Binder Pages--Farewell Edition: Matt Adams

Matt "Big City" Adams

     Matthew James Adams was born on August 31, 1988 in in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. He attended Philipsburg-Osceola High School and played baseball at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

 

2012 Bowman Chrome #23

 Matt was selected by the Cardinals in the 23rd round of the 2009 draft (699th overall). He spent 3 years in the Cardinals farm system before being called up by the big club.

2012 Topps Pro Debut #120

     Matt was a much anticipated prospect. The word coming out of the Minor Leagues was that Matt had a big bat and also hit for average. It was good news since, in 2012, the Cardinals core group of players were beginning to show their ages. 

2012 Topps Pro Debut All-Stars #AS-MA

Adams recorded a .315 batting average, 83 home runs, and 297 runs batted in while in the minors.

2012 Topps Update & Highlights #US-179

He played in his first Major League game on May 20, 2012. He went 2-for-4 and scored a run.

2013 Topps Making Their Mark #MM-37

On May 27, 2012, "Big City" hit his first major league home run. It came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Chad Quall was on the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies. Matt went 2-for-4 in the game with a home run and a double. The Cardinals won the game, 8-3.

2015 Topps 1st Home Run Silver and Gold Parallels #FHR-16

     Matt registered only 48 at-bats in 31 games with the Cardinals in 2017. During that time, he hit .292 with one home run, seven runs batted in, and four runs scored.

2015 Topps #372

On May 20, 2017 (exactly five years after playing his first game as a Cardinal), Adams was traded to the Atlanta Braves. It's a bittersweet parting because he never received enough playing time to show his full potential as a Cardinal. With limited playing time in St. Louis, it was the best that could possibly happen for him. The Cardinals also gave up some cash and received first baseman Juan Yepez. Most (sane) Cardinals fans believe it wasn't nearly enough, but with Adams' contract set to expire at least the Cardinals received something in return.

2015 Topps Heart of the Order #HOR-15

Since joining the Braves, "Big City" is hitting .299, with 12 HR, 31 RBIs, and 24 R in 134 AB through 34 games. Good luck in Atlanta, Matt. You will be missed and we at Cardinal Sauce are pulling for you.