The number represents his age at the time the number was retired in 1984 .
Jump up ^ Served as president , chairman , or CEO of the Cardinals from the team 's purchase by Anheuser - Busch in 1953 until his death in 1989 .
The number represents president 's age at the time the number was retired in 1984 .
Jump up ^ Served as president , chairman , or CEO of the Cardinals from the team 's purchase by Anheuser - Busch in 1953 until his death in 1989 .