The 1961 St. Louis Cardinals season was the 42nd season the team was in the league and their second in St. Louis. The team improved on their previous output of 6-5-1, winning seven games. Despite the improvement, they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. During the season, the Cardinals were coached by Pop Ivy, who was replaced after a 5-7 start by the tandem of Chuck Drulis, Ray Prochaska, and Ray Willsey.