In the end, it truly wasn’t just about the money or his friendships or his ego. It was about being a Cardinal.

Now Cardinal fans will have the continued privilege and pleasure of watching Yadier Molina dazzle baseball with his glove, his arm, his bat, and his heart. Molina and the Cardinals have agreed on a five year, $75 million dollar contract, a generous deal that assures Cardinal Nation that their beloved catcher will end his career proudly wearing Cardinal red.  

Molina, indisputably the greatest Cardinal catcher since Ted Simmons, has been the fiery heart and soul of several pennant winning teams, leading talented teams with his intensity and his focus. In addition to his obvious athletic talents, Molina always expressed the depth of his emotions on the field, and fans passionately responded to his warm smiles, his energy, and his courage.

While the sports world regards this as simply another multi-million dollar contract between an organization and a player, Cardinal Nation knows it means so much more. Molina has now entered into a unique and unbreakable bond with the greatest fans in baseball. They are fans who still weep when they see Stan Musial fifty years later. Fans who give standing ovations to Willie McGee thirty years later. Fans who lovingly embrace and eternally honor those faithful few who joyously epitomize Cardinal baseball.

Molina has entered a hallowed and special place in baseball history, one that many have gazed upon but few have entered. Molina has the precious distinction of remaining a Cardinal for life. It is an honor that will comfort him and keep him all of his days, and is worth more than anything any amount of California media money could ever buy.

Thank you, Yadier Molina. You truly are the man we hoped in, and you did not disappoint.