As members from the 2006 Cardinals returned to Busch Stadium from all over the country to commemorate their World Series title, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa sent ace righthander Adam Wainwright a playful text message.
Considering Wainwright was the rookie closer who earned the save to clinch the 2006 title, La Russa jokingly encouraged him to ask manager Mike Matheny if he could close Saturday night for old times sake.
Wainwright then delivered a brilliant three-hit shutout to beat the Marlins 5-0 before an appreciative sellout crowd of 44,840.
“I got a text before game from Tony La Russa, and he said, ‘Why don’t you ask Mike if he you can close tonight?