**Adam Wainwright: Cardinals Pitcher to Take Final Bow with Musical Performance Before Retirement**
Baltimore, MD—Adam Wainwright, the long-serving pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, is set to bid farewell to baseball in style. The 42-year-old, who has been a mainstay for the Cardinals for over a decade, will perform a postgame concert during his final weekend playing at Busch Stadium. This special event will mark his retirement from baseball, but not before he showcases his musical talents to fans by playing three original songs from his upcoming country album.
Wainwright’s performance is scheduled for September 30, the penultimate day of the regular season. This unique farewell aligns with Wainwright’s multifaceted personality, revealing a side of him that fans might not be familiar with. “I’m excited about sharing some music with everybody, and hopefully they’ll like it,” he said before a recent game against the Baltimore Orioles. “It’s a fun opportunity for me.”
### A Celebrated Career
Adam Wainwright’s career has been marked by both excellence and longevity. With 199 career wins, the right-hander has been a crucial part of the Cardinals’ success over the years. He played a key role in their World Series championship run and has been selected as an All-Star three times, earning two Gold Gloves along the way.
But Wainwright isn’t just about baseball. His passion for music has been well-known in the Cardinals’ community, and he has even performed the national anthem at the team’s home opener earlier this year. “The anthem was a lot of pressure,” he said, comparing it to a high-stakes moment on the baseball field. “If I mess my own song up, I can get by and no one will even know it because I haven’t put the album out yet.”
### The Road to Retirement
Wainwright’s retirement is part of a broader transition that includes focusing more on his musical career. His upcoming album will feature 15 songs, providing fans with a deeper look into his life and upbringing. To Wainwright, music is more than just a hobby—it’s an expression of his experiences and values.
While his concert on September 30 will give fans a sneak peek into his musical journey, it’s not the only plan he has for life after baseball. “It’s going to be one of the chapters,” he explained. “I’ve got a lot of chapters in the book—five kids and a wife. I’m going to do some broadcasting, too, but this will be part of it for sure.”
### Reactions from Teammates and Coaches
Wainwright’s retirement announcement has elicited mixed emotions from his teammates and coaching staff. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol highlighted Wainwright’s dedication and contributions to the team. “I think he’s more confident on the mound. Once he gets going, he’s good. But he’s done the pitching thing a little longer.” Marmol also noted that Wainwright often shared his new songs with him, usually at unexpected times. “Whenever he comes out with a new song, he usually sends it to me, and it’s usually around midnight,” Marmol said. “I’ve actually gone to see him play. I enjoyed it. It will be fun.”
Wainwright’s teammates are equally enthusiastic about his upcoming musical performance. Reliever Matthew Liberatore described him as a skilled guitarist and said he looks forward to hearing his country music. “He’s a really good guitar player,” Liberatore remarked. “It’s mostly country, and that’s what I like. So I’m looking forward to hearing it.”
### A Bittersweet Farewell
As Wainwright prepares to close the book on his baseball career, his fans and teammates are eager to celebrate his achievements. The concert at Busch Stadium will be a unique way to honor his legacy and give him a heartfelt send-off. Fans will have the opportunity to hear Wainwright’s music and share in the emotions of his final game weekend with the Cardinals.
Wainwright’s journey from the pitcher’s mound to the musical stage is a testament to his versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges. As he transitions into the next chapter of his life, his presence on the baseball field will be missed, but his music will keep him connected to the fans who have supported him throughout his career. While the Cardinals will need to find a new ace, they can always look back on Wainwright’s contributions and know that his legacy is secure.
Overall, the upcoming concert will serve as a fitting tribute to Adam Wainwright’s career and a memorable way for fans to say goodbye to a player who has been a key part of the Cardinals’ success. It also marks the beginning of a new journey for Wainwright, one that is sure to be filled with new adventures and opportunities for creativity.
