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Classic Cardinal: George Hendrick

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The 2nd edition of Classic Cardinal is George Hendrick.

"Silent" George Hendrick was known to many as a guy who spoke silently (at least to the media) but carried a big bat. George had long history of refusing to speak to the press, but he was well-liked by his teammates and Cards fans. He was one of the NL's premiere hitters in the late 70's-early 80's and is now a VEB Classic Cardinal.

Hendrick began his career in 1971 with the A's where he got his first World Series ring in 1972.  In early 1973 George was traded along with current Cards pitching coach Dave Duncan to the Cleveland Indians. He played with the Indians for 4 seasons when he was then traded to the Padres.  On May 26, 1978 the Padres traded George to the Cardinals for pitcher Eric Rasmussen.  He played for the Cardinals for 6 and a half seasons and won his 2nd WS ring as a member of the 1982 World Championship team. 

In 1980 (his best season as a Cardinal) he posted 25 Hrs and 109 RBI (which was 2nd in the NL behind only Mike Schmidt) and batted .302. In the 1982 Championship season George had 19 HRs with 104 RBI. With the Cards George won the Silver Slugger Award Twice (1980, 1983). Silent George was by far the biggest power threat on those early 80's Cardinals teams.  In December of 84 the Cards traded George and catcher Steve Bernard to the Pirates for pitcher John Tudor and OF/catcher Brian Harper.

Hendrick was a 4 time All-Star (1974-75, 1980, 1983) and in total played with the following teams Oakland Athletics (1971-1972), Cleveland Indians (1973-1976), San Diego Padres (1977-1978), St. Louis Cardinals (1978-1984), Pittsburgh Pirates (1985), California Angels (1985-1988). His career totals include 267 HRs, 1111 RBIs, 1980 hits, and had a career BA of .278.

George was a roving hitting/outfield instructor for the Cards from 1993 to 1995 and was a coach for Tony Larussa in 1996 & 1997. George is currently the first base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. He will return to St. Louis for the May 16th, 17th & 18th series when the Rays take on the Cards.