This summer, Doug Feldmann—part-time scout for the Cincinnati Reds and author of three previous Cardinals books—released his latest effort: St. Louis Cardinals: Past and Present. The colorful 144-page book spans the club’s history from the 1880s to the present, covering players and parks, gaffes and games. Test your knowledge with these little-known nuggets.
1) In what year did the team get the name the Perfectos?
A) 1878
B) 1899
C) 1907
D) 1931
2) Who was the first owner associated with beer?
A) Bill DeWitt
B) August “Gussie” Busch Jr.
C) Tom Schlafly
D) Chris Von der Ahe
3) Joe Medwick, a leading member of the Gas House Gang, garnered the nickname “Muscles” for his strength. But what other, less complimentary moniker did he receive to his chagrin?
A) Ducky
B) Big Cat
C) Creepy
D) Spud
4) What animal did Cardinals legend Pepper Martin and his wife hunt during off-seasons, then give to the St. Louis Zoo?
A) Mice
B) Quail
C) Rattlesnakes
D) Squirrels
5) Before league officials decided it would be “uncouth” to dub the ballpark after an alcoholic beverage, what name did former owner Gussie Busch propose calling Busch Stadium?
A) Budweiser Park
B) Michelob Memorial Stadium
C) Natural Light Park
D) Stella Artois Stadium
Answers: 1)B, 2) D, 3) A, 4) C, 5) A