Lane Thomas comes through in the clutch for the Cleveland Guardians, securing a spot in the American League Championship Series.
Thomas had a fantastic day at the plate, propelling the Guardians to their first ALCS berth since 2016. He finished 2-for-4 with five RBIs, four of which came on a 396-foot grand slam in the bottom of the fifth. The veteran outfielder helped Cleveland take a 5-1 lead and never looked back.
While Cleveland fans are surely cheering Thomas and his efforts, St. Louis Cardinals fans are feeling pretty awful. After all, the 29-year-old began his MLB career as a highly touted prospect for the latter, but that collaboration was not as successful.
However, it has been more than three years since St. Louis traded Thomas to the Washington Nationals (who moved him to Cleveland this season). Even after all this time, Cardinal Nation isn’t doing well, if social media is any indicator. Frankly, that’s become a frequent theme, which could explain why people feel this way.
Thomas rose to the occasion in Game 5 against the Detroit Tigers, which was a must-win game. Tarik Skubal, the probable AL Cy Young winner. off a first pitch sinker.
Cardinals fans in their feels as Lane Thomas becomes latest ex-player to become a postseason hero elsewhere
Some believe Thomas would look good with the Bird on the Bat over his breast — well, wait. He spent his first two and a half seasons with the Cardinals before being traded for retiring left-hander Jon Lester.
Who anybody forget how the Cards abandoned left fielder Randy Arozarena in 2020? That year, he led the Tampa Bay Rays to their second pennant win in franchise history, earning ALCS MVP honors. Thomas’ spectacular Game 5 effort against the Detroit Tigers reportedly prompted flashbacks.
At the time, the Cardinals’ trade of Thomas for Lester was regarded as a positive move for St. Louis. However, when it comes to October baseball, a single stroke may dramatically change the narrative.
As you can see, Thomas isn’t the only former Cardinal doing well in the postseason. Luke Weaver, the New York Yankees’ closer, has had an unbelievable ALDS. Adolis Garcia hammered his way to the World Series with the Texas Rangers last year, winning the ALCS MVP award in the process. Meanwhile, St. Louis players who are still on the roster are at home, cheering on their former teammates as they attempt to win the World Series for the second straight season.
Even though they are upset, Cardinals supporters are not shocked. This isn’t the first time they’ve seen former St. Louis members contribute to the success of another club.
Following Thomas’ heroics, bars in the Lou may experience a boost in business this weekend. It may be time for a drink or five.
