Stone. Louis-Yadier Molina returns to the Cardinals’ canoe for the first time this weekend since her 19-year career ended in 2022.
The 43-year-old former receiver wore a game Friday night and will play against the Chicago Cubs on the same Saturday night with Busch Stadium.
“I think it's going to be a good time,” said Cardinal Manager Oliver Marmol. “It's 48 hours, but even for a short time, I mean, we just spent a little time together, but even it's fun on its own and it's fun for others.”
Molina did not hesitate to accept Marmore's invitation to join his bench.
“It was good news when Oli invited me,” Molina said. “I was like, why not go there and watch some baseball and try to help the team get better? We have some young people who really need some experience I can bring and show them. I'm so happy to help.”
Molina rejoined the organization on December 6, 2023 as a special assistant to baseball business president John Mozeliak, but has not attended Busch Stadium since attending the retirement ceremony of longtime teammate Adam Wainwright at the end of the 2023 season.
Molina will manage Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but it will take at least a year before he thinks of taking a full-time position as a major league coach.
“That’s the plan,” Molina said. “My son and I ended. He is one [high school] Now advanced. After completing my studies, it may be when I started teaching in the major leagues. ”
With a potential coaching career approaching, the 10-time All-Star and nine-time Golden Gloves champion has been focusing on the present. He will spend part of his 48-hour stay in St. Louis working with the team's catcher.
“When I signed with the Cardinal, I always wanted to see him,” receiver Yohel Pozo said. “He's my favorite player since I was young, but now I have him here, like, oh my god. It's like a dream come true. Here, I'm here, I'm talking to him a little bit, the way he talks, the way he says he's really good.”
Since Molina retired, the Cardinals have scored 212-228 without qualifying for the playoffs, but long-time receivers think the future looks bright.
“You have to play by game,” Molina said. “We are in a position we don't like now. Obviously, we have to play better baseball, but I think we are there. We have talent. I like this team very much. I think the small games we play are really good. We have a very good foundation. The pitchers need to be more stable.