Three moments that defined Yadier Molina's career

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It's been two seasons now since Yadier Molina played out his final year in Major League Baseball. The longtime catcher had played his entire 19-year career with the Cardinals.

He provided fans with memories that will never be forgotten. He was best known for his ability to shut down the running game by throwing out any attempting base stealers. Few, if any could truly match Molina’s abilities

But he also had a penchant for coming through in the clutch. He had some very big moments in the postseason as well. Molina won two World Series rings and was part of four pennant-winning ballclubs in St. Louis.

In addition, he even won eight Gold Gloves as a catcher and four Platinum Gloves. Needless to say, Molina had a legendary career, and the fact that he got to spend all of his time in St. Louis makes it even sweeter.

He and Albert Pujols' careers came to an abrupt end last October when the Cardinals were eliminated in the Wild Card series by the eventual National League champion Phillies, who pulled off a magic carpet ride and fell just short in the Fall Classic against the Astros.

But Molina was part of several great teams during his time in St. Louis. In fact, the Cardinals finished under .500 just once during his career and missed the postseason just six times while he was on the roster.

In this piece, we will look at three of Molina's finest moments and how they ultimately came to define his career.

2006 NLCS Game 7 go-ahead homer

This is probably the most famous of Molina's big moments.

The Cardinals and Mets were locked in a dead heat in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS, and the game was tied at one run apiece heading into the ninth inning. Molina came to the plate with one out and hit a two-run homer off of Mets reliever Aaron Heilman.

In the bottom half, the Mets loaded the bases, but he and Adam Wainwright shared the first of many memorable moments together when Wainwright froze Carlos Beltran on a curveball to send the Cards to the World Series.

2019 NLDS Game 4

This game included two memorable moments. The Cardinals found themselves down to their final four outs and facing elimination against the Braves. But with two outs in the eighth inning, Molina hit a bloop into right-center to bring in Paul Goldschmidt and tie the game.

The game went into extras, and Molina delivered again with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the 10th to force Game 5.

Career Hit No. 2,000

The following year, the Cardinals would be back in the postseason. But before they clinched, Molina enjoyed a special moment at Busch Stadium.

On September 24, Molina picked up hit No. 2,000 against the Brewers. Sadly, it was during the COVID pandemic, and the legendary catcher didn't get to experience a standing ovation. But the Cardinals and Brewers alike celebrated Molina's accomplishment, and he even shared a nice moment with former Cardinal Jedd Gyorko at first base.

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