Dexter Fowler is going to have a bunch of old friends on hand for his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.
The rivalry between the Cardinals and Chicago Cubs begins a new chapter in prime time on Sunday. The Cubs are the new kings of baseball, coming off their first World Series title since 1908, while the Cardinals are trying to return to the playoffs after missing the party last year.
That would be more than enough for an intriguing opening day, but then there’s Fowler playing his first game in St. Louis since he signed an $82.5 million, five-year contract from the Cardinals during free agency. First up is his old team, the same one he helped to a historic championship in November.
“Playing against the Cubs is gonna be bittersweet. Obviously the last game I played was with them,” Fowler said. “(But) I’m excited to be in St. Louis and get started on this side.”
Fowler spent two successful years in Chicago, drawing praise for his presence in the clubhouse and his solid all-around play on the field. The Cubs won 97 games and made it to the NL Championship Series in his first year with the team, and then won the franchise’s third World Series championship in November.