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Adam Wainwright starts for the St. Louis Cardinals when they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLDS. Though he’s a World Series winner with playoff experience, he was not on the active roster for the Cardinals during their last World Series championship in 2011, so he’ll be doing everything he can to get them back there. Here’s what you need to know about Wainwright.
1. Wainwright was the NL Pitcher of the Month for September
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Wainwright has been a model of consistency in his tenure with the Cardinals (his 3.01 career ERA is second among active starting pitchers), and this year was no different. He had the second 20 win season of his career, and finished third in the NL with a 2.38 ERA.
Wainwright saved his best for last, getting awarded the NL Pitcher of the Month for his outstanding September. He won all five of his starts, pitching to a 1.38 ERA and striking out 29. The Cardinals hope he carries his momentum into these playoffs.
2. Wainwright Closed for the 2006 World Champion Cardinals
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Wainwright’s first full year as a Cardinal was actually spent in the bullpen. He still made a name for himself in the playoffs, striking out Carlos Beltran to end the NLCS, and striking out Brandon Inge to win the World Series for the Cardinals. Now a fan favorite, he moved to the rotation in 2007 and hasn’t left.
3. Wainwright Married his High School Sweetheart
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Adam Wainwright and his wife Jenny were married in 2004, but their relationship dates back to their high school days in Georgia. Adam and Jenny credit their marriage for helping them truly get in touch with their Christianity, saying:
It was during the first year I was married that I really understood the true meaning of being a Christian. It was not just believing but more of a relationship.
4. Wainwright Signed a Contract Extension in 2013
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Wainwright’s consistency in the rotation is a rarity, and the Cardinals wanted to ensure that they kept him around for a long time. In 2013, he signed a five year contract extension worth $97.5 million. Wainwright has continued to thrive as the Cardinals’ ace since signing.
5. Wainwright Allowed a Hit to Derek Jeter in His Last All-Star Game
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Big deal, right? Who hasn’t given up a hit to Derek Jeter at some point? Wainwright’s situation was a little different: with Derek Jeter starting his final All-Star Game, Wainwright made it a little easier for the captain:
“I was going to give him a couple of pipe shots,” Wainwright said with a smile. “I didn’t know he was going to hit a double, though, or I might have changed my mind. I thought he’d line a single to right, or maybe a ground ball.”
With no Jeter to groove a pitch to, the Cardinals hope Wainwright will help them advance to the playoffs.