The 80+ Greatest St. Louis Cardinals of All Time, Ranked By Fans

If you’ve ever watched a Cardinals game with someone who “doesn’t usually get emotional” and then saw them tear up at a highlight of a back-flipping shortstop,
a laser-armed catcher, or a pitcher who looked like he could intimidate the strike zone itselfcongrats, you’ve met the real St. Louis Cardinals.
This franchise has been around forever (baseball years are like dog years, but with more statistics), has stacked up championships across eras,
andmost importantlyhas produced a long line of players that fans will argue about until the sun burns out.

This article takes the spirit of fan voting and fan debate (the kind that starts with “Hear me out” and ends with someone yelling “RINGZ!”) and turns it into a
big, fun, in-depth ranking of 80+ all-time Cardinals greats. Some picks are obvious. Some are spicy. All of them are rooted in real achievements
and real impactbecause in St. Louis, “legend” isn’t just a compliment; it’s basically a job title.

What “Ranked by Fans” Really Means

Fan rankings are less like a scientific lab test and more like a family recipe: the results are real, the arguments are eternal, and everyone insists their version
is the correct one. One of the biggest fan-voted lists out there includes 80+ Cardinals and (at the time of its update) reflects thousands of voters.
That kind of crowd wisdom tends to elevate players who combined production + iconic moments + “you just had to be there” vibes.

So, while advanced stats and Hall of Fame credentials matter here, so do the things that fans never forget: October heroics, a signature swagger,
a glove that turned singles into outs, or a bat that made pitchers rethink their life choices.

The Fan-Informed Ranking: 85 Cardinals Legends

Here’s the ranked list, built in the spirit of fan voting: inner-circle immortals at the top, then era-defining stars, then beloved pillars,
then the deep cuts that make longtime fans nod like, “Yes. You know ball.”

Tier 1: The Mount Rushmore Crowd (1–10)

1. Stan Musial The standard for Cardinals greatness: elite hitting, endless consistency, and the kind of legacy that turns “Stan the Man” into a permanent noun.
2. Bob Gibson A fierce ace with historic dominance; the type of pitcher who didn’t just beat youhe made you feel responsible for trying.
3. Albert Pujols Peak Pujols in St. Louis was a cheat code: power, patience, and a résumé that made “automatic” seem like an understatement.
4. Ozzie Smith Defense as performance art: range, instincts, and a highlight reel that still looks like magic.
5. Rogers Hornsby A generational hitter whose Cardinals years helped define early franchise greatness.
6. Lou Brock Speed turned into strategy: pressure every pitch, steal every moment, and make the opposing battery age in real time.
7. Yadier Molina The backbone behind the plate for years: game-calling, leadership, and a cannon arm that discouraged ambition.
8. Dizzy Dean Big personality, big arm, big momentsan era icon who still feels larger than the box score.
9. Red Schoendienst A franchise lifer whose influence spanned playing, managing, and being basically woven into Cardinals DNA.
10. Joe Medwick A feared bat from the “don’t stand too close to the plate” days of baseball, and a key name in the Cardinals’ early legend factory.

Tier 2: Hall-of-Fame Gravity and Franchise Pillars (11–25)

11. Enos Slaughter Classic Cardinals toughness, with postseason memories that still echo.
12. Ken Boyer The total package at third base; steady excellence with big-time peaks.
13. Curt Flood Great defender and an essential figure in baseball history beyond the field.
14. Frankie Frisch A driver of the franchise’s early-winning identity as both player and leader.
15. Jim Bottomley An MVP-level force from the Cardinals’ golden early decades.
16. Ted Simmons A premium catcher bat in an era when catchers weren’t “supposed” to hit like that.
17. Johnny Mize A thunderous hitter whose Cardinals years remain a major part of his legend.
18. Whitey Herzog “Whiteyball” made speed and defense a championship blueprint and created an unforgettable era.
19. Tony La Russa Strategic brilliance and sustained success; a manager who turned rosters into postseason machines.
20. Adam Wainwright A modern Cardinals ace with longevity, leadership, and October credibility.
21. Chris Carpenter Postseason bulldog energy; the guy you wanted when the night got loud and the stakes got louder.
22. Bruce Sutter A relief ace whose impact looms larger than his time with the club.
23. Willie McGee The heartbeat of 1980s Cardinals baseball: speed, defense, and fan-favorite electricity.
24. Mark McGwire An unforgettable power peak that reshaped the fan experience (and the ball’s life expectancy).
25. Jack Buck Not a player, but a Cardinals legend in the truest way: the voice that made moments immortal.

