Adam Wainwright
Adam Parrish Wainwright (born August 30, 1981) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2005 to 2023.[1][2] Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 2000 MLB Draft out of Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, Wainwright debuted with the Braves in 2005 before being traded to the Cardinals during the 2003–04 offseason as part of the package for pitcher Jason Marquis.[1][2] He emerged as a key starter for St. Louis, earning three All-Star selections (2009, 2010, 2013), two Gold Glove Awards at pitcher (2009, 2010), and contributing to World Series victories in 2006 and 2011, including closing the 2006 series with three scoreless innings in relief during Game 5.[3] Wainwright concluded his playing career with exactly 200 wins, a 3.99 ERA over 2,666.2 innings, and the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award for his charitable efforts, particularly through the Big League Impact foundation aiding foster care and community programs.[4][5] Since retiring after the 2023 season, he has transitioned to broadcasting as an MLB analyst for Fox Sports.[6]Early life
High school and amateur career
Wainwright attended Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, where he emerged as a standout two-sport athlete in baseball and football. As a pitcher and outfielder in baseball under coach Chuck Fehr, he demonstrated versatility by batting over .400 for three consecutive seasons, including a .515 average during his senior year in 2000, while regularly throwing a fastball exceeding 90 miles per hour.[7] His high school performance earned him the Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year award in 2000, along with scholarship offers from Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.[6][7] In football, Wainwright played as a wide receiver and kicker for the Glynn Academy Red Terrors, securing all-region honors at both positions and All-State recognition as a receiver.[6][7] Opting for a professional path over college, Wainwright was selected by the Atlanta Braves with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2000 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft straight out of high school.[1][8]Professional baseball career
Draft, minors, and Braves years (2000–2005)
The Atlanta Braves selected Wainwright with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft, using a compensatory selection obtained after losing free agent pitcher Kevin Millwood; he was taken from Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, Georgia, his hometown.[2][1] Wainwright signed with the Braves on June 12, 2000, forgoing college offers to begin his professional career as a starting pitcher.[9] Wainwright debuted in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League with the GCL Braves before advancing midseason to the Appalachian League's Danville Braves, posting a combined 6–2 record with a 2.35 ERA over 61.1 innings and 81 strikeouts.[8] In 2001, he spent the full season with the Class-A Macon Braves of the South Atlantic League, recording a 10–10 mark, 3.77 ERA, and career-high 184 strikeouts in 164.2 innings.[8] He progressed to High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans in the Carolina League the following year, achieving a 9–6 record, 3.31 ERA, and 167 strikeouts across 163.1 innings.[8] Promoted to Double-A Greenville Braves of the Southern League in 2003, Wainwright logged a 10–8 record with a 3.37 ERA in 149.2 innings and 128 strikeouts, solidifying his status as a top prospect in the Braves organization.[8] Baseball America ranked him as Atlanta's No. 1 prospect that year, highlighting his potential as a frontline starter due to consistent command and strikeout ability despite occasional control issues.[7] On December 13, 2003, the Braves traded Wainwright, along with pitchers Jason Marquis and Ray King, to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder J.D. Drew and catcher Eli Marrero, a move that prioritized immediate offensive help over long-term pitching depth.[9][10]St. Louis Cardinals tenure (2005–2023)
