23. Jim Edmonds

When the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Jim Edmonds from the Anaheim Angels in March 2000, they anticipated receiving a highly dynamic, gold-standard defensive center fielder. What they ultimately obtained was an exceptional, middle-of-the-order force of nature who demonstrated the peak of his professional career, ultimately securing a title. From the instant he took the field at Busch Stadium, "Jimmy Baseball" engaged the local fan base with his remarkable outfield prowess and complemented it with a formidable, left-handed batting stroke, establishing himself as one of the most formidable and analytically esteemed players of the modern era.

Edmonds’ eight-season tenure in St. Louis exemplified excellence in high-efficiency run production. Although he was widely acclaimed for his spectacular, gravity-defying diving catches that earned him six consecutive Gold Glove Awards while with the Redbirds, his offensive contributions were equally impressive. He utilized a dynamic and smoothly fluid swing to hit 241 home runs as a Cardinal, surpassing the 30-homer mark in four separate seasons. Not merely a power hitter, Edmonds also demonstrated an exceptional eye at the plate, drawing walks at an elite rate to sustain a remarkable .393 on-base percentage during his time with the team.

His individual brilliance reached an absolute pinnacle during the renowned 2004 season, a summer when he was a key figure in the formidable "MV3" lineup alongside Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen. Edmonds excelled against National League pitching, posting a .301 batting average, while achieving a career-high of 42 home runs and driving in 111 runs. He was honored with a Silver Slugger Award and placed fifth in the National League Most Valuable Player voting. Edmonds' legacy is permanently enshrined through his crucial postseason performances, most notably his dramatic walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game 6 in the 2004 National League Championship Series, which prevented elimination and compelled a decisive Game 7.

That high-leverage execution culminated beautifully during the historic 2006 season. Although persistent shoulder and abdominal injuries began to diminish his daily contributions, Edmonds offered invaluable veteran composure and exceptional defense throughout October. He anchored the lineup, assisting Manager Tony La Russa's team in securing the World Series championship over the Detroit Tigers. Edmonds participated in one final summer season in St. Louis in 2007 before concluding his distinguished Major League career with brief tenures with the Padres, Cubs, Brewers, and Reds.

With the Cardinals, Edmonds compiled 905 hits, 190 doubles, and a spectacular .285/.393/.555 slash line. He was inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014 as part of their first Hall of Class when the fans selected him.