When Paul Goldschmidt joined the Cardinals before the 2019 season, he came with a strong reputation from his time with the Diamondbacks. Since the Diamondbacks knew they probably wouldn't keep their star first baseman once he hit free agency, they traded the multi-time All-Star and MVP runner-up to the Cardinals. The Cardinals quickly secured his place in their infield by signing him to a significant long-term contract extension.

His early years in St. Louis were productive, though not quite matching fans’ sky-high expectations. He hit 34 home runs with an .821 OPS in his 2019 debut and remained consistent through the unpredictable, pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Goldschmidt’s peak in Missouri was firmly established in 2021. Partnering with Nolan Arenado to create a top-tier corner-infield duo, he led a powerful September run that helped the Cardinals set a franchise record with 17 straight wins and secure a postseason spot. That season, he ended with 31 home runs, 99 RBIs, and a strong .514 slugging percentage, showcasing his versatile skills and earning a sixth-place finish in MVP voting.

That momentum surged wonderfully into a historic high in 2022. During a fantastic summer where he proved himself beyond doubt, Goldschmidt finally earned the National League MVP award that had previously slipped away in Arizona. For much of that summer, he was close to achieving a Triple Crown, impressively challenging National League pitchers with his well-rounded hitting approach. He finished the season with a remarkable .317/.404/578 slash line, leaving a significant mark on the league leaderboard by leading in slugging percentage, OPS (.981), and a solid 177 OPS+. Highlights included a thrilling walk-off grand slam in May that captured his clutch performance that summer, along with a Silver Slugger award and a spot on the All-MLB First Team. It truly was the peak achievement of his amazing time with the Cardinals.

His decline was rapid. In 2023, his performance dipped to 25 home runs and an .810 OPS, the first time in nearly ten years he didn't receive an MVP vote. The trend worsened in 2024 as aging affected his game, reducing his stats to 22 homers and a bWAR below 2.0. When his contract ended that winter, he chose to bring his veteran experience to the American League, signing with the New York Yankees as a free agent.

While his six years in Missouri showed signs of aging, Goldschmidt’s impact on modern Cardinals remains undeniable. He provided a superstar anchor, leaving with 874 hits, 153 home runs, and a major individual award.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out, and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 San Francisco Giants.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in Major League Baseball.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Giants failed to make the playoffs, and as this team is over a century old, it takes a lot to break into this list.  Nobody did in 2023, and there were no changes, but we always want to acknowledge that we took the last season into consideration.

As always, we present our top five, which (obviously) saw no changes:

1. Willie Mays

2. Barry Bonds

3. Christy Mathewson

4. Mel Ott

5. Carl Hubbell

You can find the entire list here.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out, and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 San Diego Padres.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in Major League Baseball.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Padres were considered to be World Series contenders, but they failed even to make the playoffs while barely having a winning record.  Nevertheless, there were three elevations and two new entrants to the list.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:

1. Tony Gwynn

2. Trevor Hoffman

3. Jake Peavy

4. Dave Winfield

5. Randy Jones

You can find the entire list here.

Manny Machado, had a modest jump from #9 to #7.

Fernando Tatis Jr., who won his first Gold Glove last year, rocketed to #10 from #20.

Jake Cronenworth also rose, climbing to #34 from #39.

Making the list were reigning Cy Young winner, Blake Snell, who enters at #40, and current New York Yankee Outfielder, Trent Grisham, who debuts at #47.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steelers Nation lost a great one as former Outside Linebacker, Andy Russell, died at the age of 82.

Drafted in the 16^th Round in 1963, Russell played for Pittsburgh as a rookie, but was absent over the next two seasons due to ROTC commitments.  Russell resumed as their starting Right Linebacker, and went to his first Pro Bowl in 1968, and began a six-year streak of Pro Bowls in 1970.  The oldest member of the Steel Curtain, Russell helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls (IX & X)

Russell retired with 18 Interceptions and 38 Sacks and is a member of the Steelers All-Time Team and Hall of Honor.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to extend our condolences to the fans, friends and family of Andy Russell.