Paul Goldschmidt returned to St. Louis for the first time since leaving the Cardinals, marking his visit as a member of the New York Yankees. The first baseman, who spent six seasons with the Cardinals and won the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player award during that tenure, was greeted by former teammates and fans at Busch Stadium.
Goldschmidt did not start in Friday’s series opener against his old team due to a mild sprain in his right knee but entered as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning. He did not record an at-bat in the Yankees’ 4-3 victory over St. Louis.
“I knew we were coming here, and I would love to play,” Goldschmidt 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.”
Goldschmidt prepared for potential game action by following his regular pregame routine and worked with his son Jake on fielding drills before the game. Both he and Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about avoiding a stint on the injured list.
“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.”
Reflecting on his years with St. Louis, Goldschmidt described positive memories from his time there: “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.”
Boone also noted what St. Louis meant for Goldschmidt’s career: “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.”
Goldschmidt acknowledged both nostalgia and focus ahead of Friday’s contest: “I have so many fond memories, so many lifelong friends over there in that dugout,” he said. “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.”
