Adam Wainwright is one of the most successful pitchers in the history of the St. Louis Cardinals franchise. He has recorded over 2,100 strikeouts throughout his career, second only to Bob Gibson in Cardinals history.
Wainwright has been a reliable performer, maintaining an ERA under 4.00 in all but three of his seasons. He is also known for his leadership qualities and durability, having stayed healthy throughout his career.
In this blog post, we will examine what makes Adam Wainwright a great player and why he has become such an integral part of the Cardinals’ success.
Strikeout Ability
Adam Wainwright has been a dominant force on the mound throughout his career, and his impressive strikeout numbers are a testament to his abilities as a pitcher. As of the end of the 2022 season, he has recorded 2,147 strikeouts, ranking him second all-time in franchise history behind Bob Gibson.
Wainwright’s strikeout ability has been a crucial aspect of his success. By striking out opposing batters, he is able to keep the ball out of play, thereby reducing the chances of the other team scoring. This has helped him become one of the most reliable pitchers in the league.
Some of Wainwright’s best games in terms of strikeout totals include his performance on May 20, 2013, against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he recorded 12 strikeouts in a complete game shutout.
He also recorded 11 strikeouts in a game against the San Diego Padres on May 11, 2014, and against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 29, 2014.
In addition to these standout games, Wainwright has consistently recorded high strikeout totals throughout his career. He has recorded 200 or more strikeouts in three different seasons (2009, 2010, and 2014) and has recorded at least 150 strikeouts in nine different seasons.
Overall, Wainwright’s ability to strike out batters has been a key component of his success as a pitcher. By keeping the ball out of play, he has been able to limit the opposing team’s scoring opportunities and help his team secure victories.
Consistency
One of the most impressive aspects of Adam Wainwright’s career has been his consistency as a pitcher. Wainwright has been able to perform at a high level year after year, which has made him a reliable and dependable member of the Cardinals’ pitching staff.
Wainwright’s consistency is evident in his career statistics. Throughout his career, he has maintained an ERA under 4.00 in all but three seasons. This level of consistency is rare in baseball, where even the best pitchers can have off years or struggle with injuries.
Some of Wainwright’s most consistent seasons came early in his career. In his first full season as a starter in 2007, he recorded an ERA of 3.70. The following year, he improved his ERA to 3.20.
Wainwright continued to perform at a high level in the years that followed, recording ERAs of 2.63 in 2010 and 2.94 in 2014.
Wainwright’s consistency has also been on display in recent years, even as he has entered the later stages of his career. In 2021, at the age of 40, he recorded an ERA of 3.82. This is a testament to his ability to adapt and adjust his pitching style over time.
Overall, Wainwright’s consistency has been a key factor in his success as a pitcher. By performing at a high level year after year, he has become a reliable and dependable member of the Cardinals’ pitching staff.
Leadership
Adam Wainwright’s leadership qualities have been a key factor in his success as a player, and his impact has been felt both on and off the field.
Wainwright is known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to mentor younger players, which has helped him become a respected leader within the Cardinals organization.
On the field, Wainwright leads by example. He is a fierce competitor who always gives his best effort, and he is known for his ability to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
This demeanor has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike, who look to him for guidance and inspiration.
Off the field, Wainwright has been a mentor to younger players, providing guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of professional baseball.
He has been particularly influential in the development of young pitchers within the Cardinals organization, serving as a role model and sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.
One example of Wainwright’s mentorship came in 2021, when he took under his wing Johan Oviedo, a young pitcher from Cuba. Wainwright spent time working with Oviedo during spring training, helping him develop his mechanics and offering advice on how to approach opposing batters.
Oviedo credits Wainwright with helping him become a better pitcher and adjust to the demands of Major League Baseball.
In addition to his mentoring of younger players, Wainwright has also been a positive influence in the community. He has been involved in a number of charitable initiatives throughout his career, including the Cardinals Care Foundation, which supports children’s charities in the St. Louis area.
Overall, Wainwright’s leadership qualities have been a major factor in his success as a player and his impact on the Cardinals organization. He is a positive role model who sets an example for others to follow, both on and off the field.
Durability
Adam Wainwright’s durability has been a significant factor in his success as a pitcher. Throughout his career, he has been able to stay healthy and take the mound on a consistent basis, which has allowed him to accumulate impressive statistics and contribute to the success of the Cardinals.
Wainwright’s ability to stay healthy is due in part to his work ethic and dedication to maintaining his physical fitness. He takes great care of his body through proper nutrition, exercise, and recovery, which has helped him avoid serious injuries and stay in top form throughout his career.
Some of Wainwright’s most durable seasons came in the mid-2010s. In 2013, he pitched over 241 innings, the most of any pitcher in the National League. He also recorded 19 wins that season, tying him for the league lead.
In 2014, he pitched over 227 innings and recorded 20 wins, which led the National League. These impressive seasons were due in part to Wainwright’s durability, which allowed him to take the mound on a regular basis and contribute to the success of the Cardinals.
Wainwright’s durability has also been on display in recent years, even as he has entered the later stages of his career. In 2021, he pitched over 206 innings, the most of any Cardinals pitcher that season.
This is a testament to his ability to maintain his physical fitness and avoid serious injuries, which has allowed him to continue performing at a high level even as he has gotten older.
Overall, Wainwright’s durability has been a key factor in his success as a pitcher. By staying healthy and taking the mound on a regular basis, he has been able to accumulate impressive statistics and contribute to the success of the Cardinals.
Accomplishments and Awards
Adam Wainwright’s career has been filled with impressive accomplishments and accolades that solidify his status as a great player. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his talent and skill with numerous awards and honors.
Wainwright has been selected to the All-Star team three times, in 2010, 2013, and 2014. These selections reflect his excellence on the mound, as well as his contributions to the Cardinals’ success.
All-Star selections are a significant achievement for any player, and Wainwright’s three selections demonstrate his consistency and reliability as a top-level pitcher.
In addition to his All-Star selections, Wainwright has also won two Gold Glove awards, in 2009 and 2013. These awards recognize his outstanding defensive skills, particularly his ability to field his position and make accurate throws.
Winning a Gold Glove is a significant achievement for any player, and Wainwright’s two awards highlight his versatility and all-around excellence as a pitcher.
Wainwright’s career accomplishments also include three top-three finishes in the National League Cy Young award voting. He finished second in 2010 and 2014, and third in 2013.
These finishes reflect his consistently high level of performance and his ability to compete with the best pitchers in the league.
Overall, Wainwright’s career accomplishments and accolades demonstrate his status as a great player. His All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards, and Cy Young finishes reflect his excellence on the mound, as well as his contributions to the success of the Cardinals.
These achievements cement his legacy as one of the best pitchers of his generation and solidify his place in the history of the game.
Legacy
Adam Wainwright has had a significant impact on the Cardinals franchise, and his contributions to the team will be remembered for years to come. He has been a key member of the team for over a decade, helping the Cardinals win two National League pennants and one World Series championship.
Wainwright’s impact on the Cardinals franchise goes beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has also been a leader and mentor to younger players, setting an example of professionalism and work ethic.
His leadership qualities have helped to create a winning culture within the organization and have inspired others to strive for excellence.
Wainwright’s success as a player has also had a broader impact on the sport of baseball. His consistency and longevity have made him a role model for younger players, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
His success has shown that it is possible to achieve greatness through a combination of talent and effort, and he has inspired countless young players to follow in his footsteps.
Overall, Wainwright’s legacy is one of excellence, both on and off the field. He has been a key contributor to the success of the Cardinals franchise, and his impact on the team will be felt for years to come.
His success as a player has also inspired others and contributed to the sport of baseball, cementing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Adam Wainwright Career Statistics and Accolades
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Career Record | 186-104 |
| Career ERA | 3.40 |
| Career Strikeouts | 2,147 |
| All-Star Selections | 3 |
| Gold Glove Awards | 2 |
| National League Wins Leader | 2014 |
| Top-3 Cy Young Finishes | 3 |
| World Series Championships | 1 |
| National League Pennants | 2 |
FAQs
What is Adam Wainwright’s pitching style?
Adam Wainwright is known for his use of a curveball as his primary off-speed pitch, along with a fastball and cutter. His curveball has been described as one of the best in the game, with sharp movement and a deceptive release point.
How long has Adam Wainwright played for the Cardinals?
Adam Wainwright has played for the Cardinals since 2005, spending his entire career with the team. He has been a key member of the Cardinals’ pitching staff for over a decade, helping the team win two National League pennants and one World Series championship.
What is Adam Wainwright’s career record?
As of the end of the 2022 season, Adam Wainwright’s career record is 186-104 with a 3.40 ERA. He has also recorded 2,147 strikeouts in his career.
Has Adam Wainwright ever won a World Series?
Yes, Adam Wainwright was a key member of the Cardinals team that won the World Series in 2006. He also helped lead the team to the National League pennant in 2013.
What is Adam Wainwright’s relationship with Yadier Molina?
Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina have been teammates for over a decade, and they have formed one of the most successful battery combinations in Major League history. They have both been instrumental in the Cardinals’ success and have formed a close friendship on and off the field.
Conclusion
Adam Wainwright’s career has been marked by impressive achievements, leadership, consistency, durability, and impact on the sport of baseball.
His ability to strike out batters, his consistency in maintaining an ERA under 4.00, his leadership and mentorship, and his durability have all contributed to his success as a player.
Additionally, his numerous accomplishments, including All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards, and top-three finishes in the National League Cy Young award voting, demonstrate his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Wainwright’s legacy as a Cardinal will be remembered for many years to come, and his impact on the sport of baseball will continue to inspire future generations of players.
