Despite sustaining a serious eye injury while working on FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps as a teenager, Schoendienst enjoyed a successful nearly two decade big league career mostly with the Cardinals. After leading the NL in stolen bases during his rookie season in 1945, Schoendienst would earn a World Series ring the following year. A versatile player, Schoendienst was selected to 9 NL All-Star Teams between 1946 and 1955.
However, the Cardinals would trade Schoendienst to the New York Giants a multi player deal in exchange for Alvin Dark during the middle of the 1956 season. This trade would take the wind out of his sails. But a year later, the Giants would trade Schoendienst to the Milwaukee Braves. He was the final piece of the puzzle that would earn the Braves their first World Series title in 43 years. Schoendienst remained a key figure in the Braves' 1958 NL pennant title.
Schoendienst would return to St. Louis in 1961 and finish his playing career in 1963. But Schoendienst would remain a Cardinal for the rest of his life. He would join the Cardinals coaching staff and earn another World Series ring in 1964. After Johnny Keane resigned to manage the New York Yankees, Schoendienst took over as manager from 1965 through 1976 winning a World Series title in 1967. Schoendienst would manage the Cardinals on an interim basis in both 1980 and 1990. Schoendienst remained on the coaching staff for the Cardinals' World Series wins in 1982, 2006 and 2011. The Veterans Committee elected him to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.
On a personal note, my Dad met Schoendienst in the visiting clubhouse at the Polo Grounds in 1955 where he got to ask Stan Musial a question on Bill Stern's radio show during a rained out Sunday doubleheader between the Cardinals and Giants. Naturally, I shared the news of Schoendienst's passing with my Dad. He told me he was impressed with Schoendienst "impressive size and humble demeanor." No doubt the people of St. Louis would agree wholeheartedly. R.I.P.
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