St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese (pictured) drove in six runs against the Atlanta Braves Thursday afternoon. We tell you how unique that is.
Cardinals six RBI factoids:
Player
The last Cardinal player with six RBI in a game was a most unlikely hitter, Chris Carpenter, on October 1, 2009. To show how unusual it was, Carpenter has just seven RBI the entire remainder of his 13-year career! Granted, almost half that time was in the American League, but still…
Third baseman
The last St. Louis third baseman with six RBI was Scott Rolen on September 15, 2006.
Vs. Atlanta
The last time a Cardinal drove in six against the Braves was on June 24, 1996 by former Atlanta Falcons strong safety-turned outfielder Brian Jordan, who would later return to Atlanta as a member of the Braves.
Rookie
Back to 1952, no Cardinal rookie had as many as six RBI in a game, but rookie Chick Hafey had six RBI on September 9, 1924 and so did Les Bell the next season, on April 18, 1925. That makes Freese the first Cardinals rookie to accomplish the feat in just over 85 years!
Tom Orf also pulled the list of all 40 occurrences of Cardinals collecting six or more RBI in a game since 1952.
They follow, led by Mark Whiten’s 12 RBI virtuoso performance in 1993. Also notable is Fernando Tatis‘ two-grand-slams-in-one-inning-against-the-same-pitcher game against Chan Ho Park and the Dodgers in 1999. More recently, Albert Pujols knocked in seven runs against Houston last April 11.
Six or more RBI, game, Cardinals, 1952-present
| Player | Date | Opp | Rslt | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | Pos |
| Mark Whiten | 1993-09-07 (2) | CIN | W 15-2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | CF |
| Fernando Tatis | 4/23/1999 | LAD | W 12-5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 3B |
| Ken Reitz | 1977-06-28 (2) | PIT | W 13-3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 3B |
| Stan Musial | 8/5/1954 | BRO | W 13-4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | RF |
| Stan Musial | 6/23/1961 | SFG | W 10-5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | LF |
| Dick Allen | 6/2/1970 | SFG | W 12-1 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1B |
| George Hendrick | 8/25/1978 | ATL | W 11-10 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | CF |
| Dane Iorg | 8/28/1980 | ATL | W 11-2 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | LF |
| George Hendrick | 6/29/1982 | PHI | W 15-3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | RF |
| Mark McGwire | 5/18/2000 | PHI | W 7-2 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1B |
| Albert Pujols | 8/22/2006 | NYM | L 7-8 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1B |
| Scott Rolen | 9/15/2006 | SFG | W 14-4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 3B |
| Rick Ankiel | 9/6/2007 | PIT | W 16-4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | CF |
| Albert Pujols | 4/11/2009 | HOU | W 11-2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1B |
| Red Schoendienst | 5/20/1953 | PIT | W 11-6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2B |
| Stan Musial | 5/25/1953 | CHC | W 14-3 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | LF |
| Stan Musial | 1954-05-02 (1) | NYG | W 10-6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | RF |
| Hal Smith | 5/8/1957 | NYG | W 13-4 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | C |
| Bill White | 5/30/1960 | LAD | W 15-3 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 1B |
| Ken Boyer | 5/26/1961 | PIT | W 12-2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 3B |
| Mike Tyson | 8/19/1977 | SDP | W 12-4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2B |
| Ted Simmons | 6/11/1979 | LAD | W 9-7 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | C |
| George Hendrick | 4/17/1980 | PIT | W 12-9 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | RF |
| Terry Kennedy | 6/20/1980 | CIN | W 7-5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | LF |
| Ted Simmons | 9/25/1980 | PIT | W 10-2 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | C |
| Willie McGee | 6/23/1984 | CHC | L 11-12 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | CF |
| Tom Herr | 4/18/1987 | NYM | W 12-8 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2B |
| Tom Pagnozzi | 5/26/1991 | NYM | W 14-4 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | C |
| Ozzie Smith | 6/17/1993 | CHC | W 11-10 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | SS |
| Todd Zeile | 8/8/1994 | FLA | W 11-1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 3B |
| Brian Jordan | 6/24/1996 | ATL | W 9-2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | RF |
| Brian Jordan | 7/13/1996 | CHC | W 10-5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | RF |
| John Mabry | 6/3/1997 | COL | W 15-4 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | RF |
| Mark McGwire | 5/19/1998 | PHI | W 10-8 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 1B |
| Mark McGwire | 7/16/1999 | CHW | L 8-9 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 1B |
| Shawon Dunston | 6/22/2000 | SFG | W 11-10 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | CF LF |
| Scott Rolen | 8/19/2003 | PIT | W 13-5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3B |
| Albert Pujols | 6/21/2009 | KCR | W 12-5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | DH |
| Chris Carpenter | 10/1/2009 | CIN | W 13-0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | P |
| David Freese | 4/29/2010 | ATL | W 10-4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3B |
| Player | Date | Opp | Rslt | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | Pos |
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Very cool. As WC wrote (I think) on the other topic, it was nice to see a number of the young guys have a strong day at the plate.
