Former Cardinals standout and 2011 World Series hero David Freese issued a statement on Saturday after St. Louis announced he withdraw his candidacy for induction into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Freese, a member of the Cardinals from 2009 to ’13, will no longer be a part of the Class of the 2023 despite being elected on May 3 after receiving the most votes on the fan ballot. In the release, Freese apologized to the fans while explaining his decision came after reflecting on his time with the team, which the 40-year-old said “weighs heavily” on him.
“This is something that I have given an extreme amount of thought to, humbly, even before the voting process began,” Freese began. “I am aware of the impact I had helping the team bring great memories to the city I grew up in, including the 11th championship, but this honor means more to me.
“I look at who I was during my tenure, and that weighs heavily on me. The Cardinals and the entire city have always had my back in every way. I’m forever grateful to be part of such an amazing organization and fan base then, now and in the future.”
Freese continued, “I’m especially sorry to the fans that took the time to cast their votes. Cardinal Nation is basically the reason why I’ve unfortunately waited so long for this decision and made it more of a headache for so many people. I feel strongly about my decision and understand how people might feel about this. I get it. I’ll wear it. Thank you for always being there for me, and I am excited to be around the Cardinals as we move forward.”
A fan of the Cardinals as a kid, Freese, who grew up in the Greater St. Louis area, played for the club for the first five of his 11 MLB seasons. The 2006 draft pick joined the team in 2008 after a trade with the Padres.
Three years later, Freese became a franchise legend after winning the NLCS and World Series MVPs in a historic stretch to the team’s 11th title, a victory spurned by Freese’s all-time Game 6. The 2012 All-Star was traded to the Angels in ’13, and eventually retired in 2019 after stints with the Pirates and Dodgers.
Despite his refusal on an induction, Freese will still “remain an active member of the team’s alumni activities and fan-related events,” per the team. Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. shared his hope for the team’s partnership with Freese to continue in the release.
“Although we are disappointed that David has declined to be inducted into our Hall of Fame,” said DeWitt, “we respect his decision and look forward to celebrating his great Cardinals career in other ways going forward. He is always welcome at Busch Stadium.”
