Happy birthday!

Happy 36th birthday to Chris Carpenter!

It’s his birthday, but we’re getting the gift — any day that calls for using this great picture Linda took during spring training is definitely a nice present!

From time to time, I write birthday profiles for Baseball Digest — a spotlight on one particular MLB player, past or present, who was born on that day, plus a brief look at some others born on the same day. And, given my feelings for CC, of course I volunteered to write for today. What I didn’t realize, however, is which other Cardinals had been born on this day many, many years earlier.

Born on April 27, 1896? The Rajah, Rogers Hornsby.

Born on April 27, 1916? Enos “Country” Slaughter.

And, of course, born on April 27, 1975? Christopher John Carpenter.

Two Hall of Famers, one Cy Young winner who’s had a huge impact going into his eighth season on the team. That’s a lot of talent born on this particular day.

Read more about all three — and why we Cardinals fans are eternally grateful to Alyson Carpenter — in my article for Baseball Digest here.


Christine Coleman is the senior St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.