St. Louis Cardinals: Stephen Piscotty trade bigger than baseball

It was more than business as usual when the St. Louis Cardinals traded Stephen Piscotty to the Oakland Athletics…

When the St. Louis Cardinals traded outfielder Stephen Piscotty to the Oakland Athletics, it seemed, on the surface, that they were only clearing room for Marcell Ozuna.

Now that may be part of the reason for the move, but, come to find out there is more to it that’s on the surface.

Mo: “Stephen so enjoyed his time with the Cardinals. He embraced so many of the things that we hope our young players will embrace in our organization.”

The St. Louis Cardinals shipped Stephen Piscotty closer to home, to Oakland, a man dealing with a personal tragedy that is bigger than the game of MLB itself.

Piscotty’s mother is diagnosed with ALS — Lou Gehrig‘s disease — which no doubt took its toll on his 2017 season, where he struggled to say the least.

President of Baseball Operations for the St. Louis Cardinals, John Mozeliak opened up about the transaction, revealing his intentions on trading Piscotty to the Oakland Athletics.

"“We could have moved him in several different directions. But… We wanted to get him as close to home as possible.”"

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Mozeliak even put his money where his mouth was, promoting the Ice Bucket challenge, one that provides awareness for the terrible disease.

“I’ve actually done the Ice Bucket Challenge twice. Did it most recently at an ALS event in St. Louis.”

Living in the bay area, Piscotty’s mother Gretchen is now permanently in a wheelchair, so having her son closer to home will no doubtingly put a smile on her face during these incredibly challenging times.

Piscotty played college baseball at Stanford and is from Pleasanton, CA, located in Northern California.

The Oakland Athletics are getting a good one, not just on the diamond, but off the field as well.

Next: Mr. Padre’s legend and legacy in San Diego

Stephen Piscotty was always a class act while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. Whenever he returns to the Arch City, this time in the opposing team’s dugout, he will receive a massive ovation, one which only the St. Louis faithful can provide.