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&nbsp; 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.<figure id="figure-ltdstt6tx8mlxj5t6s"><img id="ltdstt6tx8mlxj5t6s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cCvId3MloVOnuNVaE2w1C8bIYNbm07MifmiwaqD2wRPWX0w6SXcDIM6Xd6iFgdv.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cCvId3MloVOnuNVaE2w1C8bIYNbm07MifmiwaqD2wRPWX0w6SXcDIM6Xd6iFgdv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>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

HOFer -“Slingin’ Sammy,” Baugh

<h3>In the Spotlight - Kyle Leahy</h3>Kyle Leahy, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander, is a potential fourth or fifth starter for the Cardinals in 2026 and is slated to start Sunday against Washington in Cactus League action.Leahy was selected by St. Louis in the 17th round of the 2018 draft out of Colorado Mesa, a small Division II program. He has steadily climbed the organizational ladder, earning a reputation for his advanced arm and strong competitive makeup. Most of his early pro career was spent in the minors, including a challenging stint at Double-A where he initially struggled but ultimately refined both his mechanics and mental approach.He made his MLB debut in 2023 and, over the past couple of seasons, has primarily served as a bullpen arm for the Cardinals with occasional spot starts. In 2025, he posted a 3.07 ERA over 88 innings, striking out 80. His walk rate has been solid, though not elite, at the major league level.Leahy’s size and delivery provide a solid foundation for strike-throwing. In 2025, he utilized a six-pitch mix—unusually deep for a bullpen candidate. His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball (mid-90s with ride), a hard slider, curveball, changeup, sweeper, and sinker.Where most relievers rely on a pair of go-to pitches, Leahy comes armed with a full toolbox. This arsenal gives him a fighting chance to turn a lineup over — and that’s why the Cardinals are stretching him out this spring.Statcast and PITCHf/x data indicate his fastball generates above-average whiffs per swing, while his offspeed pitches induce grounders, though not all offerings are swing-and-miss weapons. He has solid velocity but does not dominate with any one pitch.In 2025, he posted a strong strikeout rate and above-average ground-ball tendencies for a righty, which is encouraging if he’s stretched out as a starter. Scouts and coaches this spring praise his quiet but competitive nature, and his willingness to grind through adjustments and tough stretches.Despite his deep arsenal, Leahy’s experience is primarily as a reliever. Carrying a six-pitch mix through 5–6 consistent innings every fifth day remains a projection rather than a certainty.Some of his secondary offerings don’t miss as many bats as you’d like from a front-line starter; that can show up when hitters see him multiple times in a game. His walk rates and peak command have been fine, but not elite and being a starter roles demands consistently locating deep into a game. &nbsp; 2026 OutlookThe Cardinals’ decision to give Leahy a Spring Training start suggests they are earnestly exploring rotation depth, especially given the fluid nature of modern pitching staffs. If he can impress with strike-throwing and maintain effectiveness beyond his typical 2–3 innings, he could fit as a swingman or fifth starter. Even if he does not secure a permanent rotation spot, his ability to start and pitch multiple innings adds valuable flexibility—a versatile arm with upside rather than a set No. 4 option at this stage.

In the Spotlight - Kyle Leahy

<h3>On This Date in Cardinal History:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ted Savage — A Life Well Played</h3><figure id="figure-08jadhkz2mlvtlgz6"><img id="08jadhkz2mlvtlgz6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/44u00Juv5A9I0owGLX9USPXeVLX4rcrP4QxVymJIu4EHT9Y7E0MfpIvpDzTmoQhR.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/44u00Juv5A9I0owGLX9USPXeVLX4rcrP4QxVymJIu4EHT9Y7E0MfpIvpDzTmoQhR.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>On February 21, 1936, in Venice, Illinois, Ephesian “Ted” Savage was born. The baseball world would come to know him simply as Ted Savage — outfielder, Cardinal, mentor, and servant to the game.Savage made his Major League debut on April 9, 1962 with the Philadelphia Phillies in a 12–4 road win over the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field. His career would span parts of 10 seasons (1962–1971), including three years in St. Louis from 1965–1967 with the St. Louis Cardinals.Over 642 Major League games, Savage compiled a .233 batting average with 34 home runs and 163 runs batted in. He wasn’t a headline-grabber. He was the kind of player every club needs — steady, professional, ready when called. His final career hit came fittingly against left-hander Tommy John, a single that quietly closed the book on his playing days.But Ted Savage’s real legacy began after the box scores stopped printing his name.Following his baseball career, Savage earned a PhD in urban studies from Saint Louis University. He spent nine years as athletic director at Harris–Stowe State University in St. Louis before returning to the Cardinals organization in 1987 as assistant director of community relations and a minor-league instructor.For 25 years, Savage became a bridge between the Cardinals and the community. He eventually retired in 2012 as director of target marketing in the Cardinals Care and community relations department. In 2013, the 24th annual Cardinals Care golf tournament he had long hosted was renamed the Ted Savage RBI Golf Classic, supporting the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program — a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to growing the game at the grassroots level.Honors followed. In 2006, Savage was inducted into the Lincoln University Alumni Hall of Fame. The Buffalo Bisons inducted him into their team Hall of Fame in 2016.Savage passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 85.I had the privilege of knowing Ted Savage, though not very well. What struck me was his quiet professionalism and the way he carried himself. He wasn’t loud. He didn’t seek attention. He simply showed up, did his job, and treated people with respect. In every interaction I witnessed, he was a class act — the kind of man who represented the Cardinals organization with dignity long after his playing days ended.In an era that often celebrates flash over foundation, Ted Savage reminds us that baseball’s backbone has always been built on character. He wore the uniform with pride. He served the organization with loyalty. And long after his final at-bat, he continued strengthening the game in St. Louis and beyond.That’s a life well played. Background Research Sources - HistoryofCardinals.comPhoto Credit - MLB.com

