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Matt Carpenter gets emotional in return to St. Louis (Video)

By Scott Rogust

Jul 22, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Matt Carpenter (24) in the dugout during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Matt Carpenter (24) in the dugout during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees outfielder Matt Carpenter was overcome with emotion when talking about telling his family that he was returning to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals, his former team.

Matt Carpenter spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, the team that selected him in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his debut with the team in 2011 and remained with the team up until 2021. Now, his career has resurged as a member of the New York Yankees.

This weekend, the Yankees are in St. Louis to take on the Cardinals in a three-game series. Prior to the game on Friday, Aug. 5, Carpenter met with the media and was overcome with emotion when discussing telling his family that he was returning to St. Louis for the series.

You can watch Carpenter’s reaction in the video below, courtesy of ESPN’s Marly Rivera.

Matt Carpenter emotional prior to return to St. Louis

Carpenter had many great memories during his time with the Cardinals. From winning the World Series in his very first year in the majors, to winning the Silver Slugger award in 2013, to making it to the All Star Game three times (2013-14, 2016).

Over the years, however, Carpenter’s production dropped off. In 2020 and 2021, he posted a batting average well below .200 each season. At the conclusion of the 2021 campaign, the Cardinals declined his option, making him a free agent.

Carpenter signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers earlier in the year, but they agreed to part ways this past May. The Yankees swopped in, signing him to a major league contract for the entirety of this season. Since donning the pinstripes, Carpenter experienced immediate success.

In 43 games entering Friday night, Carpenter is slashing .322/.435/.791 while recording 15 home runs, 36 RBI, and 37 hits.

Carpenter will step into Busch Stadium on Friday night as a member of the Yankees, batting third in the lineup. We shall see his reaction when he is greeted by Cardinals fans as he steps into the batter’s box.

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