Saigh initially became involved with the Cardinals in 1947 when he and Robert Hannegan, the then-Postmaster General of the United States, purchased the team. Saigh's background was in law and business, not baseball, but he quickly became an active owner. In 1949, following Hannegan's death, Saigh became the principal owner of the Cardinals.
Under Saigh's ownership, the Cardinals continued their tradition of success on the field. The team, known for its strong farm system and savvy trades, remained competitive in the National League. However, Saigh's tenure is perhaps best remembered for the financial and legal troubles that overshadowed his contributions to the team's on-field performance.
In 1952, Saigh was indicted for tax evasion, a charge that stemmed from his personal finances rather than his operation of the Cardinals. The indictment and subsequent legal battle put Saigh in a precarious position, both financially and in terms of his reputation. Major League Baseball, keen on maintaining a clean image, pressured Saigh to sell the team.
Facing the possibility of having to sell the team to out-of-town interests, which could have resulted in the relocation of the Cardinals, Saigh sought a local buyer. In 1953, he sold the Cardinals to Anheuser-Busch, Inc., a St. Louis-based brewery giant. This sale ensured that the Cardinals would remain in St. Louis, a move that has had a lasting impact on the city and the team.
The sale to Anheuser-Busch marked the end of Saigh's direct involvement with the Cardinals and Major League Baseball. The brewery's ownership ushered in a new era for the team, characterized by significant investment in players, the stadium, and the overall fan experience. Under Anheuser-Busch, the Cardinals would go on to achieve great success, both on and off the field.
In summary, Fred Saigh's career in baseball was not marked by his achievements as a player but by his role as an owner of the St. Louis Cardinals. His tenure was a mix of success and scandal, culminating in a forced sale of the team that ultimately benefited the franchise and the city of St. Louis. Saigh's legacy in baseball is a complex one, reflecting the challenges and responsibilities of team ownership during a transformative period in the sport's history.
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