Posted By:
Ken W.The St. Louis Cardinals always begin their history with the 1892 National League team. However, I have found several resources which state that the franchise actually began as a member of the American Association in 1882. In fact, under Player/Manager Charlie Comiskey, they won four straight pennants from 1885-88. When that major league folded after 1891, the team joined the NL. I've always wondered why the Cardinals don't honor that period, especially since the early NL team stunk for their first 30 years or so. Who cares which league your team was in, as long as it was the majors? Surely, the Brewers credit their AL records. I think it is just another increasingly common example of history being forgotten. BTW, the name "Cardinals" did not come about until 1899, so the mascot name has nothing to do with it. I always say that St. Louis has won 21 pennants, instead of the usually stated 17!