Walt Jocketty, the respected baseball executive who helped lead both the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals to World Series championships, has passed away at the age of 74.
Jocketty served as the Cardinals’ general manager from October 1994 to October 2007, constructing a roster that captured the 2006 World Series title and secured six division crowns during his tenure.
He first joined the Oakland Athletics organization in 1980, working his way up to become Director of Baseball Administration. While in that role, the A’s made three consecutive World Series appearances in 1988, 1989, and 1990.
In October 1995, Jocketty hired manager Tony La Russa—whom he had previously worked with in Oakland—to lead the Cardinals. Under their leadership, St. Louis returned to the World Series for the first time since 1987, and their 2006 championship ended a 24-year title drought.
The St. Louis Cardinals honored Jocketty in a public statement, saying:
“We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Walt Jocketty. Our general manager from 1994-2007, Walt helped lead the Cardinals to the 2006 World Series title, two National League pennants, and seven postseason appearances. We extend our condolences to his family.”
During his time with the Cardinals, Jocketty earned several honors, including MLB Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 2000 and 2004, and Baseball America’s Executive of the Year in 2000. He was also awarded the Rube Foster Legacy Award by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in 2004.
Following his dismissal from St. Louis after the 2007 season, Jocketty was hired by the Cincinnati Reds in 2008 as a special adviser to the team’s president and CEO, Bob Castellini. Shortly afterward, he was promoted to president of baseball operations and general manager, roles he held until December 2016.
“The Reds are saddened by the passing of longtime Reds executive Walt Jocketty. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Jocketty leaves behind a legacy of leadership, success, and profound impact on multiple MLB organizations.
