ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Harrison Bader's incredible defense in center field, his combination of speed and power on offense, and his genuine excitement in playing baseball are why St. Louis Cardinals fans love him. Now, he's expressing his love for them in a new column he wrote.
It was published Monday at The Players' Tribune, a website where athletes get to voice their opinions, thoughts and feelings. He talks about playing for Cardinals fans, his teammates he admires, the 17-game winning streak and what he's expecting in the 2021 MLB Postseason.
Here's what he had to say about a few main topics:
B.F.I.B. (Best Fans in Baseball)
"If you’re a ballplayer, there’s simply nothing like pulling on that Cardinals jersey and going out and doing something special for the people of St. Louis.
"As somebody who is fortunate enough to suit up for this franchise and play in front of these fans … I really do believe that adds up to the ultimate honor in the game. And then, when you have success, and you’re going full steam and get on a roll and basically almost become one with the fans, for my money … there’s just nothing that can compare.
"The fact that me and my teammates can bring joy — real, legit joy — to the lives of people in this city? I value and appreciate that so much. I hold that sacred."
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What the franchise-record winning streak was like
"I’ve definitely seen guys embracing that fun — the joy that goes along with playing as a team and seeing the results pay off again and again.
"You see it, of course, with guys like DeJong and Knizner. And me? I started talking even more s*** to my guys during the streak — getting on dudes for mismatching their clothes, or busting on teammates about a rough haircut. But I feel like that fun factor … it’s been even more evident in someone like Goldy.
"That guy — I mean, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been around him for three seasons now, and I truly do idolize him as a teammate. He’s an amazing baseball player, an amazing athlete. But I’ve never seen that guy smile more than he has this past month. I’ve never seen him laugh more or make more jokes."
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Respect, admiration for Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright
"Waino, throughout the whole season, that guy has been just as solid and as dependable as ever. He’s the model, man. If you’re a pitcher — any pitcher … starter, middle reliever, closer, whatever — he’s the guy. He’s done it all, and he’s had success in every role possible. Now, 16 years into his career, he is no doubt the spine of our pitching staff. He’s the spine of the most important part of our team.
"Dude is 40 years old, or whatever it is, and still doing it at a very high level every time he takes the mound. That conviction, that mind-set, it’s contagious. The presence that he provides is absolutely crucial to our team.
"I mean, you want to talk about presence? Yadier Molina exudes presence.
"That’s the calmest, coolest cat I’ve ever met. And as athletes, as competitors, everyone on this team benefits from that. I’ve learned so much just by listening to and watching Yadi. He knows how much energy and how much focus it takes to win a World Series, and he’s just such a good example of somebody who applies every single ounce of his energy toward the task at hand every day. He never gets rattled, always stays cool."
Read his full column at The Players' Tribune, here.
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