6 Baseball Players who Played for Cardinals and Dodgers
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the St Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Cardinals and the Dodgers.
Bobby Bonilla
Bobby Bonilla was a big-hitter whose career spanned from 1986 to 2001, playing for 8 different teams over that time. You may know him as a Pirate, Met or Marlin but he also played for the Orioles, Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers and White Sox.
Bonilla helped the Marlins grab a World Series ring in ’97. He hit over 280 home runs and 400 doubles during his career. He was a six-time All-Star.
But what he’s most famous for is his contract with the Mets, who still pay him over a million bucks every July 1 (known as “Bobby Bonilla Day”) due to a deferred payment deal. So even though there were some bumps, Bonilla definitely made a mark in baseball, both on and off the field.
David Freese
David Freese played college baseball at the University of South Alabama before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the ninth round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the Cardinals, where he made his major league debut in 2009.
The pinnacle of Freese’s career came during the 2011 postseason. In Game 6 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers, he hit a game-tying triple in the ninth inning and a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, forcing a Game 7, which the Cardinals won.
Freese was named the World Series MVP and the NLCS MVP that year, solidifying his place in baseball lore.
Freese Key Stats
- All-Star (Cardinals)
- World Series Champ (Cardinals)
- .300 Batting Average Season (Cardinals, Dodgers)
Lance Lynn
Lance Lynn was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2011 and quickly became a key part of the Cardinals’ rotation. During his time in St. Louis, he helped the team win a World Series championship in 2011.
After leaving the Cardinals, Lynn had stints with the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees, continuing to demonstrate his ability as a solid starting pitcher. In 2019, he joined the Texas Rangers, where he had one of his best seasons, leading the American League in starts and finishing fifth in Cy Young Award voting.
Lance Lynn later joined the White Sox and now the Dodgers, where he continues to be a valuable asset to the team’s pitching staff. His consistent performances, strong work ethic, and ability to pitch deep into games have made him a sought-after pitcher and a leader on the mound.
Lynn Key Stats
- All-Star (Cardinals, White Sox)
- World Series Champ (Cardinals)
- 200+ Strikeout Season (Rangers)
Mark Grudzielanek
Mark Grudzielanek, who played from 1995 to 2010, spent his career with several teams, including the Dodgers, Expos, Cubs, Royals, Indians (now Guardians) and Cardinals.
A versatile infielder known for his reliable glove and solid hitting, Grudzielanek amassed over 2,000 hits and earned a Golden Glove in 2006 with the Royals.
He had a standout season in 1996 when he hit .306 with the Expos, and he earned an All-Star appearance in 1996. One year later (still with Expos), he led the majors with 54 doubles.
Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly is best known for his flamethrowing ability and versatility on the mound. He made his MLB debut in 2012 with the St. Louis Cardinals and has since played for the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.
As of the 2022 season, Kelly has a career ERA of around 4.00, but has had several standout seasons, including his 2013 campaign with the Cardinals and his 2020 season with the Dodgers. He’s been particularly effective in the postseason, where his fastball and mix of breaking pitches have often proved lethal.
In 2018, he played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s World Series victory over the Dodgers, and in 2020 he won another World Series, this time with the Dodgers.
Todd Zeile
Todd Zeile had a long career in Major League Baseball, playing for 11 different teams over 16 years from 1989 to 2004. Primarily a third baseman, Zeile also displayed his versatility by playing first base and catcher.
He finished his career with a .265 batting average, racking up 2004 hits, 253 home runs, and 1110 RBIs. Zeile hit a home run in his first and last career at-bats, becoming the only player to do so in MLB history.
He appeared in the postseason six times throughout his career, reaching the World Series with the Mets in 2000.