There are some gaps in the data. Tom found another rookie game: Nippy Jones of the Cards had 6 RBI on 5/23/48 in game #65 of his career.
Gotta love Tastee’s big day, especially since I started him on my Fantasy team (;>).
This Cardinals team could be good for awhile with the homegrown talent producing like it has been.
Looking forward to seeing how the Redbirds do against some better teams like Philly in early May.
The #5 spot has been a lucky charm.
We seem to be able to score a lot despite the leadoff going O-fer. Not just today. With Skip struggling it is worth noting that Descalso has a hot bat right now. I see where BW ranks him tops among Cards prospects in ‘proximity to MLB’ (Globe yesterday). He should be next to get some face time at Busch I guess.
I thought Descalso was great in spring training BB. There are issues I think.
Skip is doing his best to compensate. He was trying all fields. His fault lies in his set position and the bat path after. He is going mental at this point, his entire focus on some “ineffective” swing keys. For him anyway…………………..Greens home run did not help Ryan who has gone mental. He needs a sedative and a heavier bat. The wrist might not be bothering him, but it has caused changes to his “foundation” sensibilities.
I’m not sure what foundation sensibilities are. Is? Nor ineffective swing keys. If its just that he’s stinking up the joint right now, then amen.
I don’t see any reason not to help a guy in a slump shake things up. Let Skip play LF and hit 7th a couple times just like the old days, let Descalso have a cup of coffee in the bigs. It’s easy to look at the record and think there are no problems worth solving. Any kind of team, sports or not, can only do one of two things, get better or get worse.
The heavier bat idea is interesting. My gut feeling is he will pull out of the slump pretty soon, same as Schu and Matt as far as clutch hitting.
Will be interestig to see if MH gets inserted back in the 4 spot or drop back to 5. CR did rather well in the 4 spot.
It looks to me like Flip will be out a good while.
bb, clarification is needed about the five prospects in my Globe-Democrat column. I did not intend to imply that Descalso is the closest of any player to the bigs, only that he is the closest of that group of five. I only mentioned that as an explanation of the order listed.
As I had to append to the end of the Descalso capsule, the signing of Miles may have made a fatal blow to Descalso’s hopes this year. Pending a severe run of injuries, about the best he can probably hope for is a September call up.
Before Jay was promoted on Monday, he was the first name of the five. Obviously a final-day revision or two was required as he turned out to be too close to being called up…
I’m not really clear on that clarification. It seems like if somebody else was closer, they’d be on the ‘to watch’ list.
Miles advantage over what we have is his experience and success as a pinch hitter. He has some percieved advantage as a seasoned veteran. But given his lack of recent success, and minor league contract, I would think he will have to show he can play before going on the 40 man and then active.
I hope he can, but should his success at making it be thought of as a given? He could fall flat at the plate. He could be so-so defensively. Institutional memory may diverge from present reality.
Ineffective swing keys;
A key is an emotional/intellectual organizations of control motivations from a complex array of sensory feedback mechanisms. In this case having to do with swing activities. Example;
Your playing golf with a 12 handicapper. They are struggling with their swing. If its recreation golf, you might offer them a swing tip or “key” to help enhance everyone’s enjoyment. If you told them the truth about their problem as a swing key……they would shoot 100. That’s an ineffective swing key…………… If instead you suggested an adjustment that had a direct effect on said defect by enhancing support mechanisms for their problems, including miss directing their mental focus which is almost always a problem………….thus improving their game for awhile. Inescapably, the aggregate dissonance (foundation sensibility) of all their swing impediments will manifest into the next monstrosity of “elephant man mechanics” that make for long days on the golf course.
