For Tommy Pham, returning to Busch Stadium recently was like going home again. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals way back in the 16th round of the 2006 MLB Draft, the outfielder was 26 years old before he ever made his big league debut. He was traded away in 2018. Now, after stints with seven different teams, he returned to the Redbirds on July 29.
While his time with the Cardinals was often topsy-turvy, he was greeted warmly by the St. Louis faithful on his return. He promptly repaid the fan base by hitting a grand slam in his first at-bat. That blast helped the club to an 8-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on July 30th.
However, Pham’s career hasn’t always been filled with glorious moments. There were multiple times when it appeared his time in the game was over or that his skills were starting to slip. But in the end, his story is one of pain, pride, and (ultimately) perseverance.
Pham has Suffered Ups and Downs
How long was Tommy Pham on the cusp of the majors? He has a ROOKIE card from 2010 pic.twitter.com/o35ehRRTnt
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 10, 2015
As mentioned previously, Pham spent roughly eight seasons trying to progress to the Major Leagues. Upon his eventual call-up with the Cardinals, he battled his way into the starting lineup and looked to be a mainstay for the franchise. By the 2017 season, he was a regular in the lineup and batted .302 with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases. However, over time, he began struggling at the plate, and it became increasingly obvious that he was having trouble seeing the ball in the batter’s box.
That’s because Pham suffers from keratoconus, a rare eye disorder that causes degenerative vision. He was fitted with special contacts to correct the problem in 2008, but it’s been a constant hassle for him throughout his career. It’s also considered by some as one of the main reasons the Cardinals traded him away during his first stint with the team.
Mishaps Throughout His Career
Other strange mishaps, bad decisions, and just plain bad luck always seemed to befall the Las Vegas native. For example, while he was a member of the Padres, Pham was stabbed on October 11, 2020, during a fight in San Diego outside a local strip club. His wounds would require 200 stitches to heal.
Undaunted, he would return for his final season with the Padres to register 15 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases – albeit with just a .229 average. He was granted free agency and signed with the Cincinnati Reds. During his first year in Cincy, he was suspended for slapping the San Francisco Giants’ Joc Peterson. The reason? An argument over a fantasy football league the two were both competing in.
A Return to the Cardinals
Pham-ily reunion!
In his first at-bat in his return to the @Cardinals, Tommy Pham hits a grand slam! pic.twitter.com/JGWgGiXeLC
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2024
Pham began this season with the woeful Chicago White Sox, who have the worst record in baseball. As they became ‘sellers’ and were unloading veteran players, the veteran was acquired by the Cardinals in a three-way deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pale Hose. The Cardinals would throw one of their most valued young stars, super utility player Tommy Edman, in as part of the trade.
“He’s going to give Ollie a lot more flexibility,” Cardinals Team President John Mozeliak told Bally Sports Midwest regarding the trade. “We’ve really struggled against lefthanded pitching all year, and not that he’s going to be the single solution; we need other guys to step up. He’s certainly going to give us better chances.” Aside from his grand slam in his first at-bat back with the Redbirds, Pham has posted a .309 average, two home runs, and 10 RBIs (through August 5th). Now, he finds himself back with a contender and playing for a shot at the postseason.
Defying The Odds
There were times when several coaches and scouts thought Tommy Pham would never make it to the big leagues. Then, there were many instances where it looked as if his career was floudering or might be over. But as of 2024, Pham is still surprising everyone.
He’s a baseball success story and a long shot who outlasted many others of his era. Pham is the absolute essence of perseverance in sports, and his return to St. Louis – where it all started – is a fitting bit of fate.
Because, after all? The goal in baseball has always been to eventually make it home.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