Adam Wainwright joined the St. Louis Cardinals via a trade with the Atlanta Braves on December 13, 2003, in which the Cardinals acquired Wainwright, Jason Marquis, and Ray King in exchange for J.D. Drew and Eli Marrero.[9] He made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cardinals on September 11, 2005, pitching one inning of relief against the New York Mets, during which he allowed three earned runs.[2] Initially serving as a reliever and setup man, Wainwright transitioned to a starting role in 2006, contributing to the Cardinals' World Series championship that year with a 2.79 ERA over 71 appearances, including four starts.[2] Over 18 seasons spanning 2005 to 2023, Wainwright became a cornerstone of the Cardinals' rotation, amassing 200 wins against 128 losses, a 3.53 earned run average, and 2,202 strikeouts across 2,668.1 innings in 478 games (411 starts).[2] His victory total ranks third in Cardinals history, behind only Bob Gibson's 251 and Jesse Haines' 210, while his starts and strikeouts place second in franchise records.[11] Wainwright earned three All-Star selections (2009, 2010, 2013), two Gold Glove Awards (2009, 2013) for fielding excellence, and helped anchor pitching staffs during two World Series titles (2006, 2011) and a National League pennant (2013), appearing in 16 postseason games with a 2.46 ERA.[12][13] Wainwright's durability was evident in leading the National League in starts multiple times, including 34 in 2009 and 33 in 2010 and 2014, though he battled injuries such as Tommy John surgery in 2010 and an Achilles tear in 2015, from which he rebounded to post ERAs under 3.50 in several seasons.[2] He signed multiple contract extensions with the Cardinals, culminating in a one-year deal for 2023, during which he secured his 200th career win on September 18 against the Milwaukee Brewers before announcing his retirement at season's end on September 29, 2023.[1] His tenure coincided with 16 playoff appearances by the Cardinals, underscoring his role in one of the organization's most successful eras.[13]Breakthrough and World Series contributions (2005–2009)
Wainwright made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 11, 2005, against the New York Mets, allowing three earned runs in one inning pitched during a brief relief appearance that season, finishing with a 13.50 ERA over 2.0 innings.[2] In 2006, Wainwright emerged as a key reliever for the Cardinals, appearing in 61 games without a start, posting a 2-1 record, 3.12 ERA, 75.0 innings pitched, 72 strikeouts, and a 1.147 WHIP.[2] His postseason performance solidified his breakthrough, earning four saves in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Mets with a 0.00 ERA over 9.2 innings and 15 strikeouts, including a crucial strikeout of Carlos Beltrán to end Game 7 and clinch the pennant.[2] In the World Series against the Detroit Tigers, Wainwright appeared in three games, securing a save in Game 5 by pitching a scoreless ninth inning, striking out Brandon Inge with the bases loaded to preserve a 4-2 victory and win the championship for St. Louis on October 27, 2006.[3][2] Transitioning to a starting role in 2007, Wainwright made 32 starts, achieving a 14-12 record with a 3.70 ERA, 202.0 innings pitched, and 136 strikeouts.[2] He encountered elbow issues that limited him in 2008 to 20 starts, where he recorded an 11-3 mark, 3.20 ERA, 132.0 innings, and 91 strikeouts before season-ending surgery on his elbow, though not full Tommy John reconstruction at that time.[2] By 2009, Wainwright established himself as an ace starter, leading the National League with 19 wins in a 19-8 record, a 2.63 ERA, 233.0 innings pitched, 212 strikeouts, and a 1.210 WHIP, earning a Gold Glove Award for fielding excellence and finishing third in Cy Young Award voting.[2] Despite the Cardinals' National League Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wainwright excelled in his one start with a 1.13 ERA over 8.0 innings and 7 strikeouts.[2]| Year | GS | W-L | ERA | IP | SO | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 0 | 0-0 | 13.50 | 2.0 | 0 | 1.500 |
| 2006 | 0 | 2-1 | 3.12 | 75.0 | 72 | 1.147 |
| 2007 | 32 | 14-12 | 3.70 | 202.0 | 136 | 1.396 |
| 2008 | 20 | 11-3 | 3.20 | 132.0 | 91 | 1.182 |
| 2009 | 34 | 19-8 | 2.63 | 233.0 | 212 | 1.210 |
Peak performance and Cy Young contention (2010–2014)
