Central STL News

Paul Goldschmidt returned to Busch Stadium on Friday for the first time since leaving the St. Louis Cardinals, reflecting on his years with the team and sharing memories with former teammates. Now playing for the New York Yankees, Goldschmidt was not in the starting lineup due to a mild sprain in his right knee but entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning during the Yankees' 4-3 win over the Cardinals.

Despite his injury, Goldschmidt participated in pregame routines and spent time on the field with his son, Jake. The two were seen working together in left field, with Jake using a glove that once belonged to Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan.

Goldschmidt spoke about returning to St. Louis: “Driving in today, this was my drive every day for six years,” he said. “It’s pretty cool. Probably just a lot of positive memories to try to block out the bad ones. Just all the great memories, the great games, the relationships I have with all the guys over there.”

Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar joked with Goldschmidt from across the field, calling out, “Don’t do it. Don’t talk to them!” Goldschmidt responded lightheartedly: “I don’t miss that.”

Goldschmidt also addressed his absence from the starting lineup: “I knew we were coming here, and I would love to play,” he said. “But if that wasn’t going to be possible, or it was going to be an injury risk, I understand the big picture. I was not going to try to push it any more than I would against anyone else. I don’t want to try to be selfish. I wanted to try to be here to help us, and it would’ve been the same if it was another place, as well.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Goldschmidt’s recovery: “It does seem to be moving in a good direction,” Boone said. “Kind of feared the worst the night before he got tested out the next day, and then we thought maybe it might still be a short IL, and it looks like we’ll be able to avoid that.”

Boone also noted what St. Louis means for Goldschmidt: “I know this is a meaningful place for him,” Boone added. “Any time you’re a player of his caliber and [with] his career, you’re revered in a place like this. I’ve seen over the years how they’ve welcomed back players here, and you know that’s going to be meaningful.”

Reflecting on his time with St. Louis and Friday’s reception from fans and former teammates alike, Goldschmidt said: “I have so many fond memories, so many lifelong friends over there in that dugout,” he acknowledged. “That’s gonna be fun, but once the game starts, you know how serious I am. [I] want to always go out there and, number one, try to win. I’ll say hi to people before or after the games, but I’ve got a job to do.”