As I reflect on being able to call the games of Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, my advice this weekend? Take it in. As fans, we will never see this again. It’s a weekend that will remind us of so many moments. Those moments mean more than baseball. Maybe, you’re like me, and everytime I see the home run hit off Brad Lidge, I’m reminded that I woke up my first born newborn with my yelling. Now, that baby drives a car and is almost ready for college. It’s the baseball moments that take us back in time to a point in our own personal history.
I can give the numbers as to what they’ve done but, why? What was your connection to those moments? You may have been sitting with a newborn, your parents, a long lost friend and Cardinals baseball brought you back together. That’s what they’ve done. They have made us reflect on our lives. So, “take it in.” We’ll never see it again.
Jun 7, 2022; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (5) and St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (4) laugh in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I have a jersey personalized by Albert where he thanks me for helping launch his foundation. I’m not a collector of much memorabilia but, this jersey has been meaningful to me for years. It’s over a decade old. I love it because his foundation has made a profound impact for so many in our community. That’s more than all of his offense can provide. This weekend is about the connection he has to fans. It doesn’t matter if you have a jersey or not. It’s about fans coming together. It’s about fans coming together to say, “I need to be with my Dad, Mom, brother, sister, or for some, take my newborn to a game or watch on TV.” Generations of fans have been brought together because of him. It’s more than the stats.
I was able to call Yadier Molina’s first hit just like Albert’s first hit. I will never see a better defensive catcher and I will never see a tougher player. Yadi was at his best when the stakes were the highest. If you have a son or daughter, watch this man play this weekend. You won’t see this again. He’s been that good and he’s been that tough. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer. It isn’t even debatable. He will take you back to where you were when he hit his Game 7 homer in 2006 at New York.
Sep 9, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (left) and designated hitter Albert Pujols (right) react at the batting cage before he game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Think about that. This is 2022 and I’m reminiscing about a moment from 2006. So, this weekend, take it all in. We will never see this again. Ever. It’s been a privilege to watch them play. They will quickly remind you as to why you love baseball. Cardinals baseball. It’s different here. You’ll be hugging family members from all generations of your family. TAKE IT IN.
