Cardinals Stretch Their Arms as Pitchers Take the Spotlight in San Antonio Camp.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — March 16, 1926

The Cardinals’ pitchers took command of the afternoon at League Park today as the St. Louis club continued shaping its staff beneath the steady Texas sun.

Spring training rarely moves at a gallop, particularly when pitchers are concerned. Arms are built gradually, and the Cardinals spent much of the day allowing their mound corps to work through longer throwing sessions while the rest of the club looked on.

Veteran right-hander Jesse Haines drew the most attention during the bullpen turns. Working deliberately from the mound, Haines delivered a series of smooth fastballs that popped firmly into the catcher’s mitt, the sort of sound that brings quiet nods from coaches standing nearby.

Catcher Bob O’Farrell handled the receiving duties, crouched low behind the plate and calling signals while the pitchers went about the careful business of building arm strength.

Left-hander Bill Sherdel followed with a steady session of his own, mixing speeds and working the corners while manager Rogers Hornsby watched from the edge of the infield.

Flint Rhem and Vic Keen also took their turns on the mound, each pitcher trying to find the easy rhythm that marks a comfortable arm in March.

Between bullpen sessions the Cardinals hitters kept the bats moving. Jim Bottomley drove several firm line shots during batting practice while Ray Blades and Chick Hafey took turns sending fly balls deep across the outfield grass.

A handful of spectators leaned along the wooden grandstand railings, enjoying the warm San Antonio afternoon while the Cardinals continued their steady march toward opening day.

Spring training offers few final answers this early in the calendar, but afternoons like this one give a manager the first hints of how his pitching staff may take shape.

For now the Cardinals arms are loosening, the bats are beginning to ring, and the long baseball season is slowly drawing near.