One of most popular 4th of July celebrations revolves around setting off fireworks. So it only made sense that JJ Wetherholt had an explosive display of his own to showcase on Independence Day.
The former West Virginia Mountaineers star is now a starter with the St. Louis Cardinals, who played the Chicago Cubs on the 4th of July in the middle of a weekend series with the club. The Cardinals would end up bringing home a 3-0 victory to celebrate the holiday, and they had plenty of help from Wetherholt in doing so.
Wetherholt went 3-for-4 at the plate against the Cubs, including blasting a lead-off homer to get the scoring started early for St. Louis. He also recorded one RBI in the win to help account for two-thirds of the scoring in the win.
JJ Wetherholt clubs a first-pitch leadoff home run! 💥 pic.twitter.com/EUJAGhRjqU
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2026
Former WVU baseball star continues to find success in the MLB
Wetherholt earned his first call-up to the major leagues to start the season for the Cardinals, and he has made the most of the opportunity since. He has established himself as a consistent threat at the plate for the Cardinals, recording 86 hits, 36 RBI, 13 home runs this season while batting a .266 average.
He has proven effective both on the bases as well as on the defensive side of the ball – he has nine stolen bases on offense, and has recored 91 putouts and helped turn 41 double plays with just two errors defensively in 83 appearances this season.
West Virginia fans will certainly be excited to continue to watch Wetherholt develop into a top-tier MLB star – and he may eventually be joined by fellow Pittsburgh area native and West Virginia standout Gavin Kelly, who is considered the top 2027 MLB Draft prospect.
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