The St. Louis Cardinals are a franchise that is rich in tradition and has had several great teams from each generation to celebrate. Sometimes, even players that weren't household names become fan favorites, and their contributions to the organization and the city of St. Louis are remembered for years to come. One such player that wasn't a superstar but was a favorite among fans was first baseman Matt Adams, who played with the team from 2012-17 before being traded to the Atlanta Braves and later returning for the second half of the 2018 season.
On Sunday, the longtime veteran slugger made an announcement on his Instagram account. "After 15 incredible years of playing professional baseball, it is with tremendous gratitude and emotion that I share my decision to transition to the next chapter of my career," Adams announced. Nicknamed "Big City" by David Freese, Adams broke into the Major Leagues in 2012 and had some truly memorable moments in a Cardinals uniform. His biggest moment came in Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS.
In that game, St. Louis trailed Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 in the seventh inning before Adams hit a three-run homer that put St. Louis on top. The Cardinals won 3-2 and advanced to the NLCS with their win. After his time in St. Louis ended, Adams joined the Washington Nationals and was a key part of their 2019 World Series championship team that swept the Cardinals in the NLCS. The veteran first baseman will sign a one-day contract with the Cardinals to retire a member of the team on Wednesday. Prior to their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 36-year-old will be honored with a ceremony.
"Big City's" Farewell
Adams announced his retirement on Sunday night, reflecting on a career that spanned 15 years. "While my body is still healthy, my drive is as strong as ever, and my heart still belongs to the game, the time has come to step beyond playing," said Adams in an Instagram post. The 36-year-old is best remembered in St. Louis for his incredible performance during game four of the 2014 NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which Adams clobbered a three-run home run off future Hall of Fame starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Cardinals a 3-2 lead -- ultimately helping the club win the series three games to one. Adams was drafted by the Cardinals in the 23rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, back when the MLB Draft was still a ridiculous 40 rounds long. Although he was a low round draft pick, Adams would work way up the Cardinals farm system, making his major league debut for the Cardinals in 2012.
A Career Defined by Clutch Moments
Adams would go on to play 10 seasons in the majors, mostly with Cardinals. Alongside playing for the Cardinals in his career, Adams would also appear in games for the Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals, winning the 2019 World Series with the latter. During his time with the Cardinals, Adams was a contributor to the Cardinals appearance in the 2013 World Series. Adams batted .266 with 148 extra-base hits including 59 home runs, 226 RBIs and a .760 OPS throughout seven seasons with the Cardinals. Adams will be honored on Wednesday, September 18 at Busch Stadium as he signs a one-day contract to officially end his career, reflecting on a journey that included memorable moments and significant contributions to the team. The Cardinals are a young team and over the last few years, fans have had to watch several fan favorites walk away from the game after retiring.
A Nod to the Future
Since the retirements of Cardinals legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina following the end of the 2022 season, St. Louis has yet to make it back to the playoffs. Times like this are when Cardinals fans wish they could reunite with former St. Louis sluggers to help the team get back to genuine postseason contention. A reunion has just happened but sadly, the former slugger won't be smashing home runs in Busch Stadium anytime soon. Adams will be honored in a pre-game ceremony on Wednesday as he signs a one-day contract to retire as a Cardinal. While Adams enjoyed notable successes, his later career faced challenges, including reduced playing time due to team changes and struggles after his brief return to St. Louis. His time with the Braves and subsequent stints in Washington and Colorado highlighted both his potential and the ups and downs of a professional career. Adams' retirement opens the door for his next chapter, potentially in coaching or mentoring roles within baseball, given his extensive experience and connection to the Cardinals organization.
A 'Big City' Legacy
Matt Adams' retirement marks the end of an era for the Cardinals, encapsulating the emotional goodbye of a beloved player known for his clutch performances and contributions during critical moments in franchise history. Fans will remember him not just for his statistics but for his memorable moments that defined his career. After spending the last few years battling injuries and struggling to climb back to the majors, Adams leaves behind a respectable career in which he batted .258 with 254 extra-base hits including 118 home runs, 399 RBIs and a .769 OPS throughout 10 seasons played in the big leagues. "This Wednesday, September 18, I'll be back at Busch Stadium where it all started, the place that made me 'Big City'," Former St. Louis first baseman Matt Adams announced Sunday night. "Surrounded by family, friends and the organization that believed in me -- the big kid from Slippery Rock, an underdog from Philipsburg, PA -- I have the honor off retiring a St. Louis Cardinal. No Matter where baseball took me over the years and no matter where it takes me in the future, St. Louis is my home." In his career, Adams hit 118 home runs, posted a career slash line of .258/.306/.463 with a career OPS of .769. While Adams career as a professional baseball player has come to an end, Adams says that he will look to remain in the game and seek out coaching opportunities. "Over the last few years, I've had the privilege of taking on a mentoring role as a veteran player," said Adams. "Through that experience, I've found a new way to love the game --- one that allows me to share my knowledge and help guide the next generation of athletes. That's the direction I'm eager to explore." Adams leaves a lasting legacy, culminating in a World Series victory with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Adams' retirement is a reminder of the dedication and talent that players bring to the game, and how their contributions are valued by fans and organizations alike. While Adams' time on the field has come to an end, his impact on the St. Louis Cardinals will continue to be felt for years to come.
