St. Louis – In a turbulent offseason where the Cardinals are rebuilding their roster and morale after their glory years with Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, Alec Burleson – the young prospect considered a pillar of the future – just delivered some heartwarming news to fans: he and his wife have welcomed their first child.
But it’s not just the family news that has the baseball world excited. In a quick post-game interview at Busch Stadium, Burleson shared a moment that made everyone smile:
“He smiles when he sees baseball,” Burleson said with a chuckle. “I think he’s going to be a Cardinal.”
Burleson, 25, entered the 2025 season with high expectations after finishing 2024 with an impressive run of 17 HRs and 68 RBIs. However, the pressure of the Cardinals finding their identity after the absence of big icons forced him to mature faster.
And it was the arrival of his first son that changed everything.
“I realized, I’m not just playing for myself anymore,” he said. “I want my son to see me fight, win or lose, I want him to see what the Cardinals are all about – tenacity, loyalty, and dedication.”
According to team insiders, his teammates held a small celebration in the locker room, with Adam Wainwright – now co-owner and special advisor – sending a video message: “Welcome to the Cardinals Dads Club, Alec. Now teach him how to catch a ball before he can walk.”
Burleson has had a remarkable season, especially in September when he was one of the few Cardinals to maintain a batting average above .280. He has also been given more opportunities in left field, playing a rotating DH role with Nolan Gorman.
But what has fans interested is not just the statistics, but the change in Burleson’s demeanor. He has become calmer, more focused – and, in the words of head coach Oliver Marmol, “matured in an incredible way.”
“You can see that as soon as he walks into the locker room,” Marmol said. “He brings positive energy, not just for his own accomplishments but for his new family. He’s playing for something bigger than himself.”
While the old Cardinals icons have retired, Alec Burleson is slowly becoming a role model for the next generation – one who understands the value of tradition, but with a more modern and humane spirit.
Since sharing the good news, Cardinals social media has been flooded with congratulations from fans:
“The future of the Redbirds is being raised right!” – one fan commented.
“Burleson is proving that the Cardinals produce not only good players, but also good men.”
While Busch Stadium still echoed with cheers mixed with hopes of rebirth, the image of Alec Burleson holding his young son in his arms after practice made many believe that the Cardinals spirit is still being passed down – generation by generation, smile by smile, and hit by hit.
“I don’t know what his future holds,” Burleson said quietly, “but if he loves this red half as much as I do, then… St. Louis will have another warrior.”
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