Yadier Molina is a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who has spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in the history of the game, and has won numerous awards and accolades for his work behind the plate.
Molina was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 1982, and grew up playing baseball with his two older brothers. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2000 MLB draft, and made his major league debut in 2004 at the age of 21.
From the beginning of his career, Molina was known for his exceptional defensive skills. He quickly established himself as one of the best catchers in the league, and won his first Gold Glove award in 2008. He went on to win eight more Gold Gloves over the course of his career, tying him with Johnny Bench for the most ever by a catcher.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Molina was also a solid hitter. He batted over .300 in three different seasons, and hit a career-high 22 home runs in 2012. He was also a clutch performer in the postseason, helping the Cardinals win the World Series in 2006, 2011, and 2013.
Off the field, Molina was known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a mentor to many of his younger teammates, and was respected by players and coaches throughout the league. He was also active in charitable work, particularly in his native Puerto Rico.
Molina announced his retirement from baseball in September 2021, after 18 seasons with the Cardinals. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest catchers of all time, and a beloved figure in the St. Louis community.
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