Padres News: Matt Carpenter Reacts to Return to Old Stomping Grounds
Whenever a player returns to a place that they spent so long playing in, it’s a special feeling. It’s a reminder of all the good times and memories that were created there, giving them some closure.
For San Diego Padres utilityman Matt Carpenter, going back to St. Louis was a dream come true. He spent 11 seasons as a member of the Cardinals, helping them win multiple World Series titles.
Naturally, he was going to feel some sort of way as he made his return to Busch Stadium. He spoke on the ovation that the fans gave him upon his return.
“A lot of great memories here,” said Carpenter, who received an extended ovation and doffed his helmet before his first at-bat. “Spent many years here and certainly have had a lot of great moments, so it’s nice to be able to come back. … I thought that’d be a great opportunity to play back here in Busch and get to face an old friend. And then (to) have a good game, it was a great thing.”
Carpenter has seen better days in baseball but has still kept grinding this season amid his struggles. He is hitting only .177 on the season with four home runs and 28 runs batted in.
The veteran did make a difference in his return, however, posting two hits and driving in one run. It was a night to remember for him and to top it all off, the Padres got the victory to open the series.
It hasn't been the year that either he or the Padres had in mind when he joined them last offseason, but he is a professional. He hasn't complained about the sporadic playing time and has just kept himself ready for whenever the team needed him in a game.
