Top 5 Tribute: Red Schoendienst

Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst passed away on June 6th at the age of 95. Like most people my age, I knew him more from his days as the manager of the Cardinals than I did from his playing career. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989 along with Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski. 

In honor of his life and career, I am showing off my 5 favorite cards of him that I have.

#5

1972 Topps #67 Red Schoendienst

To be honest, it was a toss-up between this card and his 1973 issue, but I went with this one since it didn't include the caching staff. He's smiling more in this one too.

#4

1971 Topps #239 Red Schoendienst

I'm pretty sure this is the first card of his I ever got. The stadium in the background really makes card stand out.

#3

1990 Topps Traded #113T Red Schoendienst

Red was named the Cardinals' interim manager in 1990, making him one of a handful of Hall of Famers to manage a team after they were elected. I like how the border complements his red jersey.

#2

1988 Topps #351 Cardinals Leaders

At the time a Special Assistant Coach for the Cardinals, what makes this card great is the smiles he and Tony Pena are sharing. There is a true sense of camaraderie here.

#1

2012 Panini Golden Age #66 Red Schoendienst

The only card I have of him showing him from his playing days, Panini did a good job with this simple but classic looking set.

R.I.P., Mr. Schoendienst...