ARLINGTON, Texas — Returning to familiar territory, Ryan Vilade made his season debut with the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend — and did so in front of a home-state crowd.
A native of Frisco, Texas, Vilade grew up immersed in baseball culture as the son of a former Texas Rangers minor league coach, often attending games at the Rangers’ old stadium. However, until now, he hadn’t set foot in their new ballpark, which opened in 2020.
That changed on Sunday when the 26-year-old outfielder was officially added to the Cardinals’ active roster after being promoted from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday. The moment held personal significance.
“It was really special to be back in Texas and get to play in front of so many friends and family,” Vilade said. “I’m a hometown kid — this is where I grew up. It means a lot.”
The Cardinals selected Vilade’s contract after placing Jordan Walker on the 10-day injured list due to wrist inflammation. Vilade, who once served as a bat boy for the Frisco RoughRiders while his father coached there, wasn’t able to make it in time for Saturday’s game but arrived that night from Durham, North Carolina, where Memphis had been playing a road series.
Now back in the majors and on familiar turf, Vilade’s return adds a personal storyline to his latest stint with the Cardinals.
