Former major leaguer David Freese has declined his election into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, the club announced on Saturday.
Despite being the top choice in the recent round of fan balloting, Freese has requested to decline the honor. As a result, the upcoming class of Cardinals Hall of Famers will now consist of Jose Oquendo and Max Lanier.
In a statement released through the club, Freese expressed his thoughts on the decision. He said, “This is something that I have given an extreme amount of thought to, humbly, even before the voting process 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.”
Reflecting on his time with the Cardinals, Freese acknowledged the support he received from the organization and the city. He continued, “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.”
“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.”
David Freese, a hometown kid who grew up looking up at #Cardinals greats before he became a Cardinal, explains his decision to decline induction into the #Stlcards Hall of Fame.
His quote: pic.twitter.com/8WNYRRZjGd
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) June 17, 2023
Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. responded to Freese’s decision in the same statement, expressing disappointment while respecting the player’s choice.
DeWitt said, “Although we are disappointed that David has declined to be inducted into our Hall of Fame, 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.”
The statement also mentioned that Freese intends to remain an active member of the team’s alumni activities and fan-related events, indicating that he will continue to be involved with the organization despite declining the Hall of Fame induction.
Freese, a St. Louis native who attended high school in the area, spent the first five seasons of his major league career with the Cardinals. During that time, he posted a batting average of .286, an on-base percentage of .356, and a slugging percentage of .427, hitting 44 home runs and 81 doubles in 466 games as a primary third baseman.
However, Freese’s most memorable moment came in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series when he delivered a legendary performance. Down to their final strike in the ninth inning and trailing 3-2 in the series, Freese tied the game with a two-run triple.
Then, in the 11th inning, he secured a walk-off home run, leading the Cardinals to victory. The team went on to win Game 7 and clinch their 11th World Series title.
After the 2013 season, Freese was traded to the Los Angeles Angels and eventually retired in 2019 following a season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.