The game between the Cardinals and Giants was rained out, but that didn’t ruin the parade for Bruce Sutter. The former Cardinals reliever threw out the honorary first pitch and had his No. 42 retired yesterday.
Sutter, who struck out Gorman Thomas for the final out in the 1982 World Series, will share the No. 42 with Jackie Robinson. A likeness of Sutter is also adorned on the left-field wall. Robinson’s number is retired at all ballparks across the Major Leagues as a sign of respect for what he did to integrate the sport.
Earlier this year Sutter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame after finishing with 300 career saves. Joining Sutter during yesterday’s ceremony were his three sons, former Cardinals pitcher Bob Forsch, and Sutter’s former manager Whitey Herzog.
Sutter joins eight other Cardinals who’ve had their jerseys retired. Other such honored Cardinals include Red Schoendienst, Enos Slaughter, Ken Boyer, Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, Ozzie Smith, and Lou Brock.