Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina Break MLB Record
The St. Louis Cardinals are having a remarkable season during the 2022 campaign. Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arendado are in the NL MVP discussion with the Cardinals seven games up on Milwaukee. Also, Albert Pujols returned after a decade away from St. Louis to end his career where it started, while chasing the 700-homerun mark. However, Pujols isn’t the only one in their last season chasing history. Tonight, Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina broke the MLB record for most starts between a battery duo in a career.
During tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Molina and Wainwright passed Mickey Lolich and Bill Freehan of the Detroit Tigers, who played together for 12 seasons together in the 1960s and ’70s. It’s taken 15 years for the duo to break the record of 325 starts between a battery, something that probably will never happen again. When asked about the potential record-breaking start, Molina said, “Just to do it with him and we’re going to do it here at Busch, it’s going to be special for us.’‘ When Wainwright was questioned about it, the pitcher responded, “He’s an incredible teammate, friend, and partner in crime. We’ve been together for a long time. So, you know, we got to finish strong,”
The Career of Yadier Molina
Yadier Molina, who will be a future Hall of Famer even if the offensive numbers aren’t eye-popping, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB draft. Molina made his MLB debut in 2004 after Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny went on the disabled list. The young catcher never looked back and has been a staple for the Cardinals ever since. Throughout his years in St. Louis, Molina has put together quite a resume. During his career, Molina appeared in 10 All-Star games and won nine Gold Gloves, four platinum gloves, and a Silver Slugger award. Even with Molina’s offensive game lacking, he made up for it in multiple ways. His ability to shut down the running game and call a game for his pitchers is the special trait Molina possesses.
The Career of Adam Wainwright
In the 2000 MLB Draft, the Atlanta Braves selected right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright. At the end of the 2003 season, the Cardinals traded J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero for Wainwright, Ray King, and Jason Marquis. Wainwright would make his debut in 2005 coming out of the bullpen as a relief pitcher. A three-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glove winner, a Silver Slugger, and multiple seasons with Cy Young votes. Ever since stepping into the rotation, Wainwright has been a key factor within the Cardinals rotations throughout the years. Known for his big breaking ball, Wainwright has not announced whether or not he is retiring at the end of the season alongside his fellow battery pairing in Yadier Molina or Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.
The Birth of the Record-Breaking Duo
The duo has had a remarkable run in their careers in St. Louis. However, the birth of this duo happened in the least likely way. The St. Louis Cardinals were facing the New York Mets in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS. With the winner going to the World Series, Molina stepped up in the top half of the ninth. With a runner on, Molina blasted a 2-run home run to give the Cardinals the lead. In the bottom half of the ninth, Tony LaRussa would turn to rookie Adam Wainwright. Wainwright would be faced with a save situation and faced the top of the Mets lineup. With the winning run at the plate with runners on, Wainwright froze Carlos Beltran on a breaking ball to send the Cardinals to the World Series. The Cardinals would go on to win the 2006 World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Ending with Wainwright on the mound with Molina jumping into his arms as the two celebrated a championship. Molina would gain another World Series title in 2011 against the Texas Rangers when Wainwright was out for the year when he underwent Tommy John surgery.
The 2022 season for the St. Louis Cardinals has been magical; tonight it became even more. Wainwright and Molina have been an icon for all of St. Louis during their careers. The Cardinals have a record of 212-112, the most wins ever between a duo while the duo shares a field. Whether or not Wainwright comes back next season, or hangs it up with Molina after the season, the two share a special bond and now hold an unbreakable MLB record.
