RIP Ray Sadecki

Ray Sadecki passed away on November 17, 2014 in Meza, AZ at the age of 73. Being both a Cardinals’ fan and card collector the name Sadecki is well know in both. Ray was born in KC on December 26, 1940 and was a left-handed pitcher for the Cardinals from 1960-1966, and again in 1975. He also spent time with the SF Giants, Mets, ATL Braves, Royals, and ending his career with the Brewers in 1976.

After a shaky start in the early 60s Ray came into prominence during the 1964 WS Championship Season when he went 20 and 11 and helped the Birds grab their first WS Championship since 1946. It was Ray who may have put the final nail in the coffin of the ‘64 Phillies after their historic meltdown during which they blew a 6 ½ game lead with 12 games remaining as of September 20. Ray beat them for his 20th victory on September 29th.

The 1964 season may have been the high mark for Ray’s Cardinal career as he wasn’t able to perform at that level in 1965 when his ERA went north. He was traded to the SF Giants for Orlando Cepeda on May 6th, 1966. Cepeda and the Cardinals the following year would win another Championship and were close to winning again in 1968.

Over his 18 year career Ray won 135 games and loss 131 with a career ERA of 3.78 and 1614 Ks in 2500 ½ innings.  On June 14, 2007 Ray was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.