MLB Mourns the Passing of Walt Jocketty at 74
Major League Baseball announced on Saturday that longtime executive Walt Jocketty has passed away at the age of 74, following a remarkable 45-year career in the sport. His death was confirmed via MLB’s official social media accounts.
Jocketty served as the general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 1994 to 2007, where he played a key role in acquiring future stars like Mark McGwire, Albert Pujols, and Adam Wainwright. Under his leadership, the Cardinals won six division titles, two National League pennants, and the 2006 World Series. He was named Executive of the Year three times during his career.
After his time in St. Louis, Jocketty became the general manager of the Cincinnati Reds from 2008 to 2015. He helped build a competitive roster around players such as Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto, leading the team to two division titles and a strong stretch of seasons from 2010 to 2013. He continued serving as an advisor with the Reds through the end of 2024.
Jocketty’s career began in 1980 with the Oakland Athletics, where he won a World Series in 1989 and helped develop the team’s farm system. He later brought several familiar faces from Oakland, including McGwire and manager Tony La Russa, to St. Louis.
In remembrance, the Cardinals held a moment of silence before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. “Walt was our first GM when we purchased the ball club, and he helped lead our baseball operations through some of the franchise’s most successful and memorable years,” said Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt. “He will be sorely missed but long remembered for his distinguished career in baseball.”
