[Nick Soulis]

**EXCELLENCE PROJECT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Rogers Hornsby, 1926 St. Louis Cardinals
Conducted by Grantland Rice – August 1, 2025



GRANTLAND RICE:
Mr. Hornsby, we're now turning the calendar to August, and your 1926 Cardinals remain squarely in contention here in the Excellence Project. You've been anchoring the lineup all season long. How are you feeling physically and mentally heading into this final stretch?

ROGERS HORNSBY:
Well, Grantland, I don’t pay much mind to calendars — I pay attention to batting averages and scoreboards. But since you asked, I feel sharp. My legs are fresh, my eyes are seeing the ball well, and I’ve told the boys: we didn’t come here to finish second in some imaginary century-long tournament. We came here to win the damn thing.

RICE:
You’ve always been known as a relentless perfectionist at the plate. Your batting average has hovered well above .370 all season. What’s been the key to maintaining that in a league filled with pitchers from every era?

HORNSBY:
I never go to the movies. I don’t golf. I don’t even read novels. I hit. That’s all I’ve ever done. It doesn’t matter if it’s some fellow from the 1980s or a kid from the '60s with a mustache and a funky delivery. If he throws a ball over the plate, I’m going to put it somewhere green.

RICE:
You're not just hitting — you're also managing this club. What’s been the most challenging part of leading this group of players in such a unique format?

HORNSBY:
Keeping 'em focused. You got fellas on this team who’ve been dead 40 years and others who think television is still in black and white. But I tell them the same thing I told the boys in '26 — if you’re wearing a Cardinals uniform, you better respect the birds on the bat and play the game like it’s your last. Doesn’t matter the ballpark, the opponent, or the year printed on the schedule.

RICE:
Your infield defense, especially with Watkins and Bell, has been among the best in the league. But the pitching’s been streaky. Do you trust this staff to carry you through the dog days?

HORNSBY:
Oh, I’ve had a few words with the staff. And a few glares. But Sherdel’s been better lately, Rhem’s got guts, and if we get to September within shouting distance, I might throw on a glove myself just to show 'em how it’s done. The arms are good enough — it’s the heart I’m measuring.

RICE:
One last question — you’ve faced off against some legendary clubs in this tournament. Anyone stand out?

HORNSBY:
That 1985 Cardinals team gave me a grin. Whiteyball and all. But honestly, I don’t care much for comparing. The only thing that matters is who wins. When this whole “Excellence” business is over, I want them to say: Hornsby’s boys were better than the rest.

RICE:
Well said. Thank you for your time, Rajah. And best of luck as we head into August.

HORNSBY: (grinning):
Luck’s for poker players. I’ll take a good pitch to hit.

Stay tuned for more Excellence Project coverage as the 1926 Cardinals, led by the relentless Hornsby, push toward history.