The St. Louis Cardinals announced Saturday that former major league player David Freese has declined election to the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame. Freese, now 40 years old, was the top choice in the final round of fan balloting to determine the next class of Cardinals Hall of Famers. The club accepted Friese’s request, and the next class will now consist of José Oquendo and Max Lanier.
On making the decision, Freese issued the following statement through the club:
“This is something I thought about a lot, humbly, even before the voting process started. I am aware of the impact you have had in helping the team bring great memories to the city I grew up in, including an eleventh championship but this honor means the most to me.
“I look at who I was during my tenure, and it weighs heavily on me. The Cardinals and the whole city have always had my back through everything. I’m forever grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization and fan base then, now and in the future. I’m especially sorry for the fans.” Which took the time to cast their votes. Cardinal Nation is the main reason I unfortunately waited for this decision so long and made it so much more difficult for so many people. I feel very strongly about my decision and I understand how people can feel about it. I get it. I’ll wear it. Thank you for always being there from Yeah, and I’m excited to be around the Cardinals as we move forward.”
In the same statement, Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. said:
“Although we are disappointed that David declined to be inducted into our Hall of Fame, we respect his decision and look forward to celebrating his amazing Cardinals career in other ways moving forward. He is always welcome at Busch Stadium.”
The statement notes that Freese “plans to remain an active member of the team’s alumni activities and fan-related events.”
Freese, who grew up and attended high school in the St. Louis area, spent the first five seasons of his big league career with the Cardinals. Over those five seasons, he batted .286/.356/.427 with 44 home runs and 81 doubles in 466 games as a third baseman. However, Freese is best remembered for his legendary performance in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series. In the ninth with the Cardinals down 3-2 in the series down to their final touchdown, they tied the game with a two-run triple. Then in the 11th inning, he won the game on a walk-off home run. The Cardinals went on to win Game 7 and win the World Series for the 11th time in franchise history.
After the 2013 season, Freese was traded to the Angels. He retired after spending the 2019 season with the Dodgers.
“Student. Incurable problem solver. Amateur baconaholic. Introvert. Infuriatingly humble music fanatic.”