TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/14/2022 | Received: 5/26/2022 | 12 Days
- ’69 Topps, ’70 Topps, ’73 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 4/26/2023 | Received: 5/12/2023 | 16 Days
- ’63 Topps, ’74 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/2/2024 | Received: 7/23/2024 | 21 Days
- ’71 Topps, ’72 O-Pee-Chee, ’72 Topps, ’73 O-Pee-Chee, ’74 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dal Maxvill’s career in Major League Baseball was marked by consistency, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to team success. Known for his slick fielding and leadership, Maxvill played a pivotal role during one of the most exciting periods in St. Louis Cardinals history and later contributed to the game as a coach and front-office executive.
Charles Dallan Maxvill was born on February 18, 1939, in Granite City, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Growing up in the shadow of the Cardinals, Maxvill developed a love for the game early on. After excelling at baseball in high school, he attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he pursued engineering while playing for the school’s baseball team. In 1960, Maxvill signed as an amateur free agent with his hometown Cardinals. Despite not being the flashiest prospect, he quickly established himself as a reliable and smart player, earning a call-up to the majors in 1962.
Maxvill’s true value as a player lay in his defensive prowess. A shortstop by trade, he had excellent range, a strong arm, and an almost instinctive ability to make the right play at the right time. Offensively, Maxvill was not a standout hitter, posting a career batting average of .217. However, his contributions on defense and in the clubhouse more than made up for his modest production at the plate.
The peak of Maxvill’s playing career came during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1960s. He became the team’s starting shortstop in 1966 and helped lead the Cardinals to two World Series championships in 1964 and 1967. Maxvill remained with the Cardinals through 1972 before finishing his playing career with stints on the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, and briefly the A’s again. Notably, he World Series titles with the A’s in 1972 and 1974, further solidifying his legacy as a key contributor to championship teams.
Following his retirement as a player in 1975, Maxvill transitioned seamlessly into coaching and front-office roles. He returned to the Cardinals as a coach and later became the team’s general manager in 1985. Under his leadership, the Cardinals reached the World Series twice, in 1985 and 1987, though they came up short both times.
As a general manager, Maxvill was known for his methodical approach and deep understanding of the game. His tenure ended in 1994, but his contributions during this period helped lay the groundwork for future Cardinals success.
Dal Maxvill’s baseball legacy is one of steady excellence and leadership. While he was never a superstar, his defensive skills, championship pedigree, and contributions as a coach and executive made him an invaluable part of every team he was associated with.
His life outside of baseball reflects his thoughtful and disciplined nature. Known for his humility and dedication, he remains a beloved figure in the Cardinals community, often attending reunions and celebrations of the team’s rich history.
Dal Maxvill’s career serves as a reminder that not all heroes on the diamond are defined by home runs or gaudy statistics. His work ethic, defensive brilliance, and team-first mentality made him a cornerstone of championship teams and a respected figure in the baseball world.
For fans of the Cardinals and lovers of the game, Maxvill’s story is a testament to the enduring value of dedication, intelligence, and quiet leadership. His place in baseball history, as both a player and executive, ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The Score on Dal Maxvill – 5.5
Dal did a great job on these cards (for all three returns), but if you are a regular reader you know that ball point pens are not my favorite. This could be one of the best versions of the use of ball point pens though. The 1969 Topps in the first return definitely give it a chance to shine. I really like the ’63 Topps though too in the second return.
Thanks Mr. Maxvill! I’m giving this return a 5.5 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.