The 1973 St. Louis Cardinals season was the team's 92nd season in St. Louis, Missouri and its 82nd season in the National League. The Cardinals overcame an 8-23 start to finish with an 81–81 record during the season and finished second in the National League East, games behind the NL East and eventual NL pennant winners New York Mets. To date, this is the only season the Cardinals have finished at .500 instead of above or below it.
Offseason
October 27, 1972: Jerry McNertney was released by the Cardinals.
Regular season
Pitcher Bob Gibson won a Gold Glove this year.
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Opening Day lineup
Notable transactions
May 8, 1973: Al Santorini was traded by the Cardinals to the Kansas City Royals for Tom Murphy. June 5, 1973: 1973 Major League Baseball Draft John Tamargo was drafted by the Cardinals in the 6th round. Eric Rasmussen was drafted by the Cardinals in the 32nd round. Bryn Smith was drafted by the Cardinals in the 49th round, but did not sign. However, he would pitch for the team from 1990 to 1992. August 7, 1973: Wayne Granger was traded by the Cardinals to the New York Yankees for a player to be named later and cash. The Yankees completed the deal by sending Ken Crosby to the Cardinals on September 12. August 18, 1973: Dave Campbell and cash were traded by the Cardinals to the Houston Astros for Tommie Agee. August 29, 1973: Eddie Fisher was purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals from the Chicago White Sox.
Roster
Player stats
Batting
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Pitching
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts