It’s been nearly a year since Adam Wainwright threw his last MLB pitch, and he’s still getting retirement gifts.
On Thursday, he received one of his best gifts from Chicago Cubs All-Star Ian Happ. The gift was so good that Wainwright posted a video of it on X (formerly Twitter).
The 42-year-old former star player faced the Cubs often during his 18-year MLB career (all with the St. Louis Cardinals), but often struggled against Happ, who had him under control. In 39 at-bats against Wainwright, Happ hit .389/.436/1.056 with seven home runs – the most long balls Wainwright allowed to a player in his career.
Few opponents were sadder about Wainwright’s retirement than Happ, who showed his appreciation for Wainwright by sending him an incredible retirement gift.
One of the best retirement gifts ever just arrived in the mail. Courtesy of someone I never expected it from! @Boy @eddievedder #ianhappstillknocksoneoutofthepark pic.twitter.com/ay4u8Z9RFS
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) 8 August 2024
According to Wainwright’s video, he was surprised to find a package with the Cubs logo on it on his doorstep. The package contained a handwritten note from Happ that ended with the lines, “Eddie and I thought this would be a great retirement challenge.”
Inside, Wainwright discovered yet another handwritten letter, this time from legendary musician (and notorious Cubs fan) Eddie Vedder – the pitcher’s favorite rock star. He congratulated the three-time All-Star on his retirement and said he wished Wainwright had played for Chicago.
The letters were just the tip of the iceberg. Inside was a songbook (Eddie Vedder Ukulele Songs) and a brand new Kamaka ukulele, signed by the Pearl Jam legend himself.
Wainwright was overjoyed, saying Vedder made him “a Cubs fan for a few minutes.” He thanked Happ and Vedder for the incredible gesture, calling it “a very special gift.”
Now that Wainwright is retired, he has plenty of time to perfect his ukulele playing, and from his reaction, it’s clear that Happ’s retirement gift was a hit.
