Helmar “This Great Game” Card #24 – Red Schoendienst (St. Louis Cardinals)

This beautifully rendered Helmar art card captures Red Schoendienst, the quintessential Cardinal, seated calmly in the dugout with the quiet confidence of a veteran leader. His bright uniform and the classic birds-on-the-bat logo gleam against the geometric pastel backdrop, evoking the midcentury vibrancy of the postwar National League. The artist’s choice of color—the soft blues, greens, and yellows—sets off Red’s fair features and relaxed smile, creating a portrait that radiates both warmth and discipline. Every detail—from the stitching of his jersey to the tilt of his cap—reflects a man who loved the game and embodied its professionalism. The composition is both intimate and timeless, a fitting homage to one of baseball’s most enduring figures.

Albert Fred “Red” Schoendienst was born in Germantown, Illinois, in 1923, and began his major league career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1945. A dependable switch-hitting second baseman known for his consistency and fielding finesse, Schoendienst was an integral part of the Cardinals’ mid-century success and later of the Milwaukee Braves’ championship run in 1957. Over 19 seasons as a player, he compiled more than 2,400 hits and was a ten-time All-Star. Following his playing career, Red transitioned seamlessly into managing and coaching, spending decades in the Cardinals organization and guiding the club to the 1967 World Series title as manager. His lifelong dedication to the franchise made him a symbol of St. Louis baseball itself. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989, Schoendienst’s career stands as a model of steady excellence and loyalty.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series celebrates those whose lives in baseball were defined not just by talent but by integrity and devotion. Card No. 24 honors Red Schoendienst—a player, manager, and teacher whose quiet strength spanned generations of the national pastime.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.