The St. Louis Cardinals may have had a rough day on Wednesday, but Lars Nootbaar continues to be one of the brightest sparks in the lineup. Indeed, he just etched his name into Major League Baseball history in the process.
With a leadoff walk against Atlanta, Nootbaar tied a 50-year-old MLB record with his eighth of the season. He matched a mark set by Davy Lopes back in 1975, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“Nootbaar has 8 leadoff walks in Cardinals’ first 25 games to match Davy Lopes’ record for most leadoff BB in 1st month,” Goold reported. “And he’s got six more games to break it.”
Let’s go!
It might be one of those quirky, under-the-radar records, but it speaks volumes about what Nootbaar brings to the top of the lineup—patience, discipline, and energy. And don’t let that .239 batting average fool you— because he’s getting on base at a .381 clip and making things happen.
Through 24 games this season, Nootbaar is slashing .239/.381/.402 with 4 home runs, 14 RBIs, 20 walks, 3 stolen bases, and 14 runs scored. Whether it’s working deep counts, driving the ball to the gaps, or applying pressure with his legs, he’s doing exactly what you want from a leadoff hitter.
Lars Nootbaar does it with style.
On a team that’s had its share of ups and downs early in 2025, Nootbaar has quietly been one of the most consistent and valuable players. Thus, he sets the tone every time he steps to the plate. Furthermore he’s just one walk away from standing alone in the MLB record books.
If you’re a Cardinals fan looking for a reason to get excited, then start with No. 21. Lars Nootbaar is doing all the little things—as well as making a big impact.
But is Lars headed to the Braves?
On a side note, it appears he’s a huge Ichiro Suzuki fan. Lars received this signed jersey from the hit machine after the two met recently:
