Ross Friedrick lived in St. Louis from kindergarten to the fifth grade and went to Busch Stadium often. His favorite players were Albert Pujols, Matt Carpenter and Yadier Molina. He has a framed autographed Yadier Molina jersey hanging in his room.
“I grew up around Busch Stadium and I grew up going to games,” said Friedrick. “It’s such a surreal feeling to actually sign with the Cardinals and get going with my professional career.”
The Cardinals showed interest in Friedrick, who hit a record 17 home runs, batted .368 with 59 RBI for the Patriot League champion Black Knights this season, about “a month of two ago,” he said
Friedrick commissioned as a field artillery officer upon graduating from West Point in May with a degree in systems and decision sciences. His active duty has been delayed to pursue his baseball dream.
“For it to work out with the Cardinals, it’s awesome,” said Friedrick, who is 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. “It’s a dream come true. I’m blessed the Army and West Point are allowing me to defer my service to continue my professional career.”
Friedrick built himself into one of the Patriot League’s most productive players. He played catcher in his first Army game during the 2020 COVID-shortened season. He worked his way into Army’s starting lineup as a first baseman his sophomore year. He was named the most valuable player of the 2021 Patriot League tournament.
In the 2023 season, he set a new program record for home runs in a single season (17), while the team set a new program record for team home runs in a single season (74). Friedrick finished the season leading the Patriot League in home runs (17) and was third in the league in batting average (.368), slugging percentage (.658), OPS (1.101), and runs scored (58).
During his time at West Point, he has helped the Black Knights clinch five consecutive Patriot League Championship titles and five straight NCAA Tournament Regional appearances.
He’s likely to start his pro career with the Cardinals’ Florida Complex (Rookie) League team in Jupiter.
Mick Lite served for 12 years in the military and is now an entrepreneur and photographer. Has worked as the official scorer and social media manager for the River City Rascals, Statistician for the Missouri Monsters and St. Louis Attack arena football teams, and as the Team Photographer and social media consultant for the St. Charles Chill, SLU Hockey, St. Louis Slam, and Gateway Grizzlies.
