June 2, 1964 - The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals exchanged right-handed pitchers today. Glen Hobbie went to the Cards in return for Lew Burdette.
The players were informed of the deal after today’s game — a 5-2 victory by the Cubs over St. Louis — and will switch benches for tomorrow’s contest.
Burdette, 37, has been in the majors for 14 years. He was expected to break into the Cubs’ pitching rotation, but the Cardinals’ plans for Hobbie, 28, were less certain.
St. Louis manager Johnny Keane indicated that Hobbie will probably be used in long relief at first. “When and if Hobbie starts will depend partly on the progress of Ray Washburn,” said Keane.
Burdette no longer fits in the Cardinals’ starting pictures because of his age and because of the addition of Roger Craig and the presence of Ray Sadecki and Washburn.
When Burdette came to the Cardinals last year for Gene Oliver and Bob Sadowski, Sadecki was struggling and Washburn was sidelined with a sore shoulder.
“Burdette needs frequent work to keep sharp,” Keane said.
In today’s swap, the Cardinals saved about $20,000 in salary. Burdette is believed to be getting more than $40,000 a year.
“The situation has changed,” said Cardinal general manager Bing Devine. “Last year, we got Burdette because we needed a starting pitcher.”
Burdette did help in some games but finished with a 3-8 record for St. Louis.
With the Redbirds loaded with starting pitchers, some observers predicted Hobbie would be sent along to another club. Hobbie could help if he regains the form he showed in 1959-60. The big guy from Witt, Ill., never has been the same since a back injury sidelined him three years ago. He has an 0-3 record this season, including a loss to the Cards. His ERA is 8.00.
Burdette, who was a standout on Milwaukee’s recent pennant-winning teams, is one of the National League’s most successful pitchers. He had a record of 183-128 and a 3.54 ERA at the start of this season.
Vice president John Holland of the Cubs said he would be a starting pitcher.
“I prefer to start, but relieving will be all right provided I get to do it regularly,” Burdette said today.
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