Tier 3: Era-Defining Stars and October Icons (26–50)

26. Jim Edmonds Gold-glove defense in center and a bat built for big swings.
27. Scott Rolen Elite third-base defense with real thump; an all-around star in Cardinals red.
28. Matt Holliday Consistent middle-of-the-order force; a steady flame in a long stretch of contention.
29. Keith Hernandez Gold-glove first base, strong bat, and a key piece of a winning identity.
30. Bob Forsch Durable rotation mainstay who helped anchor an era of competitive teams.
31. John Tudor Dominant stretches on the mound; a peak that fans still point to in debates.
32. Jason Isringhausen A modern closer with serious staying power in high-leverage innings.
33. Joaquín Andújar An ace presence in a memorable era of Cardinals baseball.
34. Vince Coleman Speed as a weapon of mass disruption: chaos on the bases, every night.
35. Tommy Herr Reliability, versatility, and “always seems to come through” energy.
36. David Freese Postseason legend status: the kind of October hero whose name triggers instant highlight flashes.
37. Ray Lankford A long-time cornerstone whose production deserves more national love.
38. Tim McCarver Key player in title years and later an essential baseball voice.
39. Orlando Cepeda A star bat who made a real Cardinals imprint in a short window.
40. Lee Smith A Hall of Fame closer who also delivered meaningful Cardinals value.
41. Steve Carlton Early greatness in St. Louis before becoming a broader legend elsewhere.
42. Joe Torre Big bat as a Cardinal; later a famous manager, but his playing years matter here.
43. Paul Goldschmidt A modern elite hitter whose Cardinals stretch has been packed with impact seasons.
44. Nolan Arenado Defense at third that makes “routine” plays look like special effects.
45. Carlos Beltrán A key veteran bat in a memorable Cardinals run.
46. Lance Berkman One of the great “perfect fit at the perfect time” Cardinals seasons.
47. José Oquendo “The Secret Weapon” because he basically did everything well.
48. Julian Javier Smooth defense and a steady presence through important seasons.
49. Ken Caminiti Brief, but memorable enough to stick for many fans who lived the era.
50. Roger Maris Not long in St. Louis, but tied to championship memories.

Tier 4: Cardinals Culture Heroes and Deep-Cut Favorites (51–85)

51. Ozzie’s Supporting Cast: Tommy Edman Modern versatility and hustle that fans value deeply.
52. So Taguchi A fan favorite whose moments in big games live on.
53. Rick Ankiel One of baseball’s most fascinating Cardinals stories: reinvention, resilience, and big throws.
54. Alan Benes A notable arm from the 1990s era that longtime fans remember well.
55. Matt Carpenter Peak “Carp” was a walk machine and a lineup glue guy.
56. Kolten Wong Smooth second-base defense and key contributions on winning teams.
57. Jason Motte Big saves, big personality, and a closer’s fearless vibe.
58. Trevor Rosenthal High-velocity late innings that shortened games in key seasons.
59. Ryan Helsley Modern bullpen dominance and the kind of calm that makes ninth innings look simple.
60. Harrison Bader Defense-first spark with postseason moments fans still replay.
61. Jon Jay Quietly excellent: smart routes, timely hits, and “always solid” credibility.
62. Allen Craig Peak years were pure clutch; you could feel his at-bats matter.
63. David Eckstein Maximum effort, maximum heart, and a fan base that loves grinders.
64. Skip Schumaker The utility guy who became a fixture in the “winning culture” era.
65. Brendan Ryan Defensive wizardry that made infield highlights a nightly feature.
66. Fernando Viña Middle infield steadiness on playoff-bound clubs.
67. J.D. Drew A huge talent whose Cardinals years still spark debate (the most authentic fan tradition).
68. Edgar Rentería A key shortstop in a successful era and a player fans still talk about with respect.
69. Mike Shannon Player, then broadcaster: a Cardinals voice and presence for decades.
70. Harry Caray Not a player, but part of the soundscape of Cardinals history.
71. Albert “Redbird” First Base: Jack Clark A big bat who delivered thunder when St. Louis needed it.
72. Keith Woolford? Nolet’s do it right: Willie McGee’s running mate, Vince Coleman Because basepaths deserve their own entry, and he earned it.
73. Lonnie Smith Underrated offensive punch in key years.
74. Tom Pagnozzi Defense-first catching excellence that fans who love fundamentals appreciate.
75. Danny Cox Important innings in big seasons.
76. Rick Horton Solid pitching contributions in meaningful years.
77. Lee May Veteran thump and a recognizable name from a specific era.
78. Reggie Smith A short but impactful Cardinals chapter for an excellent player.
79. Jim Kaat Pitching pedigree and a Cardinals connection that fans still remember.
80. Pedro Guerrero Brief, but memorable enough to earn a nod from many fans.
81. Ray Sanders A deep cut that loyalists bring up when the conversation gets nerdy (in a good way).
82. Mike Matheny Strong defensive catching reputation and a notable presence in modern Cardinals chapters.
83. Joe Carter A short Cardinals stop for a famous slugger (fans love a “remember when?”).
84. Johnnie “Pepper” Martin Old-school Cardinals edge and postseason lore.
85. Chick Hafey A classic era great who deserves more modern conversation.

Note: Once you get past the top tier, exact ordering becomes a “talk radio and toasted ravioli” level argument.
That’s the point. Fan rankings aren’t trying to be a math textbookthey’re trying to capture what Cardinals greatness felt like, decade by decade.

