ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Yadier Molina's major league debut was on June 3, 2004 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. He started at catcher, threw out a runner trying to steal ... and went 2-for-4.
Woody Williams pitched six scoreless innings for the win with Molina behind the plate. Jason Isringhausen recorded his 11th save.
Seventeen years later, here we are.
Molina, 39, announced Wednesday that he will retire after the 2022 season in St. Louis, making him a career Cardinal. It will be 19 seasons in the big leagues after being drafted by the organization in 2000. He was part of four World Series teams ('04, '06, '11, '13), winning two world championships ('06, '11).
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But as we know, this story is far from over. Molina, one of the most accomplished catchers in baseball history, has a lot left to give to the game ... and specifically, the Cardinals.
1) Molina is going to try to win two more World Series before he's through. Yes, the Cardinals are 3.5 games out of a wild card spot at the time of this writing, but just listen to Yadi himself, before the game on Wednesday: "Try to bring the trophy back to St. Louis this year and next year," Molina said. "That would be great, win it back-to-back years and finish on a winning season."
2) In the meantime, 2022 is going to be a party. A Yadi party. With tributes galore and thunderous ovations, assuming that COVID-19 vaccination rates climb and positivity rates decrease, keeping Busch Stadium at full capacity. Oh, the tickets the Cardinals could sell for one last go-round with an iconic player. Not to mention ... Adam Wainwright could be back, as well.
3) Halls of Fame will be calling. Of course, Molina is an automatic for the Cardinals Hall of Fame, with the Red Ribbon panel needing about four seconds to discuss No. 4's Red Jacket. He should be a first-ballot selection in Cooperstown as well: nine Gold Gloves, four Platinum Gloves, 10-time All-Star, 4th-most games caught in history, active leader in MLB postseason hits.
4) Guest instructor ... or full-time coaching future? Molina is a baseball lifer. There is no doubt that he will be involved in the game in some way. Is it likely he'll want to take some time off the grind after a long career? Yes. But how long until he is drawn back into the competition? It was suggested to me recently that Molina would make an ideal pitching coach. He's already managed in Puerto Rico and could eventually guide a team at any level. At minimum, seeing him walk through the door for a visit to spring training would provide an immediate lift to the clubhouse.
5) A statue outside Busch Stadium. Which would be better, a statue of Molina and Wainwright embracing on the mound ... or a Wainwright statue pitching to a Molina statue? It's fun to think about, isn't it? The Cardinals' brand is championships, great personalities/fans and Hall of Famers. Molina connects across the board. Congrats, Yadi. More to come.
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