Gateway Sports Feature
- Gene Bonds
- 13 hours ago
- 1 min read
Ray Lankford: Is he the Most Underrated Star in Cardinals History?
Ray Lankford never asked for the spotlight—but for more than a decade, he earned it.
During the 1990s, Lankford was the heartbeat of the St. Louis Cardinals, delivering a rare mix of power, speed, and consistency at a time when the franchise was finding its footing. While national attention often passed him by, Cardinals fans knew exactly what they had: a dependable star who showed up every day and produced at an elite level.
From 1991–1998, Lankford was among the National League’s most complete players. Multiple 20–20 seasons, a .380+ on-base percentage in his prime, and strong defense in center field made him a true five-tool presence. In 1997 alone, he posted 31 home runs and 109 RBI—numbers that stack up with the best of his era.
Lankford’s impact went beyond the box score. He was a steady leader during a transitional period for the Cardinals, setting the standard for professionalism and preparation. Long before championship banners returned to Busch Stadium, Lankford helped build the culture that made sustained success possible.
Despite career numbers that place him among the franchise’s all-time greats, Lankford remains one of the most overlooked stars in baseball history. No hype. No drama. Just production.