home run. He appeared in five games that fall for the Cardinals, reaching base 12 times in 23 opportunities. In 1956, Blasingame began the season on the bench for three games, then took over as the Cardinal shortstop from Alex Grammas. He batted .263 in his first 50 games, through June 12. Two days later, the Cardinals traded Schoendienst to the New York Giants, opening the door for Blasingame to take over at that position. He spent the rest of the year at second base and finished the season batting .261 with 153 hits, 94 runs, and 27 RBI in 150 games (587 at bats). He stole eight bases but was caught an equal number of times. Blasingame enjoyed his best season in 1957, when he hit .271 and posted career-highs in home runs (8), RBI (58), runs (101), hits (176) and stolen bases (21, third in the league). His first home run eventually came on May 12, against Red Murff, though it was in a 10–4 loss to the Milwaukee Braves. September 4, he had an even better game against the Braves. With the game tied 4–4 in the 12th inning, Blasingame hit a double against Don McMahon with one out. He then stole third base, forcing McMahon to intentionally walk the next two hitters to set up a force play. An error by Bob Hazle allowed Blasingame to score, giving the Cardinals a 5–4 win. Another highlight came on June 12 that year, when he had four RBIs, including a two-RBI single in the 10th inning, helping the Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10–3 in the first game of a doubleheader. Used as a leadoff man, Blasingame led the National League (NL) with 650 at bats. Defensively in 1957, Blasingame led NL second basemen in assists and double plays. He tied for 12th in NL Most Valuable Player Award voting after the season, with Ed Bouchee of the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1958, Blasingame batted .276 in the first half of the season, getting named to the National League All-Star team for the only time in his career. Bill Mazeroski played the whole game for the NL at second, but Blasingame did make an appearance, flying out when he pinch-hit for Warren Spahn in the fourth inning. He had four hits and two RBI in an 8–7 victory over the San Francisco Giants on August 6. Sports Illustrated reported