Yadier Molina, a beloved figure in St. Louis Cardinals history, will make a return to the dugout this weekend as he joins the coaching staff for the team’s series against the Chicago Cubs. The 43-year-old former catcher, who retired after the 2022 season, will don his uniform for the two games at the request of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.
Marmol expressed enthusiasm about Molina’s presence, stating, “It’s the right thing to do for our players, our staff, and for our fan base. I want to have him around. I love the fact that he’ll be in the dugout for two days. I think it will be awesome for players and for fans, for all of it, to have him here.”
Molina’s visit coincides with a previously scheduled appearance, and it comes after Marmol had previously attempted to recruit him into a coaching role shortly after his retirement. Molina has previously declined a full-time commitment to coaching but has expressed interest in potentially managing in Major League Baseball in the future.
Throughout his remarkable 19-season career with the Cardinals, Molina earned a reputation as one of the top catchers in the game. He was a ten-time All-Star, a two-time World Series champion, and won nine Gold Glove Awards, among other accolades. His career stats include a .277 batting average, 176 home runs, and a notable 41.7 Wins Above Replacement.
As the Cardinals approach the weekend series with a record of 58-58, they find themselves 5.5 games behind the nearest National League playoff spot. Their recent performance has dipped to 11 wins and 19 losses since the beginning of July, which could complicate their pursuit of a postseason opportunity.
Molina’s return to the organization, even for just a couple of games, provides a nostalgic boost to the team and its fanbase, highlighting the franchise’s commitment to its legacy and the importance of mentorship in sports. This return not only serves to uplift the players but also rekindles the connection between Molina and the passionate Cardinals fans who have long celebrated his contributions to the team.