In a powerful gesture of remembrance and respect, St. Louis Cardinals owner William DeWitt Jr. has announced plans to honor the legendary late pitcher Bob Forsch with a $16 million bronze statue—one of the most ambitious tributes in MLB history. The statue will stand just outside Busch Stadium as an everlasting symbol of Forsch’s enduring legacy, both on and off the mound.

The announcement comes more than a decade after Forsch’s passing in 2011, but his memory still burns brightly in the heart of Cardinals Nation. With 16 seasons wearing the Birds on the Bat across his chest, Forsch was more than just a player—he was a pillar of Cardinals history, a model of consistency, and a beloved figure in the clubhouse.

A Pitcher, A Leader, A Legend

Bob Forsch was a rarity in modern baseball—a player who spent nearly his entire career with one franchise, becoming the third-winningest pitcher in Cardinals history with 163 victories. He was the only pitcher in club history to throw two no-hitters, accomplishing the feat in 1978 and again in 1983.

But beyond the numbers, it was Forsch’s demeanor—calm, steady, and quietly fierce—that made him a fan favorite. He wasn’t flashy, but he was formidable. He wasn’t loud, but he was loyal. And through 16 seasons, he helped define an era of Cardinals baseball that still echoes through the hallways of Busch Stadium.

“Bob Forsch was everything we want a Cardinal to be,” said DeWitt. “This statue isn’t just for his wins—it’s for the way he carried himself, the legacy he left behind, and the bond he forged with generations of fans.”

$16 Million for 16 Seasons

In a symbolic nod to Forsch’s 16 years with the team, the Cardinals will dedicate $16 million to the project, which will be privately funded through a mix of team revenue and contributions from longtime fans, former players, and Cardinals alumni.

The statue, already in early design phases, is expected to show Forsch in mid-windup—focused, intense, and poised to deliver one of the countless pitches that made him a legend. Surrounding the statue will be a low marble wall etched with quotes, stats, and tributes from teammates, fans, and family.

“We didn’t want to build just another statue,” said DeWitt. “We wanted a landmark. Something that would stop fans in their tracks and remind them of the greatness that walked these fields.”

A Family’s Emotional Reaction

Forsch’s family, who were present at the emotional announcement, expressed both gratitude and disbelief.

“It’s hard to put into words,” said Bob’s daughter, Amy. “My father loved this city, loved this team. To know that he’ll forever stand outside Busch Stadium—where he spent so many years—is the greatest honor we could imagine.”

His widow, Janice Forsch, added: “Bob was never about glory. But I know he’d be deeply moved by this. The Cardinals were home to him.”

Fans Rejoice: “Long Overdue”

The news sparked an outpouring of love on social media. Longtime fans flooded Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit with memories of watching Forsch pitch, stories of meeting him at fan events, and old photos from the 1970s and 80s.

“Every time I saw Forsch pitch, I knew we had a chance to win,” one fan posted. “He was a warrior on the mound. This statue? Long overdue.”

Others pointed out that Forsch’s statue adds balance to a Cardinals landscape dominated by hitters and managers.

“It’s about time our pitchers got some love,” said another fan. “Forsch earned this with every pitch he threw for this city.”

More Than a Tribute—A New Symbol

When completed in 2026, the statue is expected to become one of the most iconic structures in Cardinals history—joining the ranks of legends like Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst, and Lou Brock. But unlike those enshrined for their offensive heroics, Bob Forsch’s statue will stand as a tribute to grit, durability, and team-first excellence.

“We talk a lot about championships, numbers, and trophies,” said Cardinals historian Ron Waterman. “But sometimes, legacy is about showing up—year after year, pitch after pitch, with everything you’ve got. That’s who Bob Forsch was.”

A Legacy That Will Never Fade

In a game that often forgets yesterday’s heroes, the Cardinals are making sure Bob Forsch’s name, face, and spirit will never fade from the heart of St. Louis.

His story—of loyalty, perseverance, and quiet greatness—will soon be cast in bronze and lit by stadium lights for generations to see.

And every time a young fan walks past that statue, one thing will be clear: in St. Louis, legends aren’t just remembered—they’re immortalized.