Fans of the St. Louis Cardinals remember almost every player who has ever graced the franchise.
Whether it’s a household name like Albert Pujols or somebody who endeared himself to the fans like David Freese, Cardinals fans remember those who played key roles in the team’s history.
One such player is Jon Jay.
Jay is now the first base coach for the Miami Marlins.
However, with the emergence of Richie Palacios in recent days, some fans have recalled what Jay meant to the organization.
On Twitter, Cardinals writer Jeff Jones recalled Jay’s time in St. Louis and how Palacios actually reminds him of the former center fielder.
Richie Palacios seems to have a little Jon Jay in him. I probably only think that because he looks so much like him, but hey, that would make him a very useful player.
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) August 23, 2023
Jay was an elite defender and a solid contact hitter for St. Louis from 2010-15.
He played a key role in the team’s World Series title run back in 2011 and was in center field when Allen Craig caught the final out in Game 7.
Palacios has been putting on a clinic defensively in the outfield for St. Louis, and has given fans some flashbacks to Jay.
The young outfielder was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in June.
He also is a solid contact hitter who has been performing well at the plate.
Jones notes that if Palacios is anything like Jay, then he’ll be a useful player for the Cardinals in the coming weeks as the team closes out what has been a disappointing season.
Palacios, like Jay, could end up being an option as a fourth outfielder for the team in 2024, assuming that there is a path for him going forward.
NEXT: Cardinals Insider Reveals Major Nolan Gorman Update