Matt Holliday, left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, was drafted straight out of high school by the Colorado Rockies in 1998. In 2004, he was called up as a replacement player and he ended up as the Rockies starting left fielder, playing in 121 games that season. He had a strong season, batting .290, with 116 hits, 31 doubles, and 14 home runs.
Yadier Molina, catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, is the younger brother of catcher Jose Molina of the Tampa Bay Rays and former catcher Bengie Molina. The youngest Molina, who has been with the Cardinals since 2004, may well be the most talented of the three, particularly in his fielding abilities. Since 2008, Molina has won five consecutive Gold Glove awards (2008-2012).
Carlos Beltran, right fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, began his professional baseball career in 1995 when the Kansas City Royals drafted him. He played in the minor leagues until September, 1998 when he was called up to the majors. Beltran started the 1999 season in the choice leadoff batter position and playing center field. He played so well in his first year in the majors that he was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Beltran ended the 1999 season with a .293 batting average with 22 home runs, 108 RBIs and 27 stolen bases.
Mike Matheny, manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, at age 42 is the third youngest manager in the major leagues today. Prior to managing, Matheny had a successful career as a major league catcher from 1994 through 2006. He began his baseball career in college and was drafted in 1991 by the Milwaukee Brewers. He spent three years in the minor leagues before becoming the Brewers' starting catcher in 1994.