World Series hero and former St. Louis Cardinals player David Freese informed the team he has opted to withdraw his candidacy for induction into the Cardinal’s Hall of Fame, the MLB announced Saturday.
Freese, who was voted into the Cardinal’s Hall of Fame by a fan vote, was set to be inducted on August 20.
In a written statement from a press release, Freese said he had been thinking about withdrawing his candidacy before voting began.
“This is something that I have given an extreme amount of thought to, humbly, even before the voting process began,” Freese said in a statement. “I am aware of the impact I had helping the team bring great memories to the city I grew up in, including the 11th championship, but this honor means more to me.”
According to the MLB, Freese was the top vote-getter in the Cardinals Hall of Fame online vote.
Freese is remembered for being a postseason icon during the 2011 postseason. Freese had a .545 batting average with 12 hits in the 2011 National League Championship Series.
In the World Series against the Texas Ranger, Freese hit a two-run triple off Neftalí Feliz to send Game 6 into extra innings. In the 11th inning, with two strikes, Freese hit a game-winning, walk-off solo home run that sent the World Series to a Game 7. The Cardinals won Game 7, and the world championship.
Freese spent five of his 11 seasons in the major leagues with the Cardinals. He played in 466 games, recorded 448 hits, had a .286 batting average and drove in 237 RBI.
“I look at who I was during my tenure, and that weighs heavily on me. The Cardinals and the entire city have always had my back in every way. I’m forever grateful to be part of such an amazing organization and fan base then, now and in the future,” Freese said in a statement. “I’m especially sorry to the fans that took the time to cast their votes. Cardinal Nation is basically the reason why I’ve unfortunately waited so long for this decision and made it more of a headache for so many people. I feel strongly about my decision and understand how people might feel about this. I get it. I’ll wear it. Thank you for always being there for me, and I am excited to be around the Cardinals as we move forward.”
The team will induct José Oquendo and Max Lanier into its Hall of Fame on Hall of Fame Weekend on Aug. 20.
“Although we are disappointed that David has declined to be inducted into our Hall of Fame, we respect his decision and look forward to celebrating his great Cardinals career in other ways going forward,” Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III said in a statement. “He is always welcome at Busch Stadium.”
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: David Freese declines induction into the Cardinals Hall of Fame