Looking for a glimmer of hope in the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals season? Look no further than the 1985 team. Despite being projected to finish last in their division, the 1985 Cardinals nearly won the World Series, thanks to a missed call at first base. But what's truly remarkable is how they defied the odds. The team was predicted to struggle due to the trade of Bruce Sutter, a lack of dominant starters, and concerns over Jack Clark's injury history. Additionally, a report revealed heavy cocaine use among 11 Cardinals players in the early 1980s, adding to the challenges. Whitey Herzog was in the midst of a rebuild after the team missed the playoffs in 1983 and 1984, following their 1982 World Series victory. However, the 1985 Cardinals had momentum from the previous season, with a strong finish in 1984. Whitey Herzog was actively building a contender, focusing on the major league roster rather than the farm system. The team was only three years removed from their World Series win, unlike the current squad, which hasn't seen a championship banner since 2011. The 'experts' couldn't predict the surprises that awaited. Vince Coleman, a rookie, stole 110 bases, and Willie McGee had an MVP-worthy year with a .353 batting average. John Tudor became the ace, leading the team to a record-breaking season. The 1985 Cardinals finished with the best record in baseball and went on to create iconic moments in team history. While I'm not predicting a championship season for 2026, it's not impossible. The roster has young players who could surprise and have breakout years. Yes, the odds are stacked against us, but the Cardinals have a history of defying expectations. It's not impossible that they could shock the world again.
