Opening Night, 1968: Miss Red Bird, Beth Ann Walker, daughter of former Cardinals lefthander Bill Walker (1933-36). Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Cardinals Opening Day 1968
Fifty years ago, the 1968 Cardinals took the field on Opening Night as reigning World Series champs and consensus favorites to return to the Fall Classic. By Aug. 1, they had built a 15-game lead atop the NL standings, headed toward a Sept. 15 clinching and their third pennant in five seasons. See even more photos from Opening Night 1968 in Issue 1 of Cardinals Magazine.
Opening Night, 1968: (From left) Manager Red Schoendienst, coach Joe Schultz, coach Billy Muffet, coach Dick Sisler, coach Bob Milliken, catcher Tim McCarver, center fielder Curt Flood. Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Opening Night, 1968: Busch Memorial Stadium's beer-themed message board. Photo from St. Louisu Cardinals
Opening Night, 1968: (From left) Cardinals radio broadcaster Harry Caray, NL president Warren Giles and Tim McCarver (receiving the 1967 NL championship pennant). Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Opening Night, 1968: NL president Warren Giles and center fielder Curt Flood (receiving the 1967 World Series championship banner). Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Opening Night, 1968: Hall of Famer Joe Medwick (delivering the ceremonial first pitch). Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Opening Night, 1968: Right fielder Roger Maris (marking the last season-opener of his 12-year career). Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Ring Day, 1968: (From left) Left fielder Lou Brock, commissioner William Eckert, NL president Warren Giles. Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Ring Day, 1968: (From left) Cardinals radio broadcaster Harry Caray, catcher Tim McCarver, NL president Warren Giles. Photo from St. Louis Cardinals
Ring Day, 1968: (From left) Outfielder Bobby Tolan, center fielder Curt Flood, pitcher Nelson Briles, first baseman Orlando Cepeda, catcher Dave Ricketts, catcher Tim McCarver, pitcher Bob Gibson. Photo from St. Louis Cardinals