St. Louis, Missouri – Baseball erupted this morning when the St. Louis Cardinals officially confirmed that legendary Adam Wainwright, the symbol of loyalty and the red heart of Busch Stadium, has become the team’s new co-owner.
The move marks an emotional return for “Waino” – who spent his entire 18-year career with the Cardinals, from a promising rookie in 2005 to a star who brought home two World Series championships (2006, 2011). But this time, he returns not with a glove, but with a bigger responsibility: protecting the legacy and future of the team he has always called “family”.
“I promised I would never leave the Cardinals – and today, I kept that promise,” Wainwright said at a special press conference at Busch Stadium, his eyes twinkling as he looked around the familiar stands. “I’m not pitching anymore, but my heart is still here. And now, I can help this team grow in a different way – from the inside.”
According to the organization, Adam Wainwright will join the co-ownership group with the DeWitt family – who have controlled the Cardinals for more than three decades. Wainwright’s new role will focus on developing young players, building a team culture and long-term strategy, especially in terms of personnel and competitive spirit – something he sees as the perfect representation of St. Louis’ golden generation.
An inside source revealed that Wainwright has been in discussions with the board since mid-summer this year. The deal was completed just weeks after he attended a tribute event alongside Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols – the three names known to fans as the “Holy Trinity of Cardinals.”
“Waino is more than just a former player, he is the DNA of this team,” said President Bill DeWitt Jr.. “He understands our values from how we care for our young players to how we maintain loyalty to our fans. We couldn’t think of a better person to help us move forward in this next phase.”
For St. Louis fans, the news was an emotional bombshell. Thousands of comments flooded social media within minutes of the announcement, with the hashtag #WelcomeBackWaino trending at the top of X sports (Twitter).
The Cardinals’ official Facebook page read:
“He was our heart on the field – now he is the heart of the organization.”
Wainwright, 44, announced his retirement at the end of the 2023 season with 200 career wins, three All-Star Game appearances, two Gold Glove awards, and a Silver Slugger – a rare feat for a modern pitcher. But for him, it’s not the numbers that matter most, it’s the spirit.
“I’ve always believed the Cardinals are different because we play with faith, with love, and with loyalty,” Wainwright said. “Now, I want to make sure that the next generation is nurtured with those same values. St. Louis is more than just a team – it’s a family.”
Wainwright is scheduled to officially begin his role as co-owner and strategic advisor starting in the 2026 season, working directly with the management and coaching staff on youth development programs. Experts say this is a major turning point in the Cardinals’ organizational structure, opening a new era where “tradition meets modernity”.
“I’ve experienced every emotion at Busch Stadium – victory, defeat, tears, joy. But today, I felt something bigger than a championship: the feeling of helping to keep the Cardinals’ soul alive,” Wainwright said, closing the press conference with a standing ovation that lasted more than two minutes.
Adam Wainwright – from legendary pitcher to eternal flame keeper. A new chapter for the Cardinals begins – not with the speed of a fastball, but with the strength of heart.
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