In Skips case, he is struggling to maintain some of MM’s absolutes, especially as they pertain to his career aspirations. He is focusing on achieving something, while possible mechanically correct, that is not the solution to his overall foundation sensibilities. He is starting to see that this might become a career shortening malady. That is helping, but only because it represents his willingness to compromise his “career aspirations”. I’m watching with interest. The MH story suggests that someone is working the film room with a little desperation on their side.
All the problems and solutions are simplistic. The real problem is fear surrounding real change in their “foundation sensibility”. Pro golfers know that ” swing change quicksand” is the fasts way to loose your card. Loose your game, get a real job, in a hurry.
Don’t forget, Ryan has never won that job. It always came by default. Maybe last years sore wrist kept him from over swinging? I know that this mental state he is in can be fatal.
I really enjoyed today’s game. Hitters reacting to each other. Colby developing a little swagger. No big dog saying “ME ME ME”. In the end, this team with Craig at first, would go farther than its going to. No slam on Albert. Its a game. Not his personal expression if “religious conviction”.
He is disrupting this team with his personal struggles. His mental confusion just playing the game is becoming evident. He is becoming self absorbed, retreating from this contract crap being the foundation of his self esteem. That’s what I see.
bb, I don’t get why you don’t get it. Are you suggesting that the only players in the entire system worth watching are the ones on the cusp of the majors? If so, there would be a lot of empty ballparks across America.
It is quite obvious that Matt Adams is not the fifth-closest position player to the majors in the entire Cardinals system. He just started full-season ball. But he had a strong introduction last season, a good start this year and because he was a mid-round pick, probably 99 percent of the people who read the column were unfamiliar with him.
Regarding Miles, of course, nothing is done. My entire analysis rests upon the following three words: TLR likes him.
I see your point about the prospects, long day yesterday. Miles too.
Westy, I think 50% of it is Albert trying to adjust to his evolving role, and 50% you trying to adjust to Albert’s evolving role. He’s a ten year veteran now. He’s not 25. He’s got kids growing up. He’s got all the money he needs. He’s got a team around him that could almost certainly win the division and contend for the pennant and series if he never played another inning. Sports media saying Busch would be a ghost town if he’s gone, but with less real conviction as each day passes. None of that means there is anything wrog with Albert. If he needs to play on a team that can’t win without him, he’ll leave. I think he doesn’t know if he needs that or not, and wasn’t expecting to have to think about it.
Update on the original article: Elias says the last time a rookie on any club had six RBI in a game was in 1957.
Brian wrote, “My entire analysis rests upon the following three words: TLR likes him.”
Those three words carry alot of weight too Brian.
WC wrote, “Don’t forget, Ryan has never won that job. It always came by default. Maybe last years sore wrist kept him from over swinging? I know that this mental state he is in can be fatal. ”
Wrist injuries and subsequent surgeries on that wrist take a long time to heal. I would venture to guess that Brendan will struggle with his hitting until that wrist gains the strength back that was lost following the surgery. See Joe Mather.
WC wrote, “I really enjoyed today’s game. Hitters reacting to each other. Colby developing a little swagger. No big dog saying “ME ME ME”. In the end, this team with Craig at first, would go farther than its going to. No slam on Albert. Its a game. Not his personal expression if “religious conviction”.
He is disrupting this team with his personal struggles. His mental confusion just playing the game is becoming evident. He is becoming self absorbed, retreating from this contract crap being the foundation of his self esteem. That’s what I see.”
Whats awesome to me WC is that Albert is not right yet and he is still awesome.
The game yesterday had a college feel about it, a little more fun looking IMO. I don’t know why but it did look like the fella’s were having a good time playing, which is something you didn’t see a bunch last year. The game seems easier when its played for fun.
I’m really proud for David, man what a great family, that had to go through some tough times when David went through his ordeal. I know his mom was bouncing off the walls yesterday. Good for them. And good for the cardinals that David’s proving Mo and Tony’s committment to him was the right thing to do, for David and the cardinals….
Man I feel like I’m suffering with Brendan as he goes through his struggles. The hitting coach in me wants to take him to the cages and try a few things. The Dad in me winces every time he fails to get a hit. He is such a great kid it hurts ones insides to see him struggle like this.
Colby and I spoke last night at length, it was my birthday yesterday so I spent a good portion of the day speaking with the kids, and he really is having fun this year.
