HOFer -“Slingin’ Sammy,” Baugh

 
On this date in St. Louis Cardinals history in1938 – After starring as a Texas Christian football All-American, Sammy Baugh signs a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Known as “Slingin’ Sammy,” Baugh spent time in the minor leagues, but with slick-fielding shortstop Marty Marion entrenched in the system, his path to the big leagues in baseball was narrow at best.

Baseball’s loss proved to be football’s gain.

Baugh left the diamond behind and joined the Washington Redskins, where he went on to build one of the most remarkable careers in NFL history. A charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baugh helped revolutionize the forward pass at a time when the game was still ground-heavy and conservative.

He led the league in passing yards four times, threw 187 career touchdown passes, and in 1943 accomplished something that may never be matched—leading the NFL in passing, interceptions (as a defensive back), and punting average in the same season.

He guided Washington to two NFL championships and was widely regarded as the finest passer of his era, laying the groundwork for the modern quarterback position.

The Cardinals may not have gotten a shortstop out of the deal—but history still got one of the greatest football players the sport has ever seen.

Background Research Sources - HistoryofCardinals.com