Paul Goldschmidt gets off to a fast start, homers in return to Chase Field
Sep 23, 2019, 7:41 PM
Paul Goldschmidt’s return to Chase Field got off to a pretty solid start for the former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman.
In his first at-bat, he reached base on a six-pitch walk and then scored two batters later. Then in the third inning, he drove a 2-1 pitch just to the right of the outfield pool for a two-run home run.
Goldy‘s return is going well! 💣 pic.twitter.com/WTfJ6mc0iC
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 24, 2019
Before his first at-bat, Goldschmidt received a standing ovation and tipped his hat to the crowd.
Paul Goldschmidt gets an ovation as he steps to the plate for the first time.pic.twitter.com/OtKW5xeQUk
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) September 24, 2019
Goldschmidt spent the first eight years of his career as a member of the D-backs and was traded to the Cardinals on Dec. 5.
“I played a lot of games here and enjoyed it,” Goldschmidt said before the game on Monday.
His name is firmly etched into the top-3 of most important hitting categories in D-backs history.
He ranks first all-time in OBP, SLG and walks, second all-time in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs and steals and third all-time in batting average.
He also earned three Gold Glove Awards and four Silver Slugger Awards while being named to six NL All-Star teams.
Goldschmidt said that the memories he made in Arizona are not taken lightly.
“I’m just appreciative of this organization, my time here, the fans, the city and everything about it,” he said.
Goldschmidt will make his third trip to the postseason with the Cardinals, who have already clinched a playoff spot.
The D-backs made two postseason appearances with Goldschmidt on the team in 2011 and 2017.
