ROUND ROCK, Texas — After 11 seasons, three All-Star games and a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, Matt Carpenter is trying to write one last chapter in his storied big league career.
“Come out here and sweat in the Texas summer. It’s something I’ve done my whole life,” Carpenter said. “To do it as a professional is pretty much a dream come true. I’ve been super fortunate in how it has all worked out. Enjoyed every minute of it. I have my days when I feel old. I feel young today.”
At 36 years old, and with the Texas Rangers’ AAA affiliate, the Round Rock Express, the Galveston native and Texas Christian University graduate is enjoying his long-awaited homecoming. Although, he’s a bit more seasoned now than he was when he won two state titles at Dell Diamond for Elkins High School.
“My dad was the coach. Thirteen years later he coached [teammate] Steele Walker’s team,” Carpenter said. “He had a really good career. He’s retired now.”
On May 1, the versatile infielder chose not to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract and instead is opting in to this entirely new experience. It’s an opportunity first-year manager Matt Hagen says could lead back to the show as a player or possibly as a coach.
“The opportunity is very real,” Hagen said. “You see him on the side or the cage having conversations with guys and I wish I could hear all of them because there’s so much wisdom to glean.”
It’s a full circle finish for this true baseball lifer, where deep in the heart of Texas, he’s showing the stars of tomorrow what it means to play for the love of the game.
“It has been a wild ride, but it has been a fun one,” Carpenter said.