The Cardinals play in the National League Central Division. Born the St. Louis Browns in 1882, the Cardinals have a long and storied history. St Louis won their first World Championship in 1926. In the 1950s, Anheuser-Busch took the Cardinals over and the golden years began. The year 1964 saw the Cardinals beat the mighty New York Yankees in a seven game World Series, beginning a successful few years, notably 1967 when they again won the World Championship in seven games, this time over the Boston Red Sox. In 1968 the Cardinals had a 3-1 games lead over the Detroit Tigers, but lost the series in seven games. All during the next two decades (1970-1980) the Cardinals were strong, playing in three World Series in the 1980s, winning once.
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After Joe Torre was fired in the 1990s, Tony La Russa was hired as the Cardinal manager, and is still there today. In 1998, Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs battled to set the record for most home runs in one season. McGwire broke the Roger Maris 37 year-old record of 61 on September 8 with a low line drive over Busch Stadiums left field fence.
The Cardinals continue to be contenders every year, winning a championship in 2006.
