It’s the end of an era. The St. Louis Cardinals just said goodbye to a Redbird veteran. After last year’s retirement of legendary catcher Yadier Molina, 2023 bid farewell to the other half of his battery, Adam Wainwright. Pitching his way into history, Waino spent his entire 18-year career in St. Louis. Honoring him for his retirement, it was only right that the Cardinals’ legend would appear to bid goodbye to another one.

Earning the nickname ‘Uncle Charlie’, the pitcher has officially hung up his cleats. Last year, another Cardinals veteran, Albert Pujols, joined Yadi in retirement. But the two couldn’t let their friend go without officially honoring his time in the league. Surprising him at his retirement ceremony, Molina and Pujols reduced Waino to tears.

Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols’ Special Appearance for Adam Wainwright

Waino and Yadi have set the MLB record for 328 games as a starting battery. The pitcher-catcher duo is as iconic as they come and got a chance to reunite at Busch Stadium yesterday. It was a memorable moment when John Rooney announced the two former players’ names at Wainwright’s retirement ceremony. The pitcher had not expected it and emotionally hugged his two friends.

Later, he gave an overview of what was going through his mind at the moment. Talking to his wife Jenny Curry, Waino knew Pujols was in the audience somewhere, but then he disappeared. “And then he [Rooney] said, ‘Two Cardinals.’ I was like, ‘Jenny, what does that mean?’ And when they said Albert and Yadi, and I saw Yadi walk up the steps, I completely lost it,” Uncle Charlie says in a video shared by the Cardinals.

“I couldn’t even breathe. I don’t even remember what I did. I just think I just was looking down at the ground and just bawling like a baby. You know, he just means a lot to me.” Wainwright and Molina have a relationship that transcends teammates and friends; they’re brothers.

What an immense honor to have not just a friend but one of the greatest in the field by his side! Once again, having the battery at the same ballpark, the St. Louis team had a special gift for them.

St. Louis Cardinals Commemorate the Legendary Battery One Last Time

Bringing out a Tiffany silver bowl for Yadi and Waino, the Redbirds honored possibly their last appearance at the home ballpark. Emotionally hugging it out once again, the ballplayers posed for pictures with huge smiles on their faces. “I love you, brother. … You are an amazing person,” Molina said to Wainwright on the microphone later.

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The crowds were cheering as if it were the old days, bringing back memories of emotional but happy times. Goodbye, Uncle Charlie! It was great to have you.

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