The St. Louis Cardinals faithful had a surprise at Busch Stadium on Opening Day.
Adam Wainwright didn’t get the start to begin his 19th MLB season (he’s dealing with a groin injury), but he did give the performance of a lifetime – on the microphone.
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Adam Wainwright #50 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 14, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Yes, the three-time All-Star surprised everyone in attendance when he was called upon to sing the national anthem.
The public address announcer said an “up-and-coming singer” from St. Louis was taking the mic, and the crowd went nuts when they realized it was their beloved starter.
Wainwright had a chance to walk off into the sunset with Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina after last season, but he opted to stay for one more season – and why wouldn’t he? He pitched to a 3.71 ERA in 32 starts last season.
Adam Wainwright #50 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Busch Stadium on August 28, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
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Wainwright came up as a reliever and was the closer for the 2006 World Series championship team. The following season, he joined the rotation full time, and has given himself quite the resume.
The 41-year-old owns a career 3.38 ERA and was a finalist for the Cy Young Award in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014. He also finished in seventh place in 2021, his age-39 season.
A general view of Busch Stadium prior to a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays on Opening Day on March 30, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri. (Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
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Wainwright’s Cardinals are the favorites to defend the National League Central title – he recently played for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
