Seasoned World Series-winning manager Walt Jocketty breathes his last at the age of 74.
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Walt Jocketty, a three-time baseball executive of the year and the architect behind three winning franchises, has passed away at the age of 74 in the Phoenix area, battling health issues for years.
After a prolonged hospitalization following a lung transplant surgery, Jocketty, the decorated MLB executive, took his final breath on Friday. The news was confirmed by the Cardinals on Saturday, following discussions with former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.
Jocketty is widely recognized for his transformative work with the Cardinals, St. Louis, and the Reds, building multiple World Series champion teams. Between 1994 and 2007, he led the Cardinals to seven National League Central Division championships, culminating in their 10th World Series victory in 2006 during his 13-year tenure.
St Louis emerged victorious in the World Series that year, ending a 24-year drought, and they also won National League championships in 2004 and 2006.
Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. extended his heartfelt condolences, lauding Jocketty for his invaluable contributions to the franchise's most successful and memorable years.
Known for his knack for spotting talent, Jocketty either drafted or acquired stars such as Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Mark McGwire, Adam Wainright, Chris Carpenter, David Eckstein, and Jason Isringhausen, among others. Under his guidance, St. Louis posted seven consecutive winning seasons, with victories exceeding 100 games in 2004 and 2005.
Following his departure from the Cardinals, Jocketty joined the Reds in 2008 as a special adviser, later becoming the general manager after Wayne Krivsky was fired in April of the same year. He remained in the role until Dick Williams replaced him in 2016.
Jocketty's impact on the Reds was felt during his tenure, taking them to the playoffs three times – in 2010, 2012, and 2013. The Reds, however, have reached the postseason only once since.
In Oakland, Jocketty broke into baseball in 1980, and his tenure with the A's organization spanned 14 seasons – as director of minor league operations, director of baseball administration, and right-hand to Sandy Alderson. He helped the A's win three American League pennants and the 1989 World Series.
Jocketty leaves behind his wife and two children, Ashley and Joey.
Jocketty's exceptional ability to draft and trade shrewdly played a significant role in making both the Cardinals and Reds perennial contenders, earning him three MLB Executive of the Year awards during his illustrious career. Despite his passing, his legacy will continue to resonate in the annals of major league baseball.
[1] Baseball-Reference.com[2] FanGraphs.com[3] Sportsreference.com[4] ESPN.com[5] The Athletic.com
- The sports world mourns the passing of Walter Jocketty, a three-time MLB Executive of the Year, known for his significant contributions to the Cardinals, Reds, and A's franchises.
- Jocketty's tenure with the Cardinals was particularly noteworthy, bringing multiple World Series victories, including the 2006 championship that ended a 24-year drought for the St. Louis team.
- Off the field, Jocketty faced health challenges for years, ultimately succumbing to complications following a lung transplant surgery last year.
- Beyond his leadership role in baseball, Jocketty also played a pivotal role in building winning teams in the business world, as his astute drafting and trading strategies transformed the Cardinals and Reds into perennial contenders.
- Colorado sports fans, along with baseball enthusiasts across the nation, express their sympathies and honor Jocketty's memory, as his innovative strategies and invaluable contributions continue to resonate in the annals of Major League Baseball.
