Kent Hadley, left, was selected by Cardinals to be their batboy for the '47 season after winning an essay contest.
Pocatello Cardinals, one of the original members of the Pioneer League, were a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate for ten years.
Due to World War II, the Pioneer League ceased operations from 1943 to 1945. Resuming play in 1946, the Cardinals finished fourth with a 64-63 record for manager Bill Brenzel. The next year, 1947, Jim Tyack took over the club. Kent Hadley served as a bat boy that year, but the club finished last, posting a 45-94 mark. Despite their poor record, Tony O'Laughlin led the league with a .360 batting average, and shortstop Bobby Thomson was an All-Star.
In 1948, the Cardinals improved greatly, finishing first with a 77-49 record for new skipper Roland LeBlanc. Outfielder Albert Neal won the Triple Crown with a .390 average, 25 homers, and 151 RBIs, and first baseman Ed Mickelson joined him on the All-Star team. However, the Twin Falls Cowboys beat the Cardinals to nab the league title.
In 1949, Walter Lowe took over as manager and the club went 75-51 to finish third. Charles Williams led the league with 120 RBIs, and second baseman Dom Barczewski and shortstop Ted Lewandowski were All-Stars.
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