The Cardinals went 97–65 during the season and won the National League Central by 13 games over the Houston Astros.

Second baseman Fernando Viña, shortstop Édgar Rentería, third baseman Scott Rolen, and outfielder Jim Edmonds each won Gold Gloves this year.

On June 18, long-time broadcaster Jack Buck died at the age of 77,[1] while four days later, pitcher Darryl Kile was found dead in a Chicago hotel room, at age 33.

Infielders Coaches Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.

= Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Note: G = Games; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Note: G = Games; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts St. Louis wins the series, 3-0 October 9: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri October 10: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri October 12: Pac Bell Park, San Francisco October 13: Pac Bell Park, San Francisco October 14: Pac Bell Park, San Francisco LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Peoria[7][8]