on-base percentage was .403 (#48 all time) and slugging percentage was .417. He compiled a .989 fielding percentage. His primary position was first base, in which he played in 608 games. He also played in the outfield, appearing in 404 games in right field and 46 games in left field. Cunningham collected 599 walks in his career and struck out only 369 times. Post-playing career After retiring as a player, Cunningham returned to the Redbirds and managed in their farm system at the Class A level from 1968 to 1971. He was subsequently appointed as director of sales of the Cardinals in 1972. In that capacity, he oversaw the establishment of the group and season ticket departments. He was also influential in starting up team programs such as community nights and high school games at Busch Memorial Stadium. He went on to work as a coach for the Cardinals during the 1982 season. Cunningham acted as the Cardinals' community relations director in the early 1990s. He collaborated closely with schools in the St. Louis area and in devising the "Say No To Drugs" program (which later became the Fredbird & Friends Elementary School Program). In recognition of his work for the franchise, the Cardinals dedicated a new section of Busch Stadium as "Cunningham Corner" in 2015. Personal life Cunningham was married to Kathe Dillard for 60 years until his death. One of their two sons, Joe III, played in the minor leagues from 1984 to 1988 and also worked as a batting instructor and manager in the Cardinals' farm system. Cunningham died on March 25, 2021, at his home in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was 89. References External links 1931 births 2021 deaths Baseball players from Paterson, New Jersey Chicago White Sox players Johnson City Cardinals players Lodi High School (New Jersey) alumni Major League Baseball first basemen Major League Baseball outfielders Minor league baseball managers National League All-Stars Omaha Cardinals players People from Saddle Brook, New Jersey Rochester Red Wings players St. Joseph Cardinals players St. Louis Cardinals coaches St. Louis Cardinals players Washington Senators (1961–1971) players Winston-Salem Cardinals players