Matt Adams Number Retirement Speech | Photo Gallery
 
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Former Slippery Rock University baseball standout, and current St. Louis Cardinals first baseman, Matt Adams had his college jersey retired Saturday evening in a private ceremony on the campus of Slippery Rock University.
 
The evening included a social hour and reception sponsored by DuraEdge followed by a formal dinner and retirement ceremony sponsored by Shaw Sports Turf.
 
Slippery Rock baseball coach Jeff Messer, president Cheryl Norton and St. Louis Cardinals Regional Scout Brian Hopkins, who played a key role in the Cardinals' drafting of Adams in 2009, as well as other special guests were in attendance for the retirement of Adams' No. 25 Slippery Rock jersey.
 
Adams starred at Slippery Rock from 2007-09, appearing in 137 games and batting .454 with 133 runs scored, 27 home runs and 148 RBI. Adams, who led The Rock to a record of 96-55 during his tenure, is SRU's all-time leader in batting average, slugging percentage (.746) and on-base percentage (525).
 
In his collegiate career, Adams was a three-time first team All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference selection, the 2007 PSAC-West Rookie of the Year, the 2009 PSAC-West Player of the Year and a three-time All-America selection.
 
After being drafted by the Cardinals with the 699^th pick of the 23^rd round in the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, Adams spent parts of three seasons in the Cardinals' minor league system before being called up to the major league roster in 2012.
 
Since joining the Cardinals, Adams has played in 277 games over three seasons, hitting 34 home runs to go with 132 RBI, a .283 batting average and a .788 OPS. As a major leaguer, Adams has helped the Cardinals to two Central Division championships, one National League Pennant and was a starter in the 2013 World Series.
 
Adams is the first Slippery Rock baseball player to have his jersey retired.