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Thirty-six years ago today, longtime Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rice. Twenty-one years and 326 days later, Molina made his debut wearing the Birdo on the Bat. His ability behind the plate kept him in the lineup, earning him his first of eight consecutive Gold Gloves in 2008. His offensive (in)ability was a known weak-spot, but he eventually turned it around and by 2009 Molina was a perennial MVP candidate and All Star. Molina broke out in 2012, slugging twenty-two home runs, good for a 138 wRC+ and 6.1 fWAR - his career best year. Injury has slowed his production in recent years, but even after fifteen seasons behind the plate, Yadi is still respected as one of the top catchers in the league.
Happy birthday to Yadier Molina! May he continue to age like a nice scotch.
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