Here we go again with another situation of former MLB players feeling left out by their old teams. This time, it’s Jim Edmonds who’s speaking out. He’s a Cardinals legend and let’s just say he’s not exactly showering St. Louis with praise.
Edmonds, who was a crucial part of that 2006 World Series-winning squad, recently admitted on 101 ESPN St. Louis that he hadn’t attended Cardinals spring training in years. The reason? “It’s not fun anymore.”
That’s the kind of statement that makes fans take notice. Edmonds isn’t just some former player throwing shade for attention—he’s a franchise icon.
He was a defensive wizard in center field, an All-Star, a multiple-time Gold Glove winner, and a player who left everything on the field.
So, when he says that the spring training atmosphere has changed and that former players like him no longer feel welcome, you’ve got to wonder—what’s really going on in St. Louis?
The McGwire Snub
If that wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, Edmonds also dropped another bombshell. A few years ago, a Cardinals player allegedly asked the organization to bring in Mark McGwire for a visit during Spring Training.
Seems harmless enough, right? According to Edmonds, the team’s response was firm: “We have everything we need.”
McGwire is one of the most polarizing figures in baseball history, but he’s also one of the biggest names ever to wear a Cardinals uniform. Whether you love or loathe him, there’s no denying his impact on the game and the franchise.
For the Cardinals to outright reject the idea of him coming in to share wisdom with the current roster? That’s a pretty bold move that certainly raises questions about how the organization values its alumni.
Where Do the Cardinals Stand?
To be clear, the Cardinals aren’t exactly in shambles. Sure, they’ve missed the playoffs the past two seasons, but they’ve been a relatively consistent contender over the last decade.
They’ve made multiple postseason appearances since their 2011 World Series triumph, including another trip to the Fall Classic in 2013. That said, there’s definitely some concern about whether the organization is losing touch with its roots.
Tradition Should Mean More
Teams with rich histories, like the Cardinals, thrive on tradition. When former stars return to spring training, it’s not just a feel-good moment.
It’s a bridge between past and present, a way to instill a winning culture in the next generation. If legends like Edmonds and McGwire aren’t feeling the love, what does that say about the direction the team is heading?
One thing’s for sure: Edmonds didn’t hold back, and now the ball is in the Cardinals’ court. Will they address these concerns, or will they continue to keep their past at arm’s length? Either way, it’s a storyline worth watching as the 2025 season approaches.
