Outfielder Rick Ankiel is visiting St. Louis this week for the first time since he left the Cardinals in 2010. The former pitcher is taking out a half-page ad in today’s Post-Dispatch sports section to thank the fans for their support reports Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Hummel says that St. Louis fans are likely to respond positively when the Nationals center fielder comes to the plate for the first time. Even manager Tony La Russa said he is likely to applaud politely.

“I couldn’t be more complimentary,” said La Russa. “He’s one of those All-American guys. When you have a special guy, he’s a special guy, no matter where he plays.”

Ankiel arrived in St. Louis on Monday night with his family and said he and his family all were greeted warmly at the team hotel and at dinner.

“To come back and play in front of the St. Louis fans is awesome,” said Ankiel. “There’s tons of memories and tons of support throughout the years.”

In seven seasons with the Cardinals, Ankiel hit .251/311/.452 with 49 HR’s and 157 RBI’s. He was a pitcher for the Cardinals organization, but he decided to change positions in the spring of 2005 after encountering several problems with his control.