’s because I can remember all three. I’m proud to cheer on a club with so many “superstars” in its history!
Ebbysmom

1. Mark McGwire
2. Mark McGwire
3. Mark McGwire

Agree on Dean, Slaughter and several others from the 30’s-50’s. Never saw them play but heard many stories from my Dad. Just watching the old film clips shows their desire and dedication to the game. Watching some of the current Cardinal ”stars” make you wonder.

Top Three

1. Stan the Man
2. Bob Gibson
3. Ozzie Smith

Ozzie defined the Cards in the 80’s and was the face of that franchise. Who doesn’t know the flip and that silky smooth glove? Go crazy folks, go crazy!

Good call! Musial and Gibson are #1 and #2. Hornsby, Pujols, Schoendienst, Brock, Ozzie Smith, Slaughter would all be qualified as #3.

Ozzie, Willie McGee, Vince Coleman.

I really don’t understand the Ozzie love fest by some folks. He was a really fun player to watch who benefited from playing during one of the most exciting periods of Cardinal baseball. However, to win a game on any given day, I would prefer the combination of offensive AND defensive performance Edgar Rentaria displayed during his time in STL. Edgars crime was in leaving, but is that worse than the “all about me” way that Ozzie bowed out.
Alot of great Cards over the years.
Non better than the three listed:
Stan, Gibson, Hornsby…In a few years we can make our own Mt. Rushmore by adding Albert!

Hornsby became a Cub later, inexcusable and it prevents him from this list. Gotta move Albert up there. Brock, Edmonds and Lynn McGlothen are eliminated for the same reasons.

Musial, Gibby and Albert.

1. Musial 2. Slaughter 3. Pujols

A cardinal fan since 1946

anyone who doesn’t see why Hornsby belongs in the top 3 has no sense of history. How about some perspective here. Look up his stats - he might be the best right-handed hitter of all-time. Two triple crowns, folks!

Top three:

1) Musial
2) Hornsby
3) Gibson

1.Stan Musial(Stan “The Man” One of the best ever. For any team.)

2.Bob Gipson(Filthy,Nasty,Winner,& Intimidating come to mind. With a little more run support they may have called the Cy Young award the Bob Gipson award.)

3.Albert Pujols (I think Albert will be #1 on this list when he is done. Albert is on pace to being one of the top ten players of all-time, maybe top five.)

Jim Bottomley

Joe Medwick

Stan the Man

Orlando Cepeda is my #1 star. Have to put Hornsby next [admit that Hornsby was better, but he's at least in my top three]. Gibson is probably the better pitcher [although you have to give Cooper and Brecheen a nod, maybe Tudor, and now Carpenter], but Dean was probably a bigger star, so I’ll go with Dean for #3.

I agree DG. In fact even before reading the article I had them as my top 3. However, as I was growing up Ozzie was who I idolized, being a SS myself in Little League and high school. There was no one else I enjoyed watching play more than “The Wizard.” I wish I had the honor and pleasure to see Stan, Gibby and Rajah play. So, it’s very difficult for me to leave Ozzie off the list. As for Albert, he’s who I enjoy watching these days, so it’s equally hard for me to leave him off. Just imagine, Albert has time to collect more batting titles, HR titles, RBI titles, Gold Gloves, MVPs and rings. Where will he fall in 10 years? He could take over the top spot even. And I hope he does, due to his ring collection. The fact of the matter is, that all these guys we’ve named are and were tremendous players and without a doubt some of the best that ever played.
>Cardinal fan in TX<

“Too early to tell about Albert”
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I feel sorry for you Robert. You have either been in a como or your head has been lodged somewhere for the last 8 years!

Are you still waiting for the sophomore slump?

DG: Can’t fault your three. My hope is that Albert makes it a career with the Cardinals. In three years, he bumps Rajah from the list. Gibby was from my (boyhood) era– so he’ll always belong there for me. Stan is simply “the Man.”

I’d put Wally Moon as no. one, Joe Cunningham as no.2, for those great stretches alone, and Don Blasingame as no. 3. He really knew how to “manufacture” runs.

It’s between Pujols and Lou Brock. Lou really impacted the games he played. Albert is going to be the best with a few more years, but Lou already did it. Every time he got on base, the game was controlled by him. I sure enjoyed listening to him play. He put Carey and Buck in the hall of fame. Just my opinion, but I loved it.

My only comment would be………….name three that are better than the three you have chosen………two prolific hitters and one of the most dominant pitchers of all tiime………..are we witnessing the second coming of Stan………Ankiel seems real enough to believe he can be

agree 100%

After pujols has retired though, i believe he will be on that list.

Charlie “Machine Man” Lefton is the best. Probably second would be Barry “Four Eyes” Needle, followed by Donny “the Don” Makovsky.

1 Bobby Del Greco 2 Probably a tie here between Willard Schmidt and Vinegar Bend Mizell. I guess I’ll go with old unassuming Willard, although Mizell was a bigger name. 3 Same problem here as for 2. Either Del Ennis, Eddie Kasko (”the Vacuum Cleaner”, per Harry Caray) or Lonnie Smith. I like Del, but I’ll choose Lonnie, the heart of the 82 World Series champs.

Make mine

1. Musial
2. Gibson
3. Smith

Albert still has to prove it and Hornsby was way before my time.

When rating the all-time best, one has to choose everyday position players even though I think Gibby was the greatest pitcher of his era and one of the greatest of all time. My choices are Stan the Man, Pujols and Hornsby. Certainly, the Wizard and Brock were great players who changed the game as did Gibson but I have to stick with my three even though Albert’s career has been shorter than the others.