In 2010, Wainwright delivered a breakout ace-level season for the Cardinals, compiling a 20–8 record with a 2.42 ERA over 33 starts and 233⅔ innings pitched, while striking out 230 batters and leading the National League with five complete games.[2] His performance earned him his first All-Star selection and a second-place finish in the NL Cy Young Award voting, behind unanimous winner Roy Halladay of the Phillies.[14] [15] Wainwright's momentum was halted in early 2011 by a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery on February 28 that sidelined him for the entire season.[16] He returned in 2012 after rehabilitation, posting a 13–13 record with a 3.94 ERA in 32 starts and 202 innings, contributing to the Cardinals' National League pennant despite the statistical dip from his pre-injury form.[2] Wainwright rebounded strongly in 2013, achieving a 19–9 mark with a 2.94 ERA across 32 starts and 227⅓ innings, including 190 strikeouts and his second Gold Glove Award at pitcher for fielding excellence.[2] This effort secured another All-Star nod and a runner-up finish in NL Cy Young voting to Clayton Kershaw, garnering one first-place vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.[17] His 2014 campaign marked another pinnacle, with 20 wins against nine losses, a league-leading mark, and a 2.38 ERA in 32 starts over 227 innings and 199 strikeouts, alongside a third All-Star appearance.[2] [18] Wainwright finished third in Cy Young balloting, trailing Kershaw and Johnny Cueto.[15]| Year | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | Key Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 20–8 | 2.42 | 233⅔ | 230 | All-Star, 2nd in NL Cy Young |
| 2011 | 0–0 | — | 0 | 0 | Missed season (Tommy John surgery) |
| 2012 | 13–13 | 3.94 | 202 | 179 | NL pennant contributor |
| 2013 | 19–9 | 2.94 | 227⅓ | 190 | All-Star, 2nd in NL Cy Young, Gold Glove |
| 2014 | 20–9 | 2.38 | 227 | 199 | All-Star, led NL in wins, 3rd in NL Cy Young |
Resilience through injuries and veteran role (2015–2020)
Wainwright's 2015 season was derailed early by a torn left Achilles tendon sustained on April 25 while running out of the batter's box during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.[19] The injury required surgery and sidelined him for 141 games, limiting him to just four starts upon his return on September 30, where he posted a 2-1 record with a 1.61 ERA over 28 innings.[20] [2] Demonstrating resilience, Wainwright rebounded in 2016 with a full workload of 33 starts, recording 13 wins against 9 losses, a 4.62 ERA, and 161 strikeouts across 198.2 innings pitched.[2] However, lingering effects and subsequent elbow discomfort contributed to a down year in 2017, where elbow issues restricted him to 23 starts, a 12-5 record, 5.11 ERA, and only 123.1 innings.[2] In 2018, Wainwright faced further setbacks from right elbow inflammation, placed on the disabled list on April 22 after offseason cartilage shaving surgery failed to fully resolve prior pain; he managed only eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.46 ERA in 40.1 innings before returning briefly in September.[21] [22] [2] Undeterred, he staged a strong comeback in 2019, starting 31 games with a 14-10 record, 4.19 ERA, and 153 strikeouts in 171.2 innings, solidifying his role as a reliable rotation anchor.[2] The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Wainwright excel in 10 starts, achieving a 5-3 record and 3.15 ERA over 65.2 innings with 54 strikeouts.[2] Throughout this period, despite recurrent injuries, Wainwright's veteran presence provided stability to the Cardinals' pitching staff, exemplified by his one-year contract extension signed on November 12, 2019, which recognized his contributions beyond on-field performance.[23] His longevity and repeated recoveries underscored a commitment to the team, mentoring younger pitchers through example and clubhouse leadership amid roster transitions.[24]Final seasons and retirement (2021–2023)
In 2021, at age 40, Wainwright delivered one of his strongest seasons, posting a 17-7 record with a 3.05 ERA over 32 starts and 206.1 innings pitched, the latter marking his highest total since 2014.[25] He recorded 174 strikeouts and a 1.06 WHIP, setting Cardinals franchise records for starts and strikeouts by a pitcher aged 40 or older.[1] Wainwright maintained a solid workload in 2022 with 32 starts, finishing 11-12 with a 3.71 ERA, 191.2 innings pitched, 143 strikeouts, and a 1.28 WHIP.[25] On October 26, 2022, he announced his intention to return for the 2023 season, which would serve as his final year in Major League Baseball.[26] The 2023 campaign proved challenging for the 42-year-old Wainwright, who went 5-11 with a 7.40 ERA across 21 starts and 101 innings, hampered by injuries and diminished velocity.[25] He achieved a career milestone by securing his 199th and 200th wins in consecutive starts on September 14 and 19, respectively, ending a two-month drought at 198 victories.[27] Manager Oliver Marmol shut him down for the season's remainder on September 27, and the Cardinals held a retirement ceremony for him on October 1 at Busch Stadium, where he received a final at-bat as a pinch-hitter.[28] Wainwright's retirement became official on October 25, 2023, after which he humorously cited acquiring a puppy as the "official reason" for stepping away.[29][30][31]Career statistics and accolades
