Holliday happy to cap Cards career with big moments

ST. LOUIS — The standing ovation, the improbable home run, the reception from his teammates, it all brought veteran outfielder Matt Holliday to tears on Friday. A day later, he described it all as “an out-of-body experience” and a storybook end to his seven-plus seasons in St. Louis.

“I don’t even remember rounding the bases,” Holliday added. “It felt like something that God gave me, a moment that was surreal.”

As it turned out, however, it wasn’t exactly the end. Though Holliday said Saturday morning that he would “prefer that to be his last at-bat,” manager Mike Matheny summoned him in a critical spot later that afternoon. And Holliday delivered again, poking an RBI single to right field in the sixth inning. The Cardinals scored three in the frame to tie the game. Holliday received another standing ovation as he left for a pinch-runner, as fans realize their opportunities to recognize the outfielder are winding down. The Cards have already informed Holliday that they do not plan to exercise his $17 million club option.

It will not, however, put a bow tie on his career. The 13-year veteran said on Saturday that he intends to play somewhere next season.

“I’m going to keep playing, for sure,” Holliday said. “I have a lot of good baseball left in me. It’s a huge unknown right now as far as what’s going to happen, but I’m excited. Physically, I felt great until, …

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