Isn’t there a certain irony to Adam Wainwright finding out the full extent of his Achilles’ injury today, which is Chris Carpenter’s 40th birthday?

Maybe it’s just me — I could likely find a way to connect Chris Carpenter to anything Cardinals’ related, or would at least be up for that challenge — but it certainly seems coincidental. Because another likely lost-season for today’s ace becomes yet another thing Wainwright has in common with the previous ace/2011 postseason hero/2005 Cy Young Award winner/all-around BAMF, who missed the entire 2003 season, made one start in 2007, four in 2008, three in 2012 and tried his damnedest to come back in 2013 until he couldn’t try anymore.

Oh, for what might have been for both of them without their injuries …

Okay, enough sadness. Unless Chris is upset about turning 40. Although if he is, it’s probably more this kind of intensity that we used to love seeing from him. (“I’m 40 now? S—! F—!”)

In that respect, let us honor the warrior that he was during his playing days — and marvel at the fact that two Cardinal Hall of Famers also were born on April 27.

Born on April 27, 1896? The Rajah, Rogers Hornsby.

Born on April 27, 1916? Enos “Country” Slaughter.

And, obviously, born on April 27, 1975? Christopher John Carpenter.

Read more about all three, from an April 2011 perspective, in this post I wrote for Baseball Digest four years ago today.

If you’d rather just look at some pictures of the now-40-year-old (especially if you are female), there’s this AMF post from three years ago today that may cheer you up about Waino. Or at least make an attempt. Because, yes, it does include all your favorite CC photos …

And if that doesn’t work, just watch that video clip from above over and over. Because Carp definitely does have a way with words.

Happy birthday, Chris!