Funny thing is he has me watch the upcoming pitcher’s video( he knows I am a video nut and watch them anyway) against similar players as he is and wants to know mine and his brother’s thoughts on how we think they will pitch him. Cory is a really smart pitcher so Colby has relied on him for pitching thoughts. Funny the thought Cory and I had yesterday was that the Braves would throw him off speed early in the count. Both Colby’s hits were first pitch change ups.
He has really worked this year to learn as much about the pitcher he is going to face which I think has had him prepared him to have more success. We talk daily on strategy for that nights game, and it just makes me laugh every time we talk because we have talked more baseball this year already than we did the entire year last year. He is more receptive than he has ever been. Its pretty cool too….
Bling wrote, “Westy, I think 50% of it is Albert trying to adjust to his evolving role,”
Bling, I think you are spot on with this analysis. The last few years Albert has had such a heavy load to carry if this team was to be competitive that he finds himself a bit off kilter in regards to his role on this years team, IMO. He may have responded better in years past to the pressure that he felt to produce, and now with Matt on board he finds himself in a different place mentally.
I believe we mentioned the fact that it is tough to have two Bulls in the pasture at one time. Well we’ve got two this year and neither has played as well as they will as this thing unwinds.
IMO these two are right now going through a feeling out process where each is trying to find their place on this team. In the mean time you have the youngsters just playing the game not worrying about how the pecking order sorts itself out.
Quick note, Albert is still the best baseball player on the planet, and Holliday isn’t far behind so this marriage of superstars will eventually work itself out to be a good thing for the cardinals. Just think, this team has the best record in baseball and hasn’t even begun to play its best baseball. WOW!
RC – Tampa Bay might argue about that best record in baseball claim
but your point remains and I agree.
Is Westie the only guy in America who believes the Cardinals would be better without Albert? I think they’d still be more than competitive but better is hard to believe.
Westie, you make it sound like Schu is a new Mcwire disciple trying to absorb new techniques presented to him by a new hitting coach. Schu has been working with McGwire for 2-3 years now so it seems a little far fetched that just because McGwire is his official hitting coach now that he is having to absorb a bunch of new ideas about his swing.
Good thoughts all.
Albert is a mythic hero fighting the most mythic of all “beasts”………….himself.
He will find that “selflessness” is his only shield, his only way forward. To stand guard over this litter, denying himself a chance to feed so that all can be sustained, is the endless source of “self recognition” that will nourish him.
Your right RC, Albert’s natural instincts are monumental. They will allow him to survive. He is producing even though he has given up his balance and feelings of security. Like it or not, his “Christianity” must evolve now. It will (must)I think. Hopefully without the “crucifixion”..
I admire your “fatherly coach” sentiments surrounding Brendan. He wants to succeed so bad you can almost share it with him. He has severe co-dependent issues. His well being has always been defined by “how he thinks” other people perceive him. Playing for Dad issues. The obvious problem is “getting to the tit”. He is fast becoming the runt in a very competitive environment. Like Skip, he must adjust the relationship of his hitting technique to his “team player role” which will allow him to feed. As I said when it happened, the demotion from hitting second to last, was going to be a huge obstacle for him. Ludwick couldn’t survive 6th so Luddy pushed him right out………”that’s my tit “, says he.
My mistake CC, I seem to overlook the American League when I talk about baseball most of the time.
I apologize for the gaffe.
Jumbo, I know you’re there…………… we could use a little help and “coverage” here. No one does it quit like you. Put your back into it…………..as the song goes.
Maybe jumbo overdosed on kool-aid. Hopefully he is getting treatment
Common Jumbie………….. I don’t want anyone to know that I can’t even name the Cardinal minor league affiliates……………… let alone who plays there. The kids all read Brian’s stuff and its important the word gets out about opportunities up here. I’m sorry I suggested the the Cardinals drafted a guy in a 250.000 slot that they new would take 75.000. Sometimes I miss interpret things. Like when brother Moses came down from the mountain with those stupid stone tablets. Who knew……………????????
It is not our place, we are not worthy, to understand Albert the Almighty. He rules over MLB, assisted by TLR, Mark McGwire, and all the other disciples. We are priviliged to bear witness.
Amen brother Jumbo.
Today on the radio Joe Strauss said the Cards’ signing Miles was a “dumpster dive”. Ouch. He said Miles isn’t the player we remember and has done nothing the last couple years to inspire confidence. He said it should not be seen as anything other than taking a look.
With Jay getting a start tonight, Stav must be saying– WTF? I’m surprised Tony has two lefties at the top of the order.
