Red Schoendienst Turns 92

The number is retired, but he is not. That was the caption on a picture of Red Schoendienst that hung in Tony LaRussa's
office during his time as Cardinals manager.  The Cardinal Hall of Famer celebrated his 92nd birthday on Monday.

Schoendienst's performance in a tryout camp led to his signing by the Cardinals in 1942. Despite a career interruption due to World War II, Schoendienst made his major league debut in 1945.

During an appearance in Quincy a few years ago, Schoendienst talked about negotiating his first contract with the Cardinals and Branch Rickey. Schoendienst says Rickey's offer was 75 dollars a month to play minor league baseball.

Schoendient's response? "I'm going to go for three years and If I can't advance to where I feel I can make the big leagues, I'll go back to school and learn a trade or do something."

Here is more with Schoendienst during an appearance in Quincy a few years back...