Card Statistics
Red Schoendienst is presented in Helmar’s T4 series with the St. Louis Nationals in a poised infield throwing position, his body angled slightly forward as he holds the baseball behind him and extends his glove toward the play. The cream Cardinals uniform, bright red undersleeves, red piping, striped stockings, and familiar birds-on-the-bat emblem give the figure an unmistakable St. Louis identity. Schoendienst’s feet are planted widely enough to suggest that he has just fielded the ball and is preparing to make a quick throw, an appropriate treatment for a player whose smooth defensive work at second base was central to his reputation.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. The composition is built around a subtle opposition between the two hands: the baseball is held high and back at the left edge of the figure, while the oversized glove hangs forward and low on the opposite side. That arrangement creates the feeling of a throw developing across Schoendienst’s body. Valiukavich uses the brilliant red sleeves and stockings not merely as decoration but as visual brackets around the pale uniform, making the movement of the limbs easier to follow. The glove is modeled with dense brown washes and strong highlights that give the leather convincing thickness, while the ball is left comparatively bright so that it remains readable against the sky. Behind the figure, the grandstand is reduced to dark horizontal masses and simplified structure, allowing the lighter uniform and red accents to advance strongly toward the viewer.
Albert Fred “Red” Schoendienst became one of the most enduring figures in St. Louis Cardinals history, first as a player and later as a manager, coach, and organizational fixture. A switch-hitting second baseman, he reached the major leagues with St. Louis in 1945 and quickly established himself as an excellent contact hitter and polished defensive infielder. Schoendienst was particularly admired for his smooth footwork, dependable hands, and ability to turn the double play, while his versatility and consistency made him an important part of Cardinals clubs spanning two decades.
Schoendienst was selected to ten All-Star teams and finished his nineteen-season major-league career with 2,449 hits and a .289 batting average. He helped St. Louis win the 1946 World Series and later contributed to Milwaukee’s 1957 championship after being traded to the Braves. His connection with the Cardinals continued long after his playing days: as manager, he led St. Louis to the 1967 World Series championship and another National League pennant in 1968. Few figures were associated with the franchise for as many years or in as many different roles.
Numbered #70, the Schoendienst card presents one of the Cardinals’ most accomplished and enduring figures in a defensive pose suited to his reputation as an exceptional second baseman. The ready throwing hand, prominent glove, vivid red uniform accents, and darkened stadium background give card #70 a particularly strong infield character within the T4 series. Schoendienst’s ten All-Star selections, 2,449 career hits, championships as both player and manager, and extraordinary longevity with the Cardinals make him one of the most historically significant St. Louis subjects in the issue. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: On grass, poised to throw
- Team: St. Louis Cardinals
- Population (# Sold): 13
- First Date Sold: 2023-03-01
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-07-21
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 4
- Highest Auction: $ 48.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 17.64
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Visit these teammates on the St. Louis Cardinals in the Helmar T4 series
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