Rest in Peace Joe

With sadness I have to write a few words abut the death of another former Redbird and native St. Louisan, Joe Garagiola. Joe passed away yesterday at the age of 90. Joe was born in STL on February 12, 1926 on grew up in the Northern Italian bastion of STL called “The Hill”. Growing up with Yogi Berra and playing baseball it was natural with his talent he would be noticed by the Cardinals who signed him at 16! Yogi is holding the ball and Joe is in the picture somewhere.

After service in WWII he would go on to play 5 years with the Birds, 3 with the Bucos, 1 with the Cubs and Giants. He won a World Series with STL in 1946 and had a career average of .257, 42 home runs, and 255 RBIs. But for many folks, especially those too young, or those not born at all, remember him from his broadcasting days.  Which began in 1955 with the Redbirds and ended in 2012 with the Dbacks-plus who could forget him on the Today Show! So much to say about the first two pictures-how young Harry Carrey and Jack Buck are, the Bud bat, old Skool microphone, blog mascot Angry Redbird and of course Joe. The second picture is hilarious. They are broadcasting from what looks like the bleachers, Jack and Harry shirtless, and Joe wearing a goofy hat. Priceless!

Growing up in STL Joe was always “present” in our pop culture and in our memory. I know that sooner than later we will loose all of the players, friends, and family of his era and I know the world will never be the same.