Five St. Louis Cardinals related things to be thankful for this year

ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 02: Yadier Molina #4, Adam Wainwright #50 and Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals leave the game during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium on October 2, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 02: Yadier Molina #4, Adam Wainwright #50 and Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals leave the game during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium on October 2, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images) /
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ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 08: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a single to right center field against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Busch Stadium on October 08, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 08: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a single to right center field against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Busch Stadium on October 08, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Yadier Molina’s farewell tour

Honestly, it’s hard not to get emotional thinking about the end of a 19-year era with Yadier Molina behind the plate. It’s safe to say there will never, ever, be another catcher like Yadi, and that’ll become more and more evident as the years go on.

Molina has not been himself the last few years, but come on, how could any 40-year old who caught over 18,000 career innings be any better than he was in the twilight of his career. Molina embodies the Cardinals, and his presence in the clubhouse and behind the plate could never be replaced.

Molina finished his career as a ten-time All-Star, two-time World Series Champion, and nine-time Gold Glove winner. Molina was one of the best players in all of baseball from 2012-2015, and managed to hold the fabric of St. Louis together in the post-Pujols era.

All we can say is, thank you, Yadi, for the countless memories and joy you gave Cardinal Nation.