Adam

Height

6'7

Weight

230

Birthdate

August 30, 1981

Birthplace

Brunswick, CA

ABOUT

Adam Parrish Wainwright (born August 30, 1981), nicknamed "Waino" and "Uncle Charlie", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Atlanta Braves selected Wainwright 29th overall in the first round of the 2000 MLB draft from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia. His performance in the minor leagues made him one of the Braves' top pitching prospects. After the 2003 season, the Braves traded him to the Cardinals for outfielder J. D. Drew.

Wainwright made his MLB debut on September 11, 2005, and spent the rest of the season as a relief pitcher. The next year, he briefly assumed closer duties, saving the series-clinching games of the 2006 National League Championship Series and the World Series over the Detroit Tigers. In 2007, he returned to starting pitching, a role in which he would remain for the rest of his career. He missed the 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery, but emerged as an ace, leading the National League multiple times in wins, innings pitched, and games started. He also has multiple top-ten finishes in earned run average, strikeouts, walks plus hits per inning pitched, and complete games. In 2014, Wainwright became the first pitcher in major league history to post nine of his first 18 starts with seven innings pitched and no runs allowed. In his career, Wainwright won 200 games, received three All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards, and finished in the top three in the Cy Young Award balloting four times.

With 2,202 career strikeouts, Wainwright is second to Bob Gibson (3,117) in Cardinals franchise history. Wainwright and longtime teammate Yadier Molina are the most successful battery in major league history, having both the most wins and starts together.

On September 18, 2023, Wainwright became the third Cardinals' pitcher to win 200 games, joining Bob Gibson (251), and Jesse Haines (210), and the 122nd in baseball history. That day, he also became the 66th pitcher in baseball history with at least 2,200 strikeouts.

Bottom line: Disciple of Jesus. Married to Jenny. Dad to Baylie, Morgan, Macy, Sadee, and Caleb.

Adam

Wainwright

RHP

St. Louis Cardinals

Adam

Wainwright

: Off the Field

What year did you give your heart to Christ and what led you there?

2002. A faithful future wife, a great mentor in my agent, and strong disciples surrounding me

How has your relationship with Jesus changed your life?

Following Jesus allows me to live stronger and be a better husband, dad, and friend. Being a believer also allows me to prepare better and compete harder.

What challenges has your faith helped you overcome?

A life in baseball is filled with constant temptations that I was able to navigate around. Also, baseball is a game of failure. My walk with the Lord allowed me to persevere and stay even.

What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about believing in Jesus?

Ask lots of questions to wise believers who have been where you are.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Acts 20:24. It reminds me the purpose of my life

What is your favorite food and you go to music?

Steak, baby back ribs, and fried pork chops. As far as music it's country and rock

Favorite hobby outside of baseball?

Hunting, fishing, golf, playing guitar

What advice would you give a younger athlete about faith and sports?

Don’t be ashamed of your faith. Allow Jesus to shape you from the inside out and don’t be afraid to look different for Jesus. Your life should look different than those who don’t believe.

Did you have a pre-game ritual or routine?

I did. I think every player should have a general structure but nothing that is too important that it can’t be changeable if need be. A routine gets you ready… that’s all

Why do you want to be part of Travel Chapel?

I hope my story will provide young players with hope and encouragement and strength for the journey ahead. And maybe for those on the fence a few answers to help.

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What if understanding the Gospel was as easy as running the bases? Good news. It is. Join Mickey Weston as he steps up to the plate and walks through the Gospel using the simple, familiar rhythm of baseball. From home plate to first, second, third, and back home, faith becomes clear, approachable, and unforgettable. No religious jargon, no pressure. Just Good News explained in a way that makes sense and brings you home.

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