The St. Louis Cardinals are a team that always seems to capture the hearts of their fanbase.
The fans have seen great players over several generations such as Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Red Schoendienst, Lou Brock, Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, and several others.
However, even those that aren’t household names are well loved by the fanbase.
One player in particular that fans loved was outfielder So Taguchi.
Taguchi was far from a household name, but he was well respected in the clubhouse and was a popular teammate.
He also was somebody that fans adored.
Today is Taguchi’s 54th birthday.
On Twitter, Cardinals reporter Jim Hayes wished the former fan favorite a happy birthday.
Happy Birthday So Taguchi. #STLCards pic.twitter.com/dHddDhIaUz
— Jim Hayes (@TheCatOnBallyTV) July 2, 2023
Taguchi played in the Major Leagues from 2002-09.
He signed with the Cardinals prior to the ’02 season and became a viable bench bat and fourth outfielder.
Two years later, he helped guide the Cardinals to the World Series for the first time since 1987.
The Cardinals were swept by the Boston Red Sox in that series, but he played a key role in helping them return to the World Series in 2006.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of his career came in Game 2 of the NLCS against the New York Mets.
With the game tied at six in the top of the ninth inning, manager Tony La Russa tapped him to pinch hit against Mets closer Billy Wagner.
Taguchi hit one over the left field wall to put the Cardinals in front, where they would stay as they held on to win Game 2.
The Cardinals won the World Series a few weeks later, and Taguchi won his first of two World Series rings, the latter of which came with the Philadelphia Phillies.
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