Is it the St. Louis Cardinals or the St. Louis Mountaineers? West Virginia baseball fans might opt for the latter, as they have to love the impact of a couple of former WVUI stars who are thriving inside the Cardinals organization.
Victor Scott II and JJ Wetherholt spent one season (2022) together in Morgantown, and now they are both in the Cardinals organization. Scott II has been the everyday starting centerfielder for the Cardinals since MLB Opening Day in 2025, while Wetherholt has been making some noise playing for the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Victor Scott II: A new week, a new highlight catch in the outfield
Scott II is making a name for himself in the MLB for his excellent defensive abilities. And this season, Scott II has shown some major flashes at the plate in his first full season in the big leagues. Earlier this month, the Cardinals centerfielder was highlighted in the national media for his sensational catch, robbing superstar Juan Soto of a home run.
Well, the former Mountaineer is back at it. Making another spectacular catch during the Cardinals’ game last Thursday, Scott didn't quite rob a home run this time like he did earlier this month, but still pulled off a remarkable defensive play.
Centerfield wall hates to see Victor Scott II comin’ pic.twitter.com/asa06ISxuY
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 18, 2025
For Cardinals and Mountaineer baseball fans, it seems like almost every time you turn on the TV, Scott II is making a spectacular play in the field, or maybe even slugging the ball around the field.
It is been well known by now that Scott II brings elite speed and a phenomenal glove to the starting lineup. But in addition to his game-changing play on defense, he is having a breakout year at the plate. In late April, Scott II even appeared on MLB Network to discuss his swing and mental approach. That has led to a much-improved year this season compared to his 2024 season. The left-handed hitter has posted a .275/.349/.383 slash line so far in 2025, adding 18 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Cardinals' top prospect smashes home runs in back-to-back games
With the 7th overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals selected WVU baseball legend JJ Wetherholt.
In his first season with the Double-A team, Wetherholt has turned some heads already. Through his first 30 games in Double-A, the Mars, Pennsylvania, native is batting close to .300 (.295) while displaying some of his power from the shortstop position.
Showcasing his ability to drive the ball, Wetherholt managed to clear the fences in back-to-back games. Beginning with a blast last Saturday, the Springfield Cardinals’ shortstop sent one out to right field on a solo shot. It would tie the game at 3-3 a piece in the eighth inning.
A day later, Wetherholt smashed a ball that left the park in right field for a two-run home run as the Springfield Cardinals’ second hitter of the game.
JJ Wetherholt ties the game with a looooooong solo shot to right. pic.twitter.com/AD0QW6gJRO
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 18, 2025
YESSIR! JJ Wetherholt crushes a two-run shot to right. For the first time in his career, Wetherholt has homered in back-to-back games. pic.twitter.com/H29hf3O68I
— Springfield Cardinals (@Sgf_Cardinals) May 18, 2025
After Sunday’s blast, Wetherholt climbed to three home runs on the season.
If Wetherholt can continue to make a lot of noise in Double-A, Mountaineer fans are hoping to see the two former WVU baseball players reunited on the Cardinals' man roster.which would create an amazing moment for both Scott II and Wetherholt, as well as WVU fans.