The last season for future hall of fame pitcher Adam Wainwright has concluded, ending an eighteen year reign. Wainwright’s career has been highlighted by two World Series rings, three all star appearances, two gold gloves, and a singular Silver Slugger. Wainwright is a sure Hall of Famer not only in the Cardinals’ organization, but in Major League Baseball.
Wainwright’s retirement filled past and present locker rooms with emotions, two of his longtime teammates, and all time Cardinal greats, Yadier Molina,and Albert Pujols both got to share the moment of Wainwright’s retirement with him.
At a point in the game, cameras showed Molina holding up a sign that said, “I want 2 see Waino bat.”
This goes to show the impact that Wainwright had not only on his teammates but the organization and the fans in whole.
However, this season was a rocky one for Wainwright, as his performance went down and his ERA went way up. Wainwright revealed after the season that he was playing through a torn labrum most of the season.
Wainwright told the press that he could barely throw the ball.He kept giving it his all, finally hitting the career milestone of 200 wins.
While it was great to see him reach 200, fans have to ask the question, at what cost was this personal milestone to the Cardinals record? Wainwright this year was 5-11, losing the Cardinals 11 games while playing through his injury. In a division where every game matters, having a losing pitcher is not what the Cardinals needed. Of course the Cardinals’ woes don’t all fall on Wainwright. He was just a small part of the problem.
The Cardinals season was over before it even began. The front office picked up no all-star pitchers in the off-season, didn’t get the star caliber player they were looking for, and couldn’t figure out rotations in the minor and major leagues. All of this played a huge role in the Cardinals 71-91 season. The worst season the Cardinals have had since 2005. The Cardinals, already looking to next season, have expressed they want to pick up all-star pitcher Aaron Nola in the off-season. However, fans have heard this type of message before.
Overall, a rough season leaves Cardinals fans wanting more from the front office and more from the players, no matter who or how beloved they are. This season is one to forget, but hopefully the winning tradition that is Cardinals’ baseball will be back in the 2024 season.
