Former WVU Baseball standout JJ Wetherholt made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals a month ago today (March 26). The Mars, Pennsylvania, native is holding his own through the first 30 games of his career. That’s something Mountaineer fans should be proud of. Read more: One month in: JJ Wetherholt holding his own for Cardinals.Â
The Cardinals took Wetherholt with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 MLB June Amateur Draft. The selection made him the highest drafted player in WVU Baseball history.
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Not only is it an impressive feat, it brings honor and pride to the Flying WV.
Immediate impact
The first round pick got the nod to start opening day at second base.
Cardinals fans got a taste of what WVU got excited about for three seasons in Morgantown right from the jump. Wetherholt sent a rocket past the outfield for a home run in his second career at-bat, and I personally could feel the memories rush back. It used to be lucky Mountaineer fans at Kendrick Family Ballpark or wherever WVU traveled who got to see him go yard.
Wetherholt’s early-career lore grew exponentially the very next day, hitting a walk-off single into right field. Busch Stadium erupted yet again for one of the greatest to don the old gold and blue on the baseball diamond.
Those who followed Wetherholt through his journey weren’t surprised by his ability, but if there was any doubt, he snuffed it out immediately.
30 games in
Looking through a wider lens, the fire didn’t die after the first two games. Sometimes, players can make that type of immediate impact until defenses figure them out. It usually takes a week or two.
A month later… not only can he make timely plays, he’s rather consistent.
Wetherholt is batting .240 for the 14-12 Cardinals, good for third highest average on the team. He also sits second in total runs and third in hits. His home run (4) and RBI (12) totals don’t blow anyone away, but the guy sets his team up for success more times than not.
The Pennsylvanian has shown the importance of consistency. Wetherholt is never the most flashy guy by my eye, but someone you can count on. That’s an invaluable asset.
Mountaineer fans should be proud
If you’re not already cheering or believing in JJ Wetherholt, what are you doing?
I know it can be hard for the presumably hefty portion of WVU fans who follow the Pittsburgh Pirates based off proximity to root for a young star on a division rival’s roster, but come on.
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Before playing in the home of the Gateway Arch, Wetherholt was sending fans in Morgantown home happy more often than not. Because under that red and white jersey, there are countless memories drenched in gold and blue.
What’s next
The second month of Wetherholt’s rookie year starts with a homestand finale against the Seattle Mariners at 2:15 p.m. EST Sunday. Ironically, the next stop is the Steel City, as the Cardinals take on the Pirates Monday-Thursday.
Considering his roots are planted half an hour north of downtown Pittsburgh, the series will serve as the rookie’s first homecoming. I’d be shocked if his family and friends don’t show out in droves for this series.
Local fans could go and make it the best of both worlds. WVU fans who follow the nearby Bucs can see their favorite team, while getting a chance to see a Mountaineer great in the opposite dugout. I’ll add the first pitch times for the series at PNC Park, because why not.
- Monday-Wednesday 6:40 p.m.
- Thursday 12:35 p.m.
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