RetroSimba

Before the final home opener at the first Busch Stadium was postponed because of rain, fans booed Cardinals newcomers and cheered some familiar players on the opposing team.

The next night, when the rescheduled opener was played before a sparse gathering, the Phillies beat the Cardinals in 12 innings. Frustrated, St. Louis manager Red Schoendienst complained about having to play April games at night in cold weather.

It all made for an inglorious farewell opener for the grand ballpark on St. Louis’ Grand Boulevard.

Changes at home

Busch Stadium I had been the Cardinals’ home since 1920. Located at 2911 North Grand Boulevard, it was called Sportsman’s Park until Anheuser-Busch bought the Cardinals in 1953 and changed the  ballpark’s name.

A new ballpark, Busch Stadium II, was a key part of plans to revive downtown St. Louis. The Cardinals had hoped to open the 1966 season in Busch Stadium II, but labor strikes had delayed steel and masonry work.

The Cardinals would relocate to Busch Stadium II in May 1966, but Busch Stadium I remained their home when the season began.

Tough crowd

The Phillies and Cardinals were scheduled to open on a Tuesday night, April 12, 1966, at St. Louis.

Six months earlier, the Cardinals had upset many fans by trading three-quarters of their starting infield. Third baseman Ken Boyer was dealt to the Mets. First baseman Bill White and shortstop Dick Groat were sent to the Phillies.

In the pregame introductions of players before the 1966 season opener at Busch Stadium I, Phillies players White and Groat “drew the longest and loudest cheers,” The Sporting News reported.

Three Cardinals _ outfielder Alex Johnson, third baseman Charlie Smith and first baseman George Kernek _ were greeted by boos, according to The Sporting News.

Johnson was the key player acquired by the Cardinals in the deal for White and Groat. Smith came over from the Mets to replace Boyer at third. Kernek, a rookie promoted from the Cardinals’ farm system, was the replacement for White at first base.

Duel of aces

Starting at 8 pm Central time with a temperature of 44 degrees and winds reaching 20 mph, the opening game started as a duel between aces Bob Gibson of the Cardinals and Jim Bunning of the Phillies.

Gibson retired the Phillies in order in the first, striking out Johnny Briggs and Richie Allen and getting White on a groundout to third.

Bunning was just as good. He struck out Lou Brock and Curt Flood and got Julian Javier on a groundout to second.

As soon as the first inning ended, a downpour halted play. After a delay of 50 minutes, the game was called off, United Press International reported.

The postponement, “with a crowd of 25,000 expected, cost the club at least $50,000,” The Sporting News estimated.

Try again

The game the next night, Wednesday, April 13, became the Cardinals’ official season opener. It drew 8,219 spectators on a 40-degree evening. Curt Simmons of the Cardinals and Chris Short of the Phillies were the starters.

The Cardinals tied the score, 2-2, in the eighth on Flood’s second RBI of the game.

In the 12th, with two outs and none on, Allen singled off Dennis Aust and stole second. White was walked intentionally. John Herrnstein, pinch-hitting for former Cardinals pitcher Roger Craig, singled to center, scoring Allen and giving the Phillies a 3-2 lead.

Ray Culp, who replaced Craig in the bottom of the 12th, struck out Pat Corrales, Brock and Javier, earning the save and sealing the win for Craig and the Phillies. Boxscore

“By April 18 or so, they could play night games, but they should forget about them the first week (of the season),” Schoendienst said. “It’s usually too cold at night and there’s always the risk of incurring arm injuries.”

Previously: Bob Gibson and his final Opening Day with Cardinals

Previously: George Kernek: Cardinals’ choice to replace Bill White

Previously: Why Cardinals traded Ken Boyer to Mets