This year’s postseason has seen some fantastic moments, such as the timely hitting of the Milwaukee Brewers, the great pitching of the Detroit Tigers and the offense of the Texas Rangers.

But for the Iona community, we have seen one of our own become a star in this postseason.

Iona alumnus Jason Motte has starred for the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the Redbirds get into the World Series with a strikeout of Mark Kotsay of the Brewers to clinch the National League pennant.

From 1999 until 2003, Motte was a catcher for Iona, but never pitched.  Motte was a second-team All-MAAC selection for 2002 and 2003.

In the 19th round of the 2003 draft, the Cardinals drafted Motte. After three years in the minors, Motte injured his non-throwing hand, which led to the Cardinals deciding to convert Motte into a pitcher.

Motte went on to dominate minor league batters and in 2008, he became the fourth Iona baseball player to play in the major leagues when the Cardinals called him up for the September stretch run.

Since his call up, Motte has stayed with the Cardinals, pitching in 215 games in the process.

This September, Motte gained the closer role and has since shone for St. Louis on their  postseason run.