Wainwright concluded his 18-season Major League Baseball career with 200 wins, 128 losses, a .610 winning percentage, and a 3.53 earned run average over 3,167⅓ innings pitched in 477 appearances (451 starts), including 28 complete games and 11 shutouts.[2] He recorded 2,202 strikeouts against 1,169 walks, posting a 1.257 WHIP and limiting opponents to a .249 batting average.[2] These totals reflect his durability as a workhorse starter, leading the National League in starts four times (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014) and innings pitched twice (2009, 2010).[2]| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Wins-Losses | 200-128 |
| ERA | 3.53 |
| Games Started | 451 |
| Complete Games | 28 |
| Shutouts | 11 |
| Innings Pitched | 3,167⅓ |
| Strikeouts | 2,202 |
| WHIP | 1.257 |
Pitching style
Repertoire and mechanics
Adam Wainwright's pitching repertoire centered on five primary offerings: a curveball, sinker, cutter, four-seam fastball, and changeup, with occasional use of other pitches tracked in his 40,159 PITCHf/x-monitored deliveries.[35] [25] In his later career, usage breakdowns showed the sinker at 31%, curveball at 31%, cutter at 23%, four-seam fastball at 10%, and changeup at 5%.[36] The curveball, his signature pitch renowned for its sharp 12-to-6 vertical break, typically registered velocities of 75-80 mph and served as both a strikeout weapon and setup pitch.[37] His sinker, thrown around 89-90 mph, induced ground balls through pronounced downward movement, while the cutter, at similar speeds, provided lateral slicing action for weak contact.[25] [38] The four-seam fastball, peaking at 88-92 mph in prime years but declining to the high-80s later, offered elevation, complemented by a changeup in the low-80s for deception against opposite-handed batters.[39] Wainwright's mechanics featured a repeatable overhand delivery with a high leg kick, consistent arm path, and strong extension, contributing to command and longevity across 23 seasons.[40] This mechanical consistency minimized variance in release point, enabling precise location of his curveball and sinker, though occasional adjustments were needed post-injury to maintain velocity and spin efficiency.[41] His delivery emphasized balance and quick wrist action for off-speed pitches, with slow-motion analyses highlighting efficient hip-shoulder separation for power generation despite average arm speed.[42] Wainwright attributed durability to mechanical repeatability, avoiding drastic overhauls even amid velocity dips, which allowed sustained effectiveness into his 40s.[43]Adaptations and evolution
Throughout his career, Adam Wainwright transitioned from a sinker-dominant reliever to a versatile starter emphasizing pitch tunneling and sequencing. In his early years with the Atlanta Braves and initial St. Louis Cardinals tenure, he relied heavily on a sinker used nearly 50% of the time, paired with a developing curveball as his primary out pitch, while employing minimal four-seam fastballs.[44] By the mid-2010s, he expanded his repertoire to include a more prominent four-seam fastball (16.7% usage in 2014) for better pitch blending and a cutter (nearly 30% usage), reducing sinker dependence to around 25% to enhance deception against right-handed batters through varied horizontal movement.[44] Following his 2010 Tommy John surgery, Wainwright maintained core mechanics but made subtle adjustments, such as monitoring his arm swing to prevent elbow strain, without overhauling delivery.[45] Upon returning in 2012, he regained command of his curveball grip by midseason, dropping his ERA from 5.77 to 3.07 and limiting home runs, which solidified its role in generating strikeouts and weak contact.[45] Subsequent injuries, including a 2015 Achilles tear that sidelined him for the season, prompted micro-changes in approach rather than mechanics, focusing on delivery speed variations and pitch sequencing to sustain effectiveness. In his later years, particularly post-2018 amid declining velocity, Wainwright adapted by elevating curveball usage above 30% per start—up from 20% earlier—leveraging its high spin and drop for called strikes and whiffs, while precisely locating a slower sinker in the low 80s mph to induce ground balls without allowing home runs.[46] In 2021, he refined his sinker with a one-seam grip under coaches Mike Maddux and Dusty Blake, boosting vertical movement and aligning it with four-seamer trajectories for improved tunneling, contributing to sustained performance despite age-related limitations.[47] These evolutions, grounded in analytics and iterative experimentation, extended his career longevity by prioritizing command and deception over raw velocity.[46]Musical career
Beginnings and development
Adam Wainwright developed an early affinity for country music during his childhood in Brunswick, Georgia. At age 9, his older brother introduced him to the genre through a mixtape featuring Garth Brooks' "The Thunder Rolls," which he listened to repeatedly and credits as a pivotal influence in sparking his lifelong passion for country music.[48] In high school, Wainwright frequently played George Strait albums while driving his red Jeep Wrangler to visit his future wife, Jenny, at Georgia Southern University, further embedding traditional country sounds in his formative years.[48] Other key influences included artists such as Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, and Sawyer Brown, shaping his appreciation for throwback country styles emphasizing storytelling and instrumentation.[49] Wainwright's hands-on engagement with music began in earnest during his early professional baseball career. In 2001, while in the minor leagues with the Atlanta Braves organization, his wife gifted him a guitar as a birthday present to occupy his time during long bus rides between games.[50] He treated it as a hobby, practicing sporadically amid his focus on pitching development, which allowed him to build basic proficiency in guitar and vocals without formal training at the outset.[51] As his major league tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals progressed, Wainwright integrated music more consistently into his routine, carrying his guitar to spring training and on road trips. By 2017, he hosted informal "guitar pulls" and mini-concerts at teammate Matt Holliday's house during spring training, performing for small groups of players and gaining initial feedback.[52] That year, he met songwriter Gary Baker—known for hits like "I Swear"—through Holliday's connections, marking a turning point; Baker encouraged Wainwright after hearing him play and began mentoring him.[52] Songwriting emerged organically, with Wainwright jotting down melodies and phrases from daily life, initially for casual campfire settings, before evolving into structured compositions shared with Baker starting in 2018.[53] He dedicated about 20 minutes daily to practice, supplemented by weekly guitar and vocal lessons, while collaborating on hundreds of songs via iPhone recordings in a makeshift garage studio, all while balancing MLB demands.[52] This period saw him seek input from established country artists like Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell, refining his craft toward a more professional trajectory.[53]Discography and performances
Wainwright released his first musical project, the album Time to Fly, in 2023, featuring original country tracks that showcased his guitar skills and songwriting.[54][55] This was followed by A Song Will Bring You Back in 2024, including the title track for which an official music video was produced.[56][57] His major debut country album, Hey Y'all, arrived on April 5, 2024, comprising 13 original songs co-written with industry veterans Gary Baker and Greg Barnhill.[48][58] The album received coverage for its competent production and Wainwright's clean vocals, with tracks like the title song "Hey Y'all" highlighting upbeat country influences.[58][55]| Album Title | Release Year | Track Count | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Fly | 2023 | Not specified | Early release emphasizing personal themes; available on streaming platforms.[54][56] |
| A Song Will Bring You Back | 2024 | Not specified | Includes music video for title track; focuses on reflective country narratives.[57][56] |
| Hey Y'all | 2024 | 13 | Debut full-length country album; co-written with Gary Baker and Greg Barnhill.[48][58] |