Virdon struggled during spring training , and Cardinals manager Eddie Stanky worked with Virdon to improve his hitting .
The Yankees traded Virdon to the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1954 season with Mel Wright and Emil Tellinger for veteran outfielder and All - Star Enos Slaughter .
Virdon struggled during spring training , and St. Louis Cardinals manager Eddie Stanky worked with Virdon to improve Virdon 's hitting .
The Yankees traded Virdon to the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1954 season with Mel Wright and Emil Tellinger for veteran outfielder and All - Star Enos Slaughter .