PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Talk about a loaded ballot.
The Cardinals announced Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Brian Jordan and George Hendrick as the modern players nominated for possible induction into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, presented by Edward Jones.
“It’s a really good list,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday.
Fans can view the 2026 Cardinals Hall of Fame ballot and cast their selection now through April 17 at cardinals.com/HOF.
Pujols played the first 11 seasons of his career in St. Louis, winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award three times (2005, '08, '09) while helping guide the Cardinals to a pair of World Series titles ('06, '11) and another NL pennant ('04). He ranks second in club history in home runs (469), RBIs (1,397), doubles (469) and slugging percentage (.614), third in runs (1,333), fourth in hits (2,156), tied for fifth in batting average (.326) and tied for third in on-base percentage (.417). Pujols, a 10-time NL All-Star who won two Gold Gloves and six Silver Sluggers, returned to the Cardinals in 2022 to finish his career.
“When Albert and Yadi retired together a few years ago, I remember thinking that it would be quite an event if they ended up getting into our Hall of Fame in the same year,” Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III told MLB.com. “Obviously, the fan vote needs to happen, but it is great to see them both on the ballot, and we are thankful that the fans have really embraced the tradition we have created with the red jackets and the annual induction weekend. This year promises to be one of the most historic ceremonies since we started the program.”
Molina was also an integral piece of those World Series championship teams in 2006 and '11, as well as the '04 and '13 NL pennant winners, setting franchise records for postseason hits (102) and games played (104). The 10-time All-Star catcher played his entire 19-year career (2004-22) with the Cardinals, earning nine Gold Gloves, four Platinum Gloves and a Silver Slugger Award. Molina ranks third in club history in games played (2,226) and hits (2,168), fourth in doubles (408), sixth in RBIs (1,022) and ninth in home runs (176).
Hendrick played seven seasons (1978-84) for the Cardinals at first base and in the outfield, leading the team in home runs and RBIs while receiving NL MVP votes in each year from 1980-83. Nicknamed “Silent George,” Hendrick -- a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award-winner with the Cardinals -- ranks ninth in club history with 62 game-winning RBIs (since 1980), none more important than his go-ahead RBI hit against the Brewers in Game 7 of the 1982 World Series. He also served as St. Louis’ hitting coach in '96 and '97.
Jordan played seven seasons (1992-98) with the Cardinals, his best season coming in '96, when he hit .310 with 17 home runs, 104 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and 36 doubles, leading the club to the NL Central title and its first postseason appearance since 1987. Jordan, who finished eighth in NL MVP voting that season, batted .422 with runners in scoring position, setting a franchise record at the time. Jordan set career-highs in 1998 with a .316 average and 25 homers.
To be eligible, nominees must have played for the Cardinals for at least three seasons and have been retired as a player for at least three years. The eligible pool is divided into two categories: modern players and veteran players, the latter of which includes players who have been retired for more than 40 years.
The full 2026 Cardinals Hall of Fame Induction Class will be announced in May with the annual enshrinement ceremony scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 12.
All 58 members are permanently enshrined in the Cardinals Hall of Fame Gallery presented by Edward Jones, located on the second floor of Cardinals Nation in Ballpark Village just outside the entrance to the team’s museum. The Hall of Fame Gallery is free and open to the public. A full list of Cardinals Hall of Famers can be found at cardinals.com/HOF.