Early Years and Name Changes
The Cardinals began in 1892 as the St. Louis Brown Stockings, a team in the American Association. They joined the National League in 1892 and were called the Perfectos in 1899 before becoming the Cardinals in 1900. The team got its name from the cardinal birds on their uniforms. In these early years, the Cardinals became known as a competitive team in the growing sport of professional baseball.
Golden Era of Success
The Cardinals achieved their greatest success between the 1920s and 1960s. They won their first World Series championship in 1926 and then won multiple titles in the 1930s and 1940s. Legendary players like Stan the Man Musial, Bob Gibson, and Lou Brock wore Cardinals uniforms during this period. The team's winning tradition made St. Louis one of baseball's most important cities.
Stadium History
The Cardinals have played in several stadiums throughout their history. They played at Robison Field from 1892 to 1920, then moved to Sportsman's Park, which they shared with the St. Louis Browns baseball team. In 1966, the team moved to Busch Stadium, which became their home for nearly 50 years. In 2006, they opened a new Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis where they continue to play today.
Notable Players and Records
Many of baseball's greatest players have been Cardinals. Stan Musial spent his entire career with the team and is considered one of the best hitters ever. Bob Gibson was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. Other famous Cardinals include Rogers Hornsby, Enos Slaughter, and more recently, Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. The team has also produced many Hall of Fame players throughout its history.
Recent History
The Cardinals won their most recent World Series championship in 2011, defeating the Texas Rangers. Since 2000, the team has been very successful and has made many playoff appearances. They have been led by successful managers and have continued to develop young talent through their farm system. The Cardinals remain one of the most valuable and recognizable franchises in all of sports. 
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