Record 88–74 (.543) Start date 1996 General manager Walt Jocketty Local radio KMOX | Divisional place 1st Manager Tony La Russa Owner William O. DeWitt Jr. Local television KPLR-TV | |
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The St. Louis Cardinals 1996 season was the team's 115th season in St. Louis, Missouri and the 105th season in the National League. During the first year of the William DeWitt, Jr. era, the Cardinals went 88-74 during the season and won their first-ever National League Central division title by six games over the Houston Astros. They beat the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, but fell in 7 games to the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS. DeWitt, along with Drew Bauer and Fred Hanser had bought the Cardinals from Anheuser-Busch during the 1995-96 offseason.
Contents
Offseason
Ozzie Smith's Last Season
Legendary veteran shortstop Ozzie Smith, announced during the season that it would be his last season in the Major Leagues, and veteran outfielder Willie McGee, brought back to the Cards as a free agent. Though the tension between Smith, and exciting youngster Royce Clayton, acquired in a trade, grew thick and troublesome at times as they shared time at shortstop, both players had good seasons. McGee came off the bench and started when needed.
Opening Day starters
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
NLDS
St. Louis wins the series, 3-0
Game 1
October 9: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta
Game 2
October 10: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta
Game 3
October 12: Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri
Game 4
October 13: Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri
Game 5
October 14: Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri
Game 6
October 16: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta
Game 7
October 17: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta