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.