Great hearing from RC. Good luck to your boy. It’s not just Matt responsible for Albert’s evolving role.
The weather looks like spring storms coming in. Nothing yet, but very gusty. A few sprinkles.
Hi Jumbo, get to work.
I don’t know how they fill a baseball stadium when there are twister cranking up in the area. TV is good.
Actually the Jay start is likely bad for him BB. If he does nothing, he will be back down next week. He might have to really do something in fact to prevent that.
bb, I’ve never been a Miles lover, but I am betting there was no explanation offered for Miles’ dropoff. He is only 33 and hasn’t been injured has he? Maybe TLR does magic on marginal middle infielders like Duncan does with pitchers.
Niether Joe nor Bernie offered an explanation or wondered if there was one. No mention of injury. Bernie just asked Joe what he thought about it. No follow up.
I was fond of Miles when he was here but was stunned at the deal he got when he left. My initial feeling was glad we signed him and figured he’d be up quickly. But now I don’t know. If he can play, I’d like to see him on the team, but then again, we don’t need another 30-something utility guy ending up on the DL.
In case of an injury to a starting OF, TLR is trying to audition the substitute. It could be Jay and Mather in a platoon. It could be Craig, if he warms up at Memphis. This is why Jay gets a start. TLR is trying to adjust more rooks to the majors, in case he needs one later.
Miles signed a big contract, by his standards, with the Cubs. Players or fans often put high expectations on free agents. Miles started slow and maybe had a leg injury. The next thing a guy knows, he is down on himself or the fans are on him, and he does not come out of it. Miles got sent to the As, then Cinci, then released (though he is still collecting the money). Obviously if there were a place suited to Miles, it is StL. He could retire, but wants to keep working. Miles can be a pinch-hitter and sub. Its a smart move by Mo, but what else do you expect?
You know there maybe a very easy explanation for Miles success here. Not all players are geared for a hostile competitive environments. In St Louis, if your Tony’s pet, and can wake surf a Pujols passing, you can contribute where others struggle. That’s Miles all over. Tony knows it. Its not his ability, its his willingness to play a role and feed off table scraps. He will be here soon enough.
As a pinch hitter, Miles used to knock Lidge around pretty good. You gotta like a guy like that.
That’s a fair assessment Jumbo…………….. Craig won’t be back till September, if then. He will be sheltered by Mo………….in the dry powder magazine.
Rehab fails yet another time.
Miles is a favorite lightning rod for some fan. Is he fast? No. Powerful? No. But he is a switch-hitter and can dink singles. That can make him useful off the bench. Miles is not great news for Reuben Gotay.
Notice where Philips was playing Pujols? They are trying to take Albert’s safety valve away. They are 1 for 1.
Freese comes up with two outs and the pitcher behind him. He didn’t see much.
Hot bat followed by pitcher, won’t see anything all night. You’d think Tony would help a rookie out. Put him ahead of Yadi.
A very Miles-like dink by the $120M man.
He started that bat early BB, full extension……… they were trying to jam him. He caught it way out front with the breaks on. Colby went down on a good pitch after that curve. Caught him.
brakes/breaks
Hurry up boys, tornado sirens going off 10 miles SW of Busch.
Wouldn’t they start getting people out of the stadium?
Stadium’s sturdier than anything else around Westy. Just had lightning hit something close, rattled the windows.
Can’t believe they didn’t mismanage the lead with changing weather. Penny seems pissed that he is probably going to end up with a loss. If the stopped it now, would the score roll back to the 5th?
The score would stand as is. My son is at the game. He’s glad they delayed it before the beer cut-off. He says there is a lot of lightning downtown now. Here’s a link for local radar. Looks like if the stuff to the SW doesn’t intensify, we could get it in.
http://www.ksdk.com/weather/radar/default.aspx
I thought they would run a stall with a couple of pitching changes after that first guy got on. They were trying to manage Penny and save the Pen it seems. Doubt Penny is going to be happy about the way they did that.
Would that be construed as poor sportsmanship?
It has stopped raining here, no wind, no lightning. My son says its still raining at Busch but all the nasty stuff has crossed the river and moved off to the east. Rain should slacken off there soon. Need to get somebody loose.
Unless you’re Penny trying to get to the All Star game and a big multi/year deal. He’s not thinking sportsman of the year sounds all that good I’m guessing.
Many +’s in that game. Colby has to defend with two strikes. He can’t be selecting pitches. Youth. Pen wasn’t bad.