The 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Championship Was Really Their 12th

The St. Louis Cardinals have won 11 world championships. No other National League has won more than six. The Cardinals really have won 12 World Series.

On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga had an umpire's error take away his perfect game. On June 1, 2012, Johan Santana benefited from an umpire's error to turn his one-hitter into a no-hitter.

On Oct. 26, 1985, umpire Don Denkinger prevented the Cardinals from winning the World Series.

Relief pitcher Todd Worrell sat in front of his locker, rubbing his left ankle. Worrell was certain that Kansas City Royals batter Jorge Orta, leading off the ninth inning, had stepped on his foot on the way to first base.

"I felt I had the ball in my glove with my foot on the bag," Worrell told reporters after the Cardinals had lost the sixth game of the World Series, 2-1. "I'm lucky he didn't cleat me on my tendon."

With the Cardinals leading 1-0, Orta hit a slow roller to the first-base side of the field that eluded Worrell. First baseman Jack Clark fielded the ball and tossed it to Worrell covering first. Orta was clearly out to everyone but Denkinger.

Replays confirmed that Orta was out, just as replays confirmed that Galarraga had pitched a perfect game and Carlos Beltran's line drive hit the chalk on the left field foul line.

Manager Whitey Herzog was livid. He argued vehemently, but attempting to change an umpire's call is almost always an exercise in futility.

After the game, Herzog ranted to the media about the play.

"I thought he was out at first. I don't mean to get on the umpiring, but we're not getting too many calls. He (Denkinger) said he (Orta) beat the throw. How could he if he stepped on Worrell's foot?"

The game was the Cardinals' 174th of the season. It was the first time they lost in the ninth inning.

When asked if the Royals were a team of destiny, a red-faced, angry Herzog didn't mince words. "Who gives a bleep? I think we're the team of destiny. We were picked to finish last."

Once the Royals were given the opening by Denkinger, the Cardinals gave them another chance when catcher Darrell Porter and Clark allowed Steve Balboni's foul pop fly to fall safely between them. Balboni promptly singled, moving Orta to second.

Jim Sundberg's sacrifice attempt resulted in Orta being forced at third for the first out. Hal McRae batted for Buddy Biancalana. The runners advanced to second and third on a passed ball.

McCrae was intentionally walked and Dane Iorg hit a soft single to win the game.

The next day, the Royals won 11-0.