In what marks the final chapter of his incredible 19-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, the iconic pitcher Adam Wainwright has decided to retire after this season. But even as he approaches the end of his baseball journey, he’s shown that he still has some impressive skills at the plate.
Recently, during a game against the Minnesota Twins, Wainwright, who achieved his 200th career pitching victory, surprised everyone by requesting an at-bat. At the age of 42, he took a turn as a pinch hitter and, to the sheer joy of the crowd, delivered an impressive performance. When he made contact with the ball, the stadium erupted into a standing ovation, serving as a reminder of his all-around talents on the field.
Adam Wainwright got a pinch-hit at-bat in the final series of his career ❤️ pic.twitter.com/U9J4xBuAgr
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 30, 2023
It’s worth noting that despite the introduction of the universal designated hitter (DH) rule in MLB last year, Wainwright’s ability to handle a bat remains intact. His last official at-bat occurred in 2021, a year when the National League still didn’t have the DH rule. During that season, Wainwright managed to get seven hits in 57 at-bats.
In his remarkable career, Wainwright didn’t limit his excellence to pitching; he showcased his prowess as a batter as well. With a career batting average of .193, a .220 on-base percentage, and a .291 slugging percentage, he displayed an impressive ability to contribute offensively.
Notably, he even smashed 10 home runs during his time on the field. These statistics, especially for a pitcher in the major leagues, underscore his versatility and talent beyond his primary role as a pitcher.
Wainwright’s impact transcends his batting skills. He has etched an enduring legacy in the Cardinals’ history, securing the third spot in the team’s all-time wins leaderboard. He’s only surpassed by the revered Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Jesse Haines.
Furthermore, he claims the second-highest positions in crucial statistical categories for the Cardinals, including strikeouts and wins above replacement (WAR), with only the legendary Gibson surpassing him in both aspects, according to data from Baseball-Reference.
Beyond individual accomplishments, Wainwright’s significance extends to team achievements. He was a four-time finalist for the prestigious Cy Young Award and played a pivotal role in the Cardinals’ triumphant 2006 championship campaign.
During that memorable season, he took on the crucial role of the team’s closer, delivering the final outs in both the National League Championship Series and the World Series. His impressive performance in postseason play, with 29 appearances and a remarkable 2.83 ERA over 114 innings, firmly establishes his stature as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
As Wainwright takes his final bow in the world of professional baseball, he leaves a lasting legacy defined by excellence and sportsmanship. This legacy isn’t just cherished by Cardinals fans but is also admired by his fellow teammates and even competitors.
