RetroSimba

The Cardinals rejected a chance to acquire Chuck Tanner in June 1957 and he made them pay a couple of months later.

As an outfielder for the Braves and Cubs in the 1950s and as manager of the Pirates and Braves in the 1970s and 1980s, Tanner had a long history as a Cardinals opponent.

Tanner broke into the majors with the Braves in 1955. On Aug, 15, he had his first three-RBI game as a big leaguer in the Braves’ 12-1 victory over St. Louis. Boxscore Three days later, Tanner hit a home run against Larry Jackson in the second inning, sparking the Braves to a 5-3 win against the Cardinals. Boxscore

On Sept. 16, 1955, Tanner’s three-run home run against Brooks Lawrence erased a 3-1 Cardinals lead and paced the Braves to a 9-4 victory. Boxscore

In 1957, the Braves were headed to a National League championship. To help their pennant push, the Braves wanted St. Louis outfielder Del Ennis. On June 1, the Braves offered the Cardinals three players _ Tanner, reliever Dave Jolly and their choice of a pitcher, Ray Crone or Gene Conley _ for Ennis, the Associated Press reported.

Cardinals general manager Frank Lane wanted more _ either pitcher Juan Pizarro or pitcher Bob Trowbridge. When the Braves declined, trade talks ceased.

A week later, the Cubs claimed Tanner off waivers.

Inserted into the starting outfield, Tanner produced. In two games against the Cardinals in August 1957, he went 5-for-8 with two runs scored and three RBI. On Aug. 13, Tanner was 3-for-4 with two RBI in Chicago’s 6-2 victory over the Cardinals. Boxscore Two days later, Tanner’s seventh-inning home run against the Cardinals’ Sam Jones helped the Cubs to a 4-1 win. Boxscore

In 1958, Tanner’s last season as a National League player, he delivered a key blow against the Cardinals in an unusual situation. On Aug. 31, the Cubs led, 2-1, in the third with two on and Lee Walls at the plate. Cardinals starter Sal Maglie brushed back Walls with a pitch the Cubs batter claimed hit him.

Umpire Frank Secory ruled the ball missed Walls, who argued and was ejected. Tanner took over the at-bat and hit a three-run home run, helping Chicago to an 8-5 victory. Boxscore

Tanner batted .236 with four home runs and 20 RBI in his career against the Cardinals.

After managing the White Sox and Athletics, Tanner went to the National League as manager of the Pirates (1977-85) and Braves (1986-88).

Tanner had a 76-106 record as manager against the Cardinals. He was 29-25 versus St. Louis in the 1970s and 47-81 when facing the Cardinals in the 1980s.