Adam Wainwright is a professional baseball player who has spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2000 and made his MLB debut with them in 2005, but was traded to the Cardinals later that year.
Wainwright quickly established himself as a top pitcher, earning a spot in the Cardinals' starting rotation in 2007. That year, he helped lead the team to a World Series championship, pitching in relief in the decisive Game 7.
Over the next several years, Wainwright continued to excel on the mound, earning three All-Star selections and finishing in the top three in Cy Young Award voting twice. He also helped the Cardinals reach the postseason several times, including another World Series appearance in 2013.
Injuries slowed Wainwright down in the latter part of his career, but he remained a valuable member of the Cardinals' pitching staff. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2011 and missed the entire 2011 season, but returned to the mound in 2012 and continued to pitch at a high level.
In 2015, Wainwright suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and missed most of the season. He returned in 2016 and had a solid season, but struggled in 2017 and 2018. However, he bounced back in 2019, posting a 14-10 record with a 4.19 ERA and helping the Cardinals reach the NLCS.
Wainwright's success on the field is matched by his reputation as a leader and mentor in the clubhouse. He is known for his work ethic and his willingness to help younger players improve their skills. He has also been active in charitable work, including his "Big League Impact" organization, which raises money for various causes.
As of 2021, Wainwright is still an active player and remains a key member of the Cardinals' pitching staff. He has expressed a desire to continue playing for several more years, and his contributions both on and off the field have made him a beloved figure in St. Louis.
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