The St. Louis Cardinals have retired 10 numbers throughout their storied history, an honor reserved for the franchise’s greatest players. Among them are Stan Musial’s 6, Bob Gibson’s 45, Lou Brock’s 20, Ozzie Smith’s 1, and Jackie Robinson‘s 42, the latter retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997 to commemorate the man who broke baseball’s color barrier.
Stan Musial: The Man with the Machine
Stan Musial wore number 6 for all 22 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, from 1941 to 1963. He accumulated 3,630 hits, won 3 World Series titles, and was selected to 24 All-Star Games. His number became the first retired in franchise history in 1969, cementing him as the cornerstone of the Cardinals’ 20th-century dynasty.
Bob Gibson: The Dominator of 1968
Bob Gibson, wearing number 45, became one of baseball’s most intimidating pitchers. In 1968, he posted an ERA of 1.12, the lowest in the modern era, and won 22 games that season. With the St. Louis Cardinals, he won 2 World Series and earned World Series MVP honors in both 1964 and 1967. His number was retired in 1975.
Lou Brock: Speed and Consistency
Lou Brock stole 938 bases in his career, many wearing the Cardinals’ number 20. He arrived in St. Louis in 1964 and helped secure two World Series championships. A six-time All-Star, Brock’s number was retired in 1979, recognizing his offensive impact and his ability to change games with his blazing speed.
Ozzie Smith: The Wizard
Ozzie Smith revolutionized the shortstop position with his acrobatic defense during 19 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals wearing number 1. He won 15 Gold Glove Awards and was part of the 1982 championship team. His number was retired in 1996, closing an era of defensive elegance that defined the franchise.
Jackie Robinson: An Honor for All of Baseball
Jackie Robinson’s number 42 was retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997, not just by the St. Louis Cardinals. Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, won the Rookie of the Year award, and was named National League MVP in 1949. His legacy transcends the sport and represents America’s social progress.
| Number | Player | Years with Cardinals | Main Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Stan Musial | 1941–1963 | 3,630 hits; 3 World Series titles |
| 45 | Bob Gibson | 1959–1975 | 1.12 ERA in 1968; 2 World Series titles |
| 20 | Lou Brock | 1964–1979 | 938 stolen bases; 2 World Series titles |
| 1 | Ozzie Smith | 1982–1996 | 15 Gold Glove Awards; 1982 champion |
| 42 | Jackie Robinson | N/A (Dodgers) | Broke color barrier in 1947 |
FAQ
How many numbers have the St. Louis Cardinals retired?
The Cardinals have retired 10 numbers throughout their history, honoring legends like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Ozzie Smith.
Why is Jackie Robinson’s 42 retired across all of MLB?
In 1997, Major League Baseball retired number 42 on every team to honor Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in 1947 and transformed both baseball and American society.
Who was the first number retired by the Cardinals?
Stan Musial was the first, with his number 6 retired in 1969, establishing the tradition of honoring the franchise’s greatest players.