Why These Names Rise to the Top: What Fans Reward

1) The “Forever Face of the Franchise” Effect

Fans tend to reward players who feel like they belong to St. Louis. Stan Musial is the clearest example:
he wasn’t just elitehe was the measuring stick. When you are the answer to “Who’s the greatest Cardinal?” for generation after generation,
that’s not a hot take; that’s a tradition.

2) Postseason Memory Is a Superpower

October turns “good player” into “legend.” A big hit or dominant start in a championship run can upgrade a player’s reputation forever.
That’s why names like David Freese, Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright carry such powerful emotional weight.
Fans don’t just remember the statsthey remember where they were standing in the living room when it happened.

3) Defense That Changes Reality

St. Louis fans love clean baseball: great pitching, smart fundamentals, and defense that steals runs. Ozzie Smith isn’t just “a good fielder.”
He’s a symbol of how defense can be spectacular, valuable, and downright joyful. It’s hard to rank him anywhere but near the very top
because fans can still see the plays in their heads like yesterday’s game.

4) Era Icons (Even When the Conversation Is Complicated)

Some Cardinals were cultural events, not just players. Mark McGwire’s power era is a perfect example: it changed the nightly experience of watching a game,
created huge moments, and left a lasting imprint on fan memory. In fan rankings, that “you had to live it” energy counts.

Quick Reality Check: Stats That Support the Fan Love

Even if you’re allergic to spreadsheets, the numbers back up why the top names keep floating to the surface.
By franchise value metrics like WAR, the gap between the very top and the rest is enormousexactly what fans seem to sense instinctively.
That’s why Musial, Hornsby, Pujols, and Ozzie keep showing up in the same “inner circle” conversations across different sources.

Fan Experiences: How These Legends Live in St. Louis (Extra 500+ Words)

“Ranked by fans” isn’t just a labelit’s literally how Cardinals history gets passed down. In St. Louis, baseball conversations have a rhythm.
Someone mentions a name (usually before the appetizers arrive). Someone else counters with another name (usually with a confident sip of something cold).
Then the table splits into camps: the “stats people,” the “rings people,” the “I SAW HIM LIVE” people, and the most dangerous group of all:
the “My grandpa said…” historians.

The beauty of Cardinals greatness is that it shows up in everyday life, not just the record book. You can feel it at Busch Stadium when a familiar number
flashes on the screen and the crowd responds like they’re greeting an old friend. You can feel it in the way fans talk about defenselike it’s a moral virtue.
(In some households, it basically is.) You can hear it in the echoes of legendary calls, where a single phrase can summon an entire postseason memory.

And then there’s the fan ritual of making the list. Maybe you’ve done it yourself: you start confidentlyMusial, Gibson, Pujols, Ozzie, Brock, Yadi.
Easy. Then your brain starts throwing curveballs. “Wait, are we ranking by peak or by career? Are managers included? What about postseason heroes?
Does the guy who gave us that October moment jump ten spots just because I still get goosebumps?” Congratulations, you’re now running
the most popular unofficial job in Cardinals Nation: Committee Chair of Debates That Will Never End.

For many fans, the “experience” of these legends is deeply personal without being private. One fan remembers a parent explaining who Bob Gibson was
in the tone usually reserved for thunderstorms. Another remembers learning what “anticipation” means from Lou Brock taking a lead off first basebecause the
whole stadium leaned forward at the same time. Someone else remembers Ozzie Smith making a play that felt impossible, and suddenly defense wasn’t boring anymore
it was the main event. And modern fans? They remember Yadier Molina turning the pitching staff into a confident, coordinated machine, like a conductor
who also happens to throw out runners with pure spite.

The best part is that fan rankings don’t just preserve the pastthey keep it alive. Visiting the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum (or even just walking around
Ballpark Village) turns names into stories: the era of speed and defense, the era of power, the era of pitching and October drama. You don’t walk out thinking,
“Wow, those were some numbers.” You walk out thinking, “Okay, I need to re-argue my top 10.”

That’s why fan-voted lists matter: they capture the emotional math. They reward players who made baseball feel bigger, brighter, and more meaningful on random
Tuesday nightsand especially in October. And if you disagree with a ranking? Perfect. That means you’re doing it right. In St. Louis, arguing about the
greatest Cardinals of all time isn’t a distraction from baseball. It’s part of the baseball.

Conclusion: The Real Winner Is the Argument

The St. Louis Cardinals have built a rare kind of historyone that spans dead-ball days, golden-age legends, speed-and-glove dynasties, and modern October drama.
Fan rankings will always shift at the margins, because new highlights happen, new generations join the debate, and nostalgia never stops doing push-ups.
But the core truth stays steady: a handful of names sit at the summit, and the rest form a deep, proud, noisy constellation of greatness.

So take this list, enjoy it, andmost importantlyargue with it. Move someone up. Drop someone down. Text your friend the moment you disagree with pick #17.
That’s the Cardinals way.