Adam Parrish Wainwright (born August 30, 1981) is a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was drafted 29th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2000 amateur draft. He made his major league debut for the St. Louis Cardinals on September 11, 2005 against the New York Mets. He was born in Charlotte, N.C.

2010 was Wainwright’s best season to date. He finished the season 20–11 with a 2.42 ERA, 5 complete games, 213 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.05, all a career best. His 20 wins and 2.42 ERA were both good for second place in the National League (only Josh Johnson had a better ERA, while Roy Halladay had 21 wins). He also pitched two shutouts this season, the first two of his career. His first was against the Brewers on June 4 and the other against the Marlins on August 6.

Wainwright pitched in his first All Star Game. He faced 5 batters, throwing 17 pitches, 10 strikes and 7 balls. He allowed no runs, while giving up 1 hit, a double off the glove of fellow Cardinal's teammate Matt Holliday, and had 1 walk with 2 strikeouts.

Wainwright was the runner-up for the 2010 NL Cy Young Award, finishing second in voting behind unanimous winner Roy Halladay.

Career highlights and achievements

• Winner of both the 2006 and the 2011 World Series with St. Louis


• All Star Selection in 2012


• 2009 Gold Glove Award Winner


• 2009 Most Outstanding NL Pitcher (Players Choice Award)


• 2010 Runner Up Cy Young Award


• Hit Home Run on first pitch of first Major League at-bat (May 24, 2006)