A Savage was Born on this Date in 1936

<h3>In the Spotlight: INF Ramón Urías</h3>Professional depth with defensive reliability — a potential platoon piece against left-handed pitching.Assuming the Cardinals actually sign Ramon Urias to a contract this weekend for the 2026 season, the Cardinals won't be adding flash — they'll be adding functionality.At 31, Ramón Urías brings versatility and experience to a roster that values both. A right-handed hitter and&nbsp; 2022 American League Gold Glove winner at third base, Urias is capable of handling third base and second base. Urías profiles as a dependable piece who can help stabilize the infield — particularly in matchups against left-handed pitching.His 2025 numbers (.241/.292/.384, 11 HR across Baltimore and Houston) won’t light up fantasy scoreboards, and his 87 wRC+ marked a down year at the plate. But the appeal here isn’t star production — it’s competence. Urías typically puts together professional at-bats, doesn’t expand the zone recklessly, and plays fundamentally sound defense.For a club that may need flexibility at third base, especially in platoon situations, this move makes practical sense. He won’t carry the lineup. He doesn’t need to. If he gives you steady defense and competitive at-bats against lefties, that’s value.This is depth with purpose.And sometimes in a long season, that matters more than splash.

In the Spotlight: INF Ramón Urías

<h3>Spring Training Rumors&nbsp;</h3> We have been hearing the rumblings about the St. Louis Cardinals possibly signing free-agent outfielder Tommy Pham again.Let’s slow the train down a bit. It probably shouldn't have left the station.Right now, this feels far more like offseason speculation than serious movement. Every February, when a veteran player is still on the market and a club has even a minor roster need, the dots get connected. That doesn’t mean there’s real traction behind it.Pham is 38. He’s been around the league. He’s had strong stretches and emotional moments here in St. Louis, no question. But bringing him back now wouldn’t be a foundational move — it would be a depth move at best. And this front office has signaled repeatedly that they’re prioritizing youth, flexibility, and long-term roster balance.Could they add a right-handed bat before camp settles in? Absolutely. That makes baseball sense.Is there credible reporting that a deal with Pham is close? Not at this point. Until a beat writer with real sourcing confirms something concrete, I’d file this one under “pundit chatter” rather than pending transaction.Sometimes a rumor is just a rumor — especially this time of year.

Let’s Slow the Train: Evaluating any Tommy Pham Speculation

The Long Road Back: Packy Naughton Returns to the MoundIn the Cardinals’ first spring training game of 2026 at Roger Dean Stadium, one appearance carried more weight than the box score might suggest.When Packy Naughton took the mound Saturday for the St. Louis Cardinals, it marked his first game action in more than a year — and another step in a long recovery from significant elbow surgery.Naughton’s absence has not been brief. In 2023, he underwent surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow. During the rehab process, doctors discovered additional ligament damage, eventually leading to Tommy John surgery and further repair work. Over the following months, Naughton faced grueling physical therapy, setbacks, and an uncertain timeline—a journey that ultimately resulted in essentially two lost seasons and a long, arduous climb back to health.Now, in the first game of camp, he was back on a major league mound in Jupiter. Naughton was efficient and in complete control, needing just 14 pitches to retire the three hitters he faced. He induced two weak ground balls, showing his command and pitch movement, before freezing the final batter with a perfectly placed fastball for a called third strike.As he walked off the mound, there was no mistaking the smile on his face—a visible sign of relief and accomplishment after months of uncertainty.Before the injuries, Naughton provided valuable left-handed depth for the Cardinals’ bullpen. He has never relied on overpowering velocity, but rather on pinpoint command, deceptive arm angles, and relentless competitiveness—the kind of arm that can quietly stabilize a bullpen over the course of a grueling 162-game season, stepping into high-leverage spots or bridging innings when needed.Spring training statistics won’t tell the story here.Health will.If Naughton proves durable this spring, he gives the Cardinals another experienced left-handed option—someone who could fill a vital role, whether on the big-league roster in St. Louis or as trusted depth in Memphis. After two years defined by rehab rooms, setbacks, and recovery schedules, simply being available again is a testament to his work ethic and resilience.Opening day of spring training is usually about prospects, projections, and position battles—fresh faces and future stars vying for a chance to make an impression.But on this Saturday afternoon at Roger Dean Stadium, it was also about perseverance—about a pitcher’s long road back and the quiet triumph of stepping once again onto a big-league mound.And that still matters.Photo Credit - New England Journal

The Long Road Back: Packy Naughton Returns to the Mound

The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle 

The St. Louis Cardinal Chronicle is dedicated to preserving Cardinals history, covering today’s game, and following the next generation through the minor leagues. Written in the tradition of the old beat writers, it’s baseball with perspective — steady, faithful, and rooted in a lifelong love for the game.