Walt Jocketty, a highly respected figure in Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 74.
The former general manager for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds died on Friday in the Phoenix area after struggling with health issues for some time.
His death follows a lengthy hospital stay after he underwent a lung transplant surgery.
A Storied Career and Major Impact
Jocketty’s legacy in baseball is defined by his ability to build championship-winning teams.
Throughout his career, he was celebrated for turning around multiple franchises and leading them to success.
A three-time MLB Executive of the Year, Jocketty’s influence on the game is immeasurable.
As the Cardinals’ general manager from 1994 to 2007, Jocketty led the team to tremendous success, including seven National League Central Division titles and a World Series victory in 2006.
This win, which ended a 24-year championship drought for the franchise, remains a milestone in Cardinals history.
Under his leadership, the Cardinals also claimed National League championships in 2004 and 2006.
A Lasting Legacy in St. Louis
The St. Louis Cardinals honored Jocketty’s memory with a moment of silence before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers, where they secured a 6-5 win.
Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. offered heartfelt condolences to Jocketty’s family, noting his instrumental role in the team’s success during his tenure.
“Walt was our first GM when we purchased the ballclub,” DeWitt said.
“He helped lead our baseball operations through some of the franchise’s most successful years, and he will be sorely missed but long remembered for his distinguished career.”
Building Winning Teams
Jocketty’s success in St. Louis is largely attributed to his talent for finding and developing star players.
He drafted or acquired iconic players such as Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Mark McGwire, among others.
His efforts helped turn the Cardinals into a perennial powerhouse, as the team enjoyed seven consecutive winning seasons under his leadership.
In 2004 and 2005, the Cardinals even surpassed 100 wins in a season.
Jocketty’s approach to building a team was innovative.
For example, before the 2000 season, he made history by becoming the first GM to trade for both a 20-game winner and a 40-home run hitter in the same offseason, acquiring Darryl Kile and Jim Edmonds, respectively.
These moves helped solidify his reputation as one of baseball’s top executives.
A Legacy Beyond the Cardinals
After parting ways with the Cardinals in 2007, Jocketty found a new home with the Cincinnati Reds.
Hired as a special adviser in 2008, he later became the Reds’ general manager, a role he held until 2016.
During his time with the Reds, Jocketty led the team to the playoffs three times (2010, 2012, and 2013), a feat the team has only matched once since his departure.
Fond Memories from Those Who Worked with Him
John Mozeliak, who replaced Jocketty as the Cardinals’ general manager, shared his thoughts on the late executive, calling him “a great man.”
Despite the professional differences that led to Jocketty’s firing, Mozeliak reflected on the friendship they developed over time, saying, “In the end, we ended up being friends again. We both understood this is part of the business.”
Early Career and Building the A’s Dynasty
Before his time with the Cardinals, Jocketty spent 14 seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he helped the team win three American League pennants and the 1989 World Series.
His work in Oakland laid the foundation for his future success, as he served in various roles, including director of minor league operations and baseball administration.
A Family Man
Jocketty is survived by his wife, Sue, and their two children, Ashley and Joey.
His contributions to baseball will never be forgotten, and his impact on the sport will continue to inspire future generations.