Former MLB infielder David Freese was recently elected to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame. That said, Freese announced in a statement Saturday that he will decline the induction, citing his personal opinion of his role on the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series team.
“This is something I’ve thought about a lot, humbly, even before the voting process began. I’m aware of the impact I’ve had in helping the team bring great memories back to the city I grew up in, including 11th. championship, but this honor means more to me,” Freese said.
“I see who I was during my tenure, and that weighs heavily on me. The Cardinals and the entire city have always had my back in every way. I will always be grateful to be a part of such an incredible organization and fan base.” , now and in the future. I am especially sorry to the fans who took the time to cast their votes. Cardinal Nation is basically the reason why I unfortunately waited so long for this decision and made it such a headache for so many people. I am very convinced of my decision and I understand how people may feel about it. I understand. I will use it. Thank you for always being there for me, and I’m excited to be around the Cardinals as we move forward. .”
Although “humbled” by the honor, Freese told the Cardinals he didn’t feel “worthy“of it, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Saturday.
Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III said that while the franchise is “disappointed” with Freese’s decision, ultimately, they “respect” her and plan to honor her career in other ways in the future.
Freese spent the first five seasons of his MLB career (2009-2013) with the Cardinals. He etched his name into franchise history in the 2011 World Series against the Texas Rangers, specifically in Game 6.
With two out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Freese faced a 1-2 count, and hit a two-run double off the right-field wall to tie the game, forcing extra innings. Freese then led off the bottom of the eleventh inning with a home run to center field, forcing a Game 7. St. Louis won Game 7 the next day.
Freese was named the 2011 World Series MVP. He finished the series with a home run and seven RBIs while posting a .348/.464/.696 batting line. Freese then broke the National League All-Star roster in 2012.
Freese was traded to the Los Angeles Angels after the 2013 season. After two seasons in Anaheim (2014-15), he spent two and a half seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-18) before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2018 season. Freese’s final season came with the Dodgers in 2019, when he posted a remarkable .315/.403/.599 batting line in 79 regular-season games.
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