ST. LOUIS — Walt Jocketty, a prominent figure in baseball and former general manager for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds, has passed away at the age of 74. His passing was confirmed by former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, who communicated with Jocketty’s wife, Sue, and shared the sad news with the team.
Jocketty’s death, announced by the Cardinals on Saturday, came after he had been contending with ongoing health challenges. Prior to their game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, which ended in a 6-5 victory, the Cardinals honored Jocketty with a moment of silence.
During Jocketty’s tenure, the Cardinals clinched the National League Central Division seven times. They also claimed the National League championship titles in 2004 and 2006, leading to their 10th World Series triumph in 2006. This victory marked the end of a 24-year championship drought for the team, accomplished with a roster that had won just 83 regular-season games.
In a heartfelt statement, Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. expressed his sympathies, saying, “On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organization, I would like to offer condolences to Walt’s family and his many friends. Walt was our first general manager after we acquired the club, and he guided us through some of our most successful years.” DeWitt added, “He will be sorely missed but long remembered for his distinguished career in baseball.”
Jocketty began his baseball career with the Oakland Athletics in 1980, eventually earning a World Series ring in 1989. He stepped into the role of general manager for the Cardinals on October 14, 1994. After the franchise was sold in 1995, the new ownership chose to retain him. One of his most significant decisions was hiring La Russa in 1996, with whom he had previously collaborated in Oakland. Under La Russa’s leadership, who later became the most successful manager in the team’s history and a Hall of Famer, the Cardinals’ fortunes turned around.
Jocketty was instrumental in reshaping the team’s roster, facilitating a return to postseason play in 1996 for the first time in nine years. During his leadership, he either drafted or acquired several star players, including Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Mark McGwire, and Adam Wainwright, among others.
Under Jocketty’s guidance, the Cardinals enjoyed seven consecutive winning seasons. Notably, the team achieved more than 100 victories in both 2004 and 2005. Jocketty’s impressive skill earned him the MLB Executive of the Year title in 2000, 2004, and 2010. He made history in baseball by becoming the first general manager to simultaneously trade for a 20-game winner and a 40 home run hitter in the same offseason.
Following his departure from the Cardinals in 2007 due to differences with ownership, Jocketty joined the Cincinnati Reds as a special advisor in early 2008. He soon ascended to the position of general manager, replacing Wayne Krivsky. He remained in the role until 2016, impacting the team by leading them to three playoff appearances.
Jocketty was succeeded by John Mozeliak in St. Louis. Reflecting on Jocketty’s legacy, Mozeliak remarked, “He was a great man. His influence on myself and this organization was huge. His legacy will age well.” Notably, despite their professional transition, Mozeliak and Jocketty maintained a close relationship.
Before his contributions to the Cardinals and Reds, Jocketty’s career was shaped by his 14-year tenure with the Oakland Athletics, where he contributed to the team’s considerable success, including an American League pennant and a 1989 World Series victory.
Jocketty leaves behind his wife, Sue, and two children, Ashley and Joey. His impact on baseball remains profound, and he will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the sport.