ST. LOUIS -- Eight of the franchise's 11 World Series championships will be represented this summer when the Cardinals induct four new members into their Hall of Fame.
That 2016 class, which was announced on Friday, includes former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter, former MVP Joe Torre, four-time All-Star Terry Moore and Sam Breadon, who oversaw the organization win nine National League pennants during his run as president and majority owner.
Carpenter and Torre were part of an eight-player modern ballot that went before the fans during a six-week voting period that ended earlier this month and drew more than 33,000 votes. The ballot was built by members of a Red Ribbon committee, who considered anyone who played at least three seasons with the Cardinals and has been retired for between three and 40 years.
Carpenter played nine seasons in St. Louis, where he won the 2005 NL Cy Young Award and was a three-time All-Star. His legacy, however, is largely tied to his postseason performances. He started 18 playoff games for the Cardinals and remains the franchise's all-time leader in wins (10) and innings pitched (108).
"He was probably the most competitive guy I've ever been around," general manager John Mozeliak remarked on Friday. "He always struck me as the kind of guy who if he was playing Wiffle ball with his kid in the backyard, he'll try to strike him out and not let him get the hit. I say that jokingly, but that's how he was. When he took the mound for the Cardinals, he always gave you a chance to win."
Beginning in 1969, Torre played six seasons with the Cardinals as a catcher, first baseman and third baseman. He won the 1971 NL MVP Award after leading the league with a .363 average, 137 RBIs and 230 hits. His .308 career average as a Cardinal ranks ninth in franchise history, and he drove in at least 100 runs in three seasons with St. Louis. Torre also managed the club from 1990-95.
Moore's selection was made by the Red Ribbon committee, which annually elects a veteran player. Players who have been retired more than 40 years and played at least three seasons with the Cardinals are eligible for consideration.
Moore played 11 seasons for the Cardinals and took a three-year hiatus in the prime of his career to serve in World War II. He was a four-time All Star from 1939-42 and was the starting center fielder for the '42 and '46 World Series champions.
Separate of the Red Ribbon process and fan vote, the Cardinals chose to include Breadon in this Hall of Fame class. Breadon became president in 1920 and went on to oversee a club that won six championships and nine pennants. Breadon, along with Branch Rickey, is credited with developing the modern-day farm system.
All four Cardinals will be formally enshrined into the team's Hall of Fame on Aug. 27 during a ceremony at Ballpark Village.