The way his first season as a Cardinals coach has gone — teammates again with dear friends, a division lead, Albert Pujols' storybook finish to his career, a clear chemistry with manager Oliver Marmol — was better than he imagined.
What could possibly be the encore?
Well, a return for one.
As a sign of their respect for him dating to his playing days, the Cardinals outfitted Schumaker’s contract with option language that would allow him to leave after the first year if the fit or distance was not agreeable. Marmol and the Cardinals want and expect Schumaker to return as bench coach for 2023, at least.