ST. LOUIS — He once delivered one of the most iconic moments in World Series history. Now, David Freese is stepping back onto the field — not as a player, but as a mentor.
The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that the 2011 World Series MVP will join the team as a guest coach during Spring Training 2025. It’s a full-circle moment for one of the franchise’s most beloved figures — and a quietly powerful step forward in his post-playing career.
David Freese etched his name into Cardinals lore with his unforgettable heroics in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series: a game-tying triple in the ninth inning, followed by a walk-off home run in the 11th. That performance didn’t just save a championship — it defined an era.
Now, over a decade later, Freese is set to lend his wisdom to a new generation of Cardinals players. He’ll serve as a guest instructor at the team’s Spring Training facility in Jupiter, Florida, working alongside the coaching staff to develop young talent and provide insight from his years of experience in the majors.
The return comes just two years after Freese made headlines for declining induction into the Cardinals Hall of Fame — a decision he said was based on personal reflection, not a lack of appreciation for the honor.
“I’m humbled, but I didn’t feel I was ready for that moment,” Freese said at the time.
His decision to join the coaching staff shows a different kind of readiness — one rooted in humility, growth, and a desire to give back to the game that gave him so much.
Players, fans, and even front office personnel are excited about what Freese brings to the table.
“He’s a legend here, but he’s also someone who’s been through everything — highs, lows, and everything in between,” said one Cardinals staffer. “Our younger players will learn a lot from him.”
For now, Freese is focused on helping out during Spring Training. But sources inside the organization suggest that if all goes well, this role could expand into something more permanent. Whether that means a full-time coaching position or a more specialized player development role remains to be seen.
What’s clear, however, is that David Freese isn’t just back in uniform — he’s back where he belongs.