5 Baseball Players who Played for the Pirates and Cardinals
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 Pittsburgh Pirates and St Louis Cardinals.
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 on both the Pirates and Cardinals.
Popular Choices
Players in this tier are generally remembered in both uniforms because of their impact on each team or because of how recently they played there (or oftentimes, both).
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)
Rare Choices
These players will be remembered by most fans in either a Pirate or Cardinals jersey, but most likely not the other.
Andy Van Slyke
Andy Van Slyke played from 1983 to 1995 and is best known for his time as a center fielder with the Pirates. However, he played for 3 other teams in his career including the Cardinals, Phillies and Orioles.
Van Slyke was an excellent all-around player, earning five Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defensive skills and making three All-Star appearances.
Over his career, he compiled over 1,500 hits, 164 home runs, and nearly 250 stolen bases. His best season was probably in 1988 with the Pirates when he batted .288 with 25 home runs, 100 RBIs and led the majors with 15 triples (He finished 4th in the MVP voting that year).
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.
Tony Womack
Tony Womack is known for his career as a second baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1993 to 2006. Womack’s first stint was with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he played from 1993 to 1998, followed by time with the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Cubs, Cardinals, and Yankees.
Womack had a career batting average of .273 and accumulated 363 stolen bases, making him one of the most dangerous base runners during his time.
Perhaps his most significant contribution was in the 2001 World Series, where his 9th inning hit for the Diamondbacks in Game 7 led to the winning run against the Yankees.
Womack Key Stats
- All-Star (Pirates)
- 30+ Stolen Base Season (Pirates, Diamondbacks)
- .300+ Batting Avg Season (Cardinals)
Jeff Suppan
Jeff Suppan played for 7 different teams (Royals, Cardinals, Red Sox, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Padres) over his 17-year career. Suppan was known for his consistent performance on the mound, amassing over 140 wins in his career.
His most successful stint came with the Cardinals, where he played a crucial role in their 2006 World Series run, earning the NLCS MVP for his stellar performance.
Despite not being a big strikeout pitcher, Suppan was a dependable arm in the rotation, providing valuable innings for his teams over a lengthy career.
