Cardinals Announce 2026 Hall of Fame Ballot Nominees

Pujols, Molina among players up for induction into Cardinals Hall of Fame

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:30am

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The St. Louis Cardinals have revealed George Hendrick, Brian Jordan, Yadier Molina, and Albert Pujols as the modern players nominated for possible induction into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, presented by Edward Jones. Fans can vote online for the 2026 induction class, which will be announced in May.

Why it matters

The Cardinals Hall of Fame honors the greatest players in franchise history, recognizing their exceptional careers and significant achievements. The inclusion of iconic players like Pujols and Molina on the ballot highlights the team's rich baseball legacy and the lasting impact these athletes have had on the organization and its loyal fanbase.

The details

To be eligible, the nominees must have played for the Cardinals for at least three seasons and be retired as a player from Major League Baseball for at least three years. The eligible pool of players is divided into two categories, including 'modern players' and 'veteran players.' If a player retired more than 40 years prior to the induction year, he is classified as a veteran player.

  • The online voting will run through Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The full 2026 Cardinals Hall of Fame Induction Class will be announced in May 2026.
  • The annual enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The players

George Hendrick

George Hendrick was a strong and steady presence for the Cardinals for seven seasons as an outfielder and first baseman. He topped the team in home runs and RBI and received National League Most Valuable Player Award votes four consecutive years (1980-1983), while batting .300 or better three times. A two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award recipient with St. Louis, Hendrick drove in the winning run in Game 7 of the 1982 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Brian Jordan

Outfielder Brian Jordan finished eighth in National League Most Valuable Player Award voting in 1996 after batting .310 with 36 doubles, 17 home runs, 104 RBI and 22 stolen bases, leading the Cardinals to the NL Central Division championship and their first postseason appearance since 1987. He batted .422 with runners in scoring position that year, a franchise record at the time. In 1998, Jordan set career-highs with a .316 batting average and 25 home runs.

Yadier Molina

Yadier Molina became one of the foremost catchers in baseball history while wearing a Cardinals uniform his entire career. He played 19 seasons, second in franchise longevity, and ranks third all-time with 2,226 games played and 2,168 hits, fourth with 408 doubles, sixth with 1,022 RBI and ninth with 176 home runs. The 10-time All-Star won nine Gold Gloves, four Platinum Gloves and a Silver Slugger Award.

Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols bookended his legendary career with the Cardinals. He was the 2005, 2008 and 2009 National League Most Valuable Player and the 2022 NL Comeback Player of the Year. On the franchise career lists, Pujols ranks second with 469 doubles, 469 home runs, 1,397 RBI and a .614 slugging percentage; third with 1,333 runs; fourth with 2,156 hits; and tied for fifth with a .326 batting average and a .417 on-base percentage.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The full 2026 Cardinals Hall of Fame Induction Class will be announced in May 2026.

The takeaway

The Cardinals Hall of Fame ballot features a star-studded lineup of modern players who left an indelible mark on the franchise, cementing the team's legacy as one of the most storied in baseball history. Fans will have the opportunity to honor these legends and celebrate the Cardinals' rich baseball tradition through the online voting process.