Not the most talented member of the 1990s Cardinals, but he was really popular with fans. Rex Hudler was gritty and always hustled. He originally came up with the Yankees after they selected him in the first round of the 1978 MLB Draft. He stopped over with the Orioles, before he ended up on the Expos where he got some regular playing time. He has a baseball card as a Yankee in the 1985 Donruss set, but I remember him more as a member of the Expos in the late 1980s/early 1990s.
He had a run in with Ozzie Smith while he was on the Expos, which was sort of the first time that I really paid attention to him. I do not remember all of the details, having trouble tracking specifics, other than they had some "differences" about Hudler sliding into second base.
The Cardinals traded for Hudler one month into the 1990 season in exchange for reliever John Costello. The infield was a little crowded, but with loads of underachievers on the roster, the Cardinals found him playing time in the outfield and a few places on the infield.
His versatility was nice, but Cardinals fans loved his hustle.
Hudler, known as "Wonder Dog" ended up playing for the Cardinals through the 1992 season. He spent the last few years of his career with the Angels and Phillies before he retired from the game after the 1998 season.
Let's look at some cards. My favorite Rex Hudler card in a Cardinals uniform is his 1991 Stadium Club card. Just a great looking photograph.
Good picture of Hudler wearing a first baseman's mitt. Not sure about the glove, but I also like the look at the old Busch Stadium in the background. Definitely nice that the Cardinals have a new stadium, but I miss seeing the old Busch. I also like that Hudler is wearing the old polyester uniform. The team last wore these uniforms in 1991, before ditching them for a button up jersey.
Some more cards.
His 1991 Topps card is another favorite. Sort of looks like there is dirt floating around behind the base, which itself if filthy. If only Rex Hudler's jersey was a little dirtier. Great looking picture out of a set with a lot of great photography.
A few more.
I am not sure I have done a Donruss Triple Play card in all of these 1990s Cardinals posts. They were kid friendly, cheap, and they sort of looked like those Sports Illustrated for Kids cards that come for free in the magazine. Nice card.
Cards with a nearly identical picture.
Way to put the effort in Fleer.
That's about it for Rex Hudler. He has moved into broadcasting since his retirement from baseball and is currently working for the Royals. Still sort of a personality of television, worth a few minutes of your time on a night when your team is playing poorly.
He is best known for "Hudisms". They are like Shannonisms if you are a Cardinals fan. They include things like "Chris Young is tall" or "Solo home runs don't hurt you" or "You can't sweep a double header unless you win the first one". I guess these are all true.