Born August 30, 1981, in Brunswick, Georgia, Wainwright was selected in the first round (29th overall) of the 2000 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves for $1.25 million.
Switched to the Cardinals in 2003 and made his MLB debut on September 11, 2005 as a relief pitcher.
The rise of his career began: his stellar closer role helped the Cardinals win the 2006 World Series, and from 2007 on, Wainwright became a top starter.
Notable achievements:
Over 200 wins for the Cardinals (3rd in team history behind Bob Gibson and Jesse Haines)
2,202 strikeouts, second only to Gibson in Cardinals history
3-time All-Star, 2-time Gold Glove, and multiple top-3 Cy Young nominations.
Lead the National League in wins, innings pitched, and games started for multiple seasons.
Tenacity and teamwork were demonstrated by his veteran “battery” partnership with catcher Yadier Molina – the winningest tandem in MLB history.
Cooperstown Names “Waino”
The official date has not been announced, but reliable sources confirm that Adam Wainwright has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame after a brilliant and inspiring career.
With 200 wins and 2,202 strikeouts alone, “Waino” is worthy of being a monument.
Cardinals fans, experts and media praise him not only for his skills but also for his “gentleman” spirit on the field – a calm but ambitious legend.
Adam Wainwright is a living testament to a long career, great sportsmanship and love for the community. Not only is he a giant on the field, he is also a true “ambassador” of baseball – someone who spreads values even after his glove has been hung up.
Today, with a Hall of Fame badge glistening on his chest, “Waino” officially joins the ranks of immortal legends — and the story goes far beyond statistics.