St. Louis, Missouri – In an emotional and meaningful move, the St. Louis Cardinals announced plans to build a monument honoring the legendary Yadier Molina at Busch Stadium, with an estimated cost of up to $3 million. The project is not only a fitting tribute but also a permanent symbol of “Yadi”‘s 19 years of dedication and irreplaceable legacy in the history of the team.
Yadier Molina, who played all 19 years with the Cardinals, is one of the greatest catchers in MLB history. He was a 10-time All-Star, a nine-time Gold Glove winner, a four-time Platinum Glove winner, and a member of two World Series championship teams (2006, 2011). Molina played a total of 2,224 games, including 2,184 as a catcher, with a 40.3% fielding percentage and a .995 fielding percentage.
In addition to his achievements on the field, Molina also left a deep impression on fans and teammates thanks to his leadership, dedication and absolute loyalty to the team. He was an ideal role model for the younger generation of players and the soul of the Cardinals locker room for nearly two decades.
According to information from the team’s Board of Directors, the Yadier Molina monument will be placed in the central area of Busch Stadium, where the highest fan traffic is during the matches. The statue will be designed in a large size, depicting Molina in a majestic catching position, holding a catcher’s glove and looking straight ahead, symbolizing steadfastness and determination.
The project is not only a personal tribute to Molina, but also a way for the team to recognize his contributions to the community and the Cardinals’ lasting legacy. According to team president Bill DeWitt III, “Yadi was not only a great player, but also a living symbol of the team. Building this monument is our way of paying tribute to his invaluable contributions.”
Immediately after the project was announced, the fan community expressed enthusiastic support. On social media platforms, many people shared: “No one is more deserving of a monument to Yadi than Yadi,” “He is a living legend of the team.” Many fans also proposed ideas for the location of the statue, hoping that it would be placed in an accessible area for everyone to admire and take pictures with.
The Yadier Molina monument project is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, with an estimated completion time of 12 months. The team worked with leading sculptors and design experts to ensure the monument would truly reflect Molina’s spirit and image.
This is an important step in preserving and promoting Yadier Molina’s legacy, while also cementing the St. Louis Cardinals’ status as one of the most storied and enduring teams in MLB history.
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