BREAKING NEWS: Saint Louis Cardinals Legend Adam Wainwright Returns as Co-Owner. In a historic statement, the St. Louis Cardinals owner management has formally confirmed that Adam Wainwright, the famous player and long-time face of the team, will return to the organisation as a co-owner in 2025…

St. Louis, MO – April 5, 2025

In a monumental and emotional return, beloved St. Louis Cardinals icon Adam Wainwright is once again donning the red and white—not as a pitcher, but as a part-owner of the team he helped shape for nearly two decades. In a historic statement released this morning, the Cardinals’ ownership group officially confirmed that Wainwright has joined the franchise as a minority co-owner, beginning with the 2025 season.

The announcement marks a powerful new chapter in the legacy of one of the most respected players in franchise history, signifying not only his continued commitment to the game but to the city of St. Louis and its passionate baseball fans.

A Cardinal for Life

Adam Wainwright’s name is virtually synonymous with Cardinals baseball. After being acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Braves in 2003, Wainwright debuted for the Cardinals in 2005 and quickly became an indispensable part of the team’s identity. From his lights-out performances as a closer during the 2006 World Series run to his transition into a frontline starter, “Waino” became a symbol of consistency, class, and competitive fire.

Over the course of 18 seasons in the MLB—all but one with the Cardinals—Wainwright racked up accolades that earned him a place in Cardinals lore: three-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, 200-game winner, and leader of multiple postseason pushes. He closed out his playing career in 2023, receiving a hero’s farewell at Busch Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd. Many believed that was the last chapter in his baseball story.

But Wainwright had other plans.

“This Team is Family”

In a press conference held at Busch Stadium today, Wainwright stood at the podium, beaming in a red tie and crisp suit adorned with a Cardinals lapel pin.

“I never really left,” he began. “This team is family. It’s in my blood. When I was given the opportunity to continue being a part of it—not just as a fan, not just in the broadcast booth, but as an owner—it felt like coming home all over again.”

Flanked by Cardinals principal owner Bill DeWitt III and General Manager John Mozeliak, Wainwright spoke candidly about his motivations.

“This city has given me so much. My wife, my kids—we made our life here. I’ve had a front-row seat to what makes this organization special. Now I want to help guide its future.”

According to sources within the organization, talks about Wainwright’s involvement as a co-owner had been ongoing since late 2023. The idea reportedly gained momentum after Wainwright’s successful transition to broadcasting and mentorship roles during the 2024 season, where he worked closely with pitching prospects and team leadership.

A Modern Trend in MLB Ownership

Wainwright’s move to ownership is part of a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where former players are increasingly stepping into executive and ownership roles. Derek Jeter’s tenure as part-owner and CEO of the Miami Marlins, as well as Alex Rodriguez’s stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), have inspired many retired athletes to view ownership as the next step in their careers.

However, Wainwright’s case stands out because of his deep and unwavering connection to a single franchise. Unlike others who purchased stakes in different organizations, Wainwright is returning to the very team where he built his legacy.

“This isn’t just a business decision,” said DeWitt. “This is about culture. Adam embodies the values we cherish: leadership, integrity, and loyalty. He knows what it means to wear the Birds on the Bat.”

What His Role Will Look Like

While Wainwright’s minority ownership stake will not place him in a day-to-day operations role, sources indicate he will be a visible and active member of the leadership team. His focus areas are expected to include player development, community engagement, and strategic input on organizational decisions.

“He’s not just a name on a ledger,” said Mozeliak. “Adam has already been working with our pitching staff, sitting in on developmental meetings, and sharing his insights. His baseball IQ is elite. But just as important is his ability to connect with players—especially young guys coming up through the system.”

Wainwright confirmed that he will continue to make appearances in the broadcast booth on a part-time basis and will also lead a new “Legacy Leadership Program,” aimed at fostering mentorship between former Cardinals greats and current players.

“Legacy matters here,” Wainwright said. “It’s something I want the new generation of Cardinals to understand. When you wear this jersey, you carry more than just stats—you carry history, pride, and responsibility.”

Fans React with Joy

News of Wainwright’s return as a co-owner has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from Cardinals fans across the country. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with #WainoReturns trending on X (formerly Twitter) and thousands of fans sharing memories, photos, and tributes.

Lifelong Cardinals fan Teresa Heller of Kirkwood, MO, summed up the sentiment: “Waino has always been one of us. Seeing him in the owner’s box just feels right. He’s not just part of Cardinals history—he is Cardinals history.”

Season ticket holder renewals spiked within hours of the announcement, and the team shop released limited-edition “Waino Legacy” merchandise that sold out online within minutes.

Building Toward the Future

Wainwright’s return comes at a pivotal time for the Cardinals. After a couple of transitional seasons, the team is reloading with young talent and investing in analytics, facilities, and international scouting. The organization has been vocal about its ambitions to compete for another World Series title within the next five years.

With Wainwright now on board, the front office believes the franchise has added another cornerstone—this time, in the boardroom rather than the bullpen.

“It’s symbolic, sure,” DeWitt said, “but it’s also strategic. Adam’s presence makes us better—on the field, off the field, in the community. It reinforces everything we’re about.”

Final Thoughts

For a franchise that has always treasured tradition, the return of Adam Wainwright as co-owner is a poetic and powerful continuation of a legacy that stretches back generations. His story—from minor league hopeful to World Series hero to team owner—is the kind of narrative that transcends sports.

“It’s been the ride of a lifetime,” Wainwright said, fighting back emotion. “And the best part is—it’s not over.”

As the Cardinals look ahead to 2025 and beyond, they do so with one of their greatest champions helping to steer the ship—not from the dugout or the mound, but from a place of enduring loyalty and vision. And in true Waino fashion, he’s doing it with humility, heart, and the unwavering belief that the best is still to come.