Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols will be inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame. The announcement was made ahead of Friday night’s series opener between the Cardinals and Dodgers at Busch Stadium. The pregame ceremony will take place on Sept. 12. Bill Sherdel will also be inducted.
A Dream Realised
The induction is a dream realised for a city and a fanbase that has adored the duo for decades. The Cardinals announced the news after the conclusion of the fan vote.
A large black banner hanging on the outfield wall in left-center field conspicuously covered the announcement. The words “Hall of Fame” were visible.
Molina’s Lasting Legacy
Yadi will forever be remembered as the one who stayed. He played all 19 of his big league seasons with the Cardinals from 2004-22. He is considered one of the greatest defensive stalwarts at the catcher position that baseball has ever seen.
His 10 All-Star appearances, nine Gold Gloves and two World Series championships all came with the Cardinals.
The acknowledgement of a red jacket for Molina is a long time coming. Molina is currently with the team on the current homestand as part of his duties as special assistant to president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
Pujols’ Triumphant Return
This moment was always Pujols’ destiny, too. By returning to redeem a decision that changed the course of Cardinals history, Pujols supercharged his legacy. The fanbase was invariably going to welcome No. 5 with open arms, regardless.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol recalled his involvement in the process that led to that element of a thrilling chapter of his own career in baseball. He managed two future Cardinals Hall of Famers and presumably Cooperstown shoo-ins in the same season.
Marmol recalls fondly his conversations and communication with Pujols leading up to the decision.
Sherdel’s Contribution Remembered
Bill Sherdel, who pitched for the Cardinals for 14 seasons in the early 20th century, will also be inducted.
Marmol said that for Pujols to be honoured with being a red jacket is amazing.