The Cardinals season came to a close yesterday, the first time in 6 years they will not be in the post season. This saved me some grief by not having to suffer through a playoff loss again, but is stinks all the same. At least there was one feel good story from the weekend.
Matt Holliday had been on the DL since mid August with a broken bone in his hand. Knowing the Cardinals will not pick up his $17 million option for next year, he requested to be activated for the weekend series. He fought back tears on Friday night to hit a pinch hit home run. Saturday brought another pitch hit single and RBI, but his hand was too swollen to hit Sunday. The fans chanted his name during the 8th inning hoping to get another chance to see him. He was inserted in the top of the ninth and stayed in the the field for 1 pitch. He took the field by himself to a standing ovation.
I always felt Holliday was under appreciated by a lot of Cardinals fans because of his big contract. For the better part of his 7 years in St. Louis, he hit .300 with 20 home runs and 100 rbis each season. Hard to argue with that production. He was also a big contributor to the community, helping to start the Homers for Health program. I would like to see him return, but doubt he will accept the pay cut and lesser role. His tenure in St. Louis included 3 All Star games and a World Series title.
I remember when the Cards signed him, it was supposedly to encourage Albert Pujols to stay. Instead Holliday ended up replacing him in a lot of ways. If it is the end for him he's had a heck of a career.
ReplyDeleteThe Collector
Holliday said he plans to play at least 2 more years. He would make a good DH for someone, or maybe a return to the Rockies. Thanks for the comment
DeleteI totally agree-I think because he has such a subdued personality it probably worked against his being a huge fan favorite. I have also enjoyed watching him and will miss him.
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