David Freese decreases St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame area

Former MLB infielder David Freese was justrecently voted into the St. Louis Cardinals’ Hall of Fame. With that stated, Freese revealed in a declaration Saturday that he’s decreasing the induction, pointingout his individual viewpoint of his function on the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series group.

“This is something that I haveactually provided an severe quantity of idea to, humbly, even previously the ballot procedure started. I am conscious of the effect I had assisting the group bring terrific memories to the city I grew up in, consistingof the 11th champion, however this honor indicates more to me,” Freese stated.

“I appearance at who I was throughout my period, and that weighs greatly on me. The Cardinals and the whole city have constantly had my back in every method. I’m permanently grateful to be part of such an incredible company and fan base then, now and in the future. I’m particularly sorry to the fans that took the time to cast their votes. Cardinal Nation is essentially the factor why I’ve sadly waited so long for this choice and made it more of a headache for so lotsof individuals. I feel highly about my choice and comprehend how individuals may feel about this. I get it. I’ll wear it. Thank you for constantly being there for me, and I am thrilled to be around the Cardinals as we relocation forward.”

While “humbled” by the honor, Freese informed the Cardinals that he didn’t feel “deserving” of it, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday.

Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III stated that although the franchise is “disappointed” in Freese’s choice, they eventually “respect” it and strategy on honoring his profession in other methods moving forward.

Freese invested the veryfirst 5 seasons of his MLB profession (2009-2013) with the Cardinals. He engraved his name into franchise history in the 2011 World Series versus the Texas Rangers, particularly in Game 6.

With 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Freese was dealtwith with a 1-2 count, and he hit a two-run double off the right-field wall to tie the videogame, requiring additional innings. Freese then led off the bottom of the 11th inning with a walk-off house run to center, requiring a Game 7. St. Louis won Game 7 the next day.

Freese was called the 2011 World Series MVP. He completed the series with one house run and 7 RBIs while publishing a .348/.464/.696 batting line. Freese then split the National League All-Star Game lineup in 2012.

Freese was traded to the Los Angeles Angels after the 2013 season. After 2 seasons in Anaheim (2014-15), he invested two-and-a-half seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-18) priorto being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout the 2018 season. Freese’s last season came with the Dodgers in 2019, as he published a exceptional .315/.403/.599 batting line throughout 79 regular-season videogames.