From Pitcher to Picker: “Waino” Talks Music

It didn’t take long for former Major League pitcher Adam Wainwright to find his second act in life. A stalwart for the St. Louis Cardinals, “Waino” compiled an incredible career that includes 200 wins, three All-Star appearances, and two world championships. Originally from Brunswick, Georgia, Wainwright retired in 2023 after nearly two decades in the big leagues. Having accomplished all he wanted to on the baseball field, the 42-year-old set out to tackle another field…country music.  

In two short years, Waino has gone from playing in sold out stadiums to playing the Grand Ole Opry. In an experience he calls “surreal,” Wainwright first played Country music’s most iconic stage in March 2024. He hasn’t slowed down since. “I’m living a crazy life now. I’m having so much fun making the music I’m making,” says the former Silver Slugger. But the sudden shift did not appear out of thin air. “Music has always been just kind of a secondary, fun alternative to keep my mind of off baseball,” states Waino. “You need an outlet sometimes. Music was always an outlet for me.”   

He may be an ex-ball player, but he is anything but a novelty act. In fact, Wainwright immediately impressed Grammy winning songwriter Gary Baker. “He’s not a guy just jumping out of baseball deciding to become a country singer,” says Baker. “He’s a legit artist.” When Baker and Waino were introduced by mutual friends, they soon discovered a mutual love of music. It was Baker who encouraged Wainwright to pursue music professionally and in April of 2024, Baker produced the retired pitcher’s debut album. The project, released by in:ciite Media, is titled Hey Y’all and includes 13 tracks. All songs are written or co-written by Waino.

Wainwright currently splits time between family, announcing ball games, and his immense philanthropic efforts. It is a new chapter in his life and in many ways, the most rewarding. But with positive reviews from his first album and gigs lined up through the end of the year, Waino is gaining traction in Country music. Against all odds, Adam Wainwright has bridged the gap between sports and music. These are his reflections on his monumental new career path.     

“A ‘90s country sound”

When I write a song or come up with an idea. When I hear it in my head, it’s got a ‘90s country sound to it. That’s kind of how I was raised on — you know, I was born in 1981. But I fell in love with country in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. And that part of my life I really just studied that style so much. So, I would say that that’s kind of my style, is ‘90s country.

“I love the preparation”

The Cardinals’ legend is as serious with his music as he was in formulating a game plan with Yadier Molina. “I loved the preparation behind baseball,” says Waino. “I loved getting ready for a game and learning the hitters I was going to face. And in the same way in music, I love the preparation. I love writing and then coming up with cool ideas for a bridge. Or maybe changing the scene here or there and what kind of audience am I going to play to.”

“I love being in front of a crowd”

I’m used to performing. Baseball players are performers at the end of the day. We just go out, we have to put on a good show. I love being in front of a crowd. The bigger the better. I feel more locked in when I play in front of a big crowd, even in music.

“I took pride in giving the fans everything”

Anything I do, I really want to be great at it, to be able to pour enough effort into it to make it legit. I’m glad the timing worked out like it did. I couldn’t have poured enough time in (music) before for it to be legit, and it wouldn’t have been fair to the baseball team. I took pride in giving the fans everything I had.

“Time to Fly”

The average major league baseball career is about three years. Wainwright played 18 years, all with the St. Louis Cardinals. “I have a deep love for the St. Louis Cardinals,” asserts the pitcher turned picker. After winning his final start ever, Wainwright addressed his home crowd. “I love being a St. Louis Cardinal. And I love that I got to play my whole career here.” Three months later, Waino released the single “Time to fly.” It is not only a catchy tune, but a wonderful farewell to his beloved Cardinals Nation.