Walt Jocketty, an American baseball executive, passed away on April 26, 2025, at 74 in the Phoenix area. He was suffering from a severe illness for the last two years.
A former Cardinals manager, Tony La Russa, announced the tragic news after speaking with Walt’s wife, Sue Jocketty.
Walter Joseph Jocketty began working as the Oakland Athletics’ director of minor league operations and scouting in March 1980.
He was key in founding the Dominican Summer League and the Arizona Rookie League. Later, he was promoted to Director of Baseball Administration.
During the 1994 season, he served as an assistant general manager of player personnel for the Colorado Rockies.
On October 14, 1994, he became the general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and brought in new manager Tony La Russa.
Walt was named the Sporting News Executive of the Year in 2000, 2004, and 2010. However, the Cardinals fired him on October 3, 2007.
On January 11, 2008, he joined the Cincinnati Reds as a special advisor and became their general manager after the Reds fired Wayne Krivsky.
He was named president of baseball operations after the 2015 season and became executive advisor to the CEO on December 27, 2016.
Walt’s tragic demise saddened the baseball community; many remembered him in their heartfelt tribute.
The great Walt Jocketty spent 14 seasons in the A’s organization as Director of Minor League Operations, Director of Baseball Administration, and as right-hand man to Sandy Alderson. During his time with the Green & Gold, he helped the A’s win three American League pennants and the 1989 World Series.
Jaime Criel
We extend our condolences to Walt’s family and friends. He dedicated his life to the game of baseball and will never be forgotten.
Walt Jocketty’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Walt Jocketty was a respected leader who shaped winning cultures with the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.
Unfortunately, he passed away, leaving a legacy of success, integrity, and deep love for the game.
We are saddened by the passing of longtime baseball operations executive Walt Jocketty.
— MLB (@MLB) April 26, 2025
As General Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals for 13 seasons alongside Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, his teams made 7 Postseason appearances, won 2 National League pennants, and the… pic.twitter.com/axubtpA8dT
Walt began his front-office career with the Oakland Athletics before rising to prominence as the St. Louis Cardinals general manager in 1994.
He built the Cardinals into a perennial contender, culminating in a 2006 World Series championship. He was renowned for his bold trades and sharp eye for talent, and has acquired many stars in the MLB.
His ability to blend analytics with old-school scouting made him one of the game’s most respected minds.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jocketty was a devoted family man. When he graduated from college, he was already married to a woman from neighboring St. Paul.
His wife, Susan, and their two children, Ashley and Joey, survive his legacy.
Walt and his wife were friends with Oakland manager Billy Martin and his girlfriend (and future wife), Heather Ervolino.
Joey followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a professional scout for the Cincinnati Reds.
So sorry to hear the news of the passing of my friend Walt Jocketty. So many great memories going back more than 40 years. I’ll never forget when my father died on Christmas in 1990 – the first basket of flowers to show up at our house were signed Walt and Sue Jocketty. Walt was a pro’s pro and truly a wonderful person. Vuc tells me he has been suffering, so maybe it’s a bit of a blessing, but it seems too soon. RIP Mr. Jocketty – you certainly impacted many lives. Job