The Unexpected All-Stars of the St. Louis Cardinals: A Look Back at the Surprising Players Who Made the Cut
The St. Louis Cardinals have always been a powerhouse team in Major League Baseball, consistently producing top talent and dominating the field. But amidst all the star players and fan favorites, there have been a few unexpected All-Stars that have made their mark on the team’s history. These players may not have been the first names that come to mind when thinking of the Cardinals, but their contributions on the field have been just as valuable. And in some cases, they weren’t even the only Cardinals selected for the All-Star game.
One such surprise All-Star was pitcher Jason Simontacchi, who made his debut with the Cardinals in 2002. Despite being a relatively unknown player, Simontacchi quickly made a name for himself with his impressive pitching skills. In his first season with the team, he had a record of 11-5 and an impressive 3.69 ERA, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team. This unexpected selection was a testament to Simontacchi’s hard work and determination, and he continued to be a valuable member of the Cardinals’ pitching rotation for the next few years.
Another surprising All-Star for the Cardinals was outfielder Matt Holliday, who joined the team in 2009. While Holliday was already a well-known player in the league, his selection as an All-Star that year was unexpected due to his mid-season trade to the Cardinals from the Oakland Athletics. Despite the change in teams, Holliday continued to perform at a high level and was selected to represent the Cardinals in the All-Star game. He went on to become a key player in the Cardinals’ lineup, helping them win the World Series in 2011.
In 2015, the Cardinals had not one, but two unexpected All-Stars in pitcher Trevor Rosenthal and second baseman Kolten Wong. Rosenthal, who had only been in the league for job for two more seasons before giving way to Jason Motte and eventually moving on to other teams.
95th MLB All Star Game Set to Showcase Game’s Brightest Stars in Atlanta
The St. Louis Cardinals will be represented by Brendan Donovan, who earned the nod with a strong first half featuring a .297 batting average, 102 hits and 52 runs scored while playing multiple fielding positions.
Every MLB Team Sends at Least One Player to Midsummer Classic
Despite struggling teams, every MLB team sends at least one player to the Midsummer Classic, leading to unexpected selections to fill the All-Star roster.
10 Cardinals You May Have Forgotten Were Once All-Stars
As the Midsummer Classic approaches, let’s take a look back at 10 Cardinals who may not be top of mind when fans think back to their All-Star appearances.
2021: One of Three Cardinals Selections
Reyes, once a top prospect, was selected as the Cardinals’ closer in 2021 after a strong first half with a 1.52 ERA, 20 saves, and 54 strikeouts. Injuries have since sidelined him, but his selection was a memorable display of his potential.
2016: One of Two Cardinals Selections
Diaz, a shortstop from Cuba, surprised with a stellar rookie campaign in 2016, hitting .315 with 13 homers and 48 RBIs before being traded after the 2017 season.
2014: One of Four Cardinals Selections
Neshek went from a minor-league invite to an All-Star in 2014, thanks to his refined sidearm delivery and dominant first half with a 0.70 ERA.
2009: One of Three Cardinals Selections
Franklin reinvented himself as a reliable late-inning reliever in St. Louis, earning an All-Star nod in 2009 with a 0.79 ERA and 21 saves before eventually giving way to other closers.
