Jason Motte's journey in Major League Baseball is a testament to his adaptability and skill on the mound. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 19th round of the 2003 MLB Draft, Motte began his professional career not as a pitcher, but as a catcher. However, his strong arm and impressive throwing ability caught the attention of the Cardinals' coaching staff, leading to a pivotal transition from behind the plate to the pitcher's mound.
Motte made his MLB debut with the Cardinals on September 3, 2008, quickly establishing himself as a reliable relief pitcher. His fastball, often clocked in the upper 90s, became his signature pitch, and he soon became a fixture in the Cardinals' bullpen. By 2011, Motte had ascended to the role of the team's closer, a position that would define the peak of his career.
The 2011 season was particularly memorable for Motte and the Cardinals. He played a crucial role in the team's postseason success, helping the Cardinals secure their 11th World Series title. Motte's performance in the playoffs was outstanding, as he recorded five saves and maintained a 2.19 ERA over 12.1 innings. His ability to handle high-pressure situations was on full display during the World Series against the Texas Rangers, where he closed out the decisive Game 7, securing the championship for St. Louis.
Following the triumph of 2011, Motte continued to serve as the Cardinals' closer in 2012. He led the National League with 42 saves that season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top closers. However, his career faced a significant challenge in 2013 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire season. This setback tested Motte's resolve, but he returned to the mound in 2014, albeit in a reduced role.
After his tenure with the Cardinals, Motte signed with the Chicago Cubs for the 2015 season. His time with the Cubs was marked by a solid performance, as he contributed to the team's bullpen with a 3.91 ERA over 57 appearances. In 2016, Motte joined the Colorado Rockies, where he continued to provide veteran leadership and experience to the bullpen.
Motte's career also included a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves in 2017. Although his time with the Braves was short-lived, he continued to demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level. Throughout his career, Motte was known not only for his pitching prowess but also for his charitable efforts off the field. He and his wife, Caitlin, established the Jason Motte Foundation, which focuses on providing support for cancer research and those affected by the disease.
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