Yesterday was an important day in St. Louis Cardinals history.
19 years ago, the team traded for Adam Wainwright, who at the time was a top prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization.
But 20 years ago on that date, the Cardinals took a chance on another team legend.
In 2002, the Cardinals signed right-hander Chris Carpenter to a one-year contract after several years with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Carpenter had not had a terribly successful career up to that point, having never posted an ERA below four in his career.
But the move ultimately paid off for the Cardinals, and Carpenter became a fan favorite.
Carp’s Cardinals Accomplishments
Carpenter missed the entire 2003 season with an injury, but was brought back in 2004.
The right-hander became a frontline starter in ’04, winning 15 games and posting a 3.46 ERA.
The next year, Carpenter won the National League Cy Young Award, winning 21 games and posting a 2.83 ERA.
The veteran right-hander was a three-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion during his time with the Cardinals, but his best moments came during the 2011 postseason.
With the Cardinals facing elimination in Philadelphia, Carpenter was tasked with starting Game 5 of the NLDS against his best friend in Roy Halladay.
The right-hander threw a complete-game shutout to send the Cardinals to their first NLCS since 2006.
The right-hander also threw three gems in the World Series against the Texas Rangers, even earning the win after six innings of work in Game 7 of the series.
Carpenter was quite well-loved in St. Louis, and has surely earned his place in the Cardinals Hall of Fame.
More must-reads: