In what could have been his last at bat wearing the Birds-On-The-Bat in St. Louis, Matt Holliday walked to the batters box Friday night at Busch Stadium with a broken thumb. It was several hours after being activated from the disabled list, his first at bat since Aug. 11.Earlier in the day, it was reported the Cardinals would not be picking up Holliday's option for 2017.Fighting off tears, No. 7 reached a two-strike count and Steven Montez Jersey did something magical: he hit his 20th home run in the seventh inning of a game the Cardinals won 7-0, in his seventh full season in St. Louis. is how you say goodbye. MLB (@MLB) MORE: Too much? Baseball poetry can be a little over-dramatic or romanticized, but that's part of the fun.The voice of the St. Louis Cardinals on Fox Sports Midwest, Dan McLaughlin, was on the call for Holliday's improbable and equally memorable home run.It was one of those moments that you'll never forget, McLaughlin said. He goes from a player that you may never, ever see in a game again representing the Cardinals to a storybook moment. He had tears before, during and after the at bat. It was surreal.The next day, Jameson Williams Jersey Holliday appeared in a pinch hitting role yet again. This time he singled with an opposite field flare.Both pinch hits resulted in runs, both opposite field and both befitting a one-time batting champ and seven-time All Star who went from quietly fitting in when he joined the team in July 2009 to being a pillar of leadership and production, on and off the field. (Baseball nerd note: Holliday should have an MVP on his resume. See Jimmy Rollins, 2007.)On Sunday, Game No. 162 of the season, Holliday didn't hit but he did enter the field.MORE: In the 9thinning, he took one final tour of left field to a standing ovation of more than 40,000 appreciative fans.The appreciation for Holliday in St. Louis is one that is both profe sional and personal.His greatest impact is what he meant off the field, said McLaughlin. He was a great leader for young players. His impact is felt by so many through the awarene s and money he raised for countle s charities. He was truly a giving man.The relationship between St. Louis Cardinals fan and player is a deep one rooted in history by simple default. When the player has seven plus seasons of succe s, you're family.That's why I think emotions were so high this weekend. He was part of a great run, but also, the impact he made on so many in the community.Holliday's run with the Cardinals is likely over, but that impact won't be forgotten. What does that impact look like?(Photo courtesy of Joe Mazzola)Holliday is great friends with Josiah Viera. Viera suffers from Progeria Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that causes aging at a young age. Although Viera is 12 years old right now, doctors estimate his body is about 110. He Dan Campbell Jersey weighs 20 pounds.Holliday invited Viera to various Cardinals spring trainings, Winter Warm Up festivals and regular season games at Busch Stadium.During one spring training, Holliday served as permanent pitcher in a pickup game for Josiah. Another day, Holliday and Josiah talked in the batting cage about the game they both love. Holliday is Viera's favorite player, of course.(Photo courtesy of Joe Mazzola)The photos are courtesy of Joe Mazzola, who has worked on the video side of Cardinals baseball for four decades. He says Holliday is the example of the man who appreciates the journey and gives back along the way.If it wasn't Josiah KhaDarel Hodge Jersey Viera, it was visiting fans in the hospital.Matt Herndon, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, shared a story on social media saying he will be forever grateful for the time Matt Holliday gave:During some of our family's darkest days, Matt Holliday spent time with us at the hospital chatting about life, family, faith and baseball We'll never forget Matt's shy sincerity and humble spirit. He's a wonderful example of what profe sional athletes can do in the world whatever community in which he spends the twilight of his career swinging his ma sive bat will be better for it.Holliday is the embodiment of the athlete using his platform to make the world a better place that legacy is greater than currency.His last two hits with the Cardinals were symbolic of his style, which will never be confused with graceful. He took two ma sive tomahawk chop swings, one resulting in an opposite-field blast and another an opposite-field duck-snort.And yet he lives as a gentleman with grace off the field. Holliday's power transcends the game.On a day when Major League Baseball said farewell to broadcasting icons Vin Scully and Dick Enberg and the David Ortiz retirement tour continued, Holliday quietly had his swan song in baseball's heartland. It's not Scott Daly Jersey the end of the road for him, just the likely end of some great chapters in St. Louis.What started off as a somewhat rocky relationship soon became one of mutual affection, admiration and love.Said an emotional Holliday following Game No. 162, his 1,043rd game wearing the Birds-on-the-Bat:I just really appreciate it. I've given everything I've had. It does feel good for people to appreciate who I am.Matt Holliday: "I just really appreciate it. I've given everything I had. It does feel good for people to appreciate who I am." Benjamin Boyd (@BenBoydKMOX) Legacy Currency.Pat Imig is a featured host of We Are Live! On 590 The Fan in St. Louis. He's thinks Gary Vaynerchuk would approve this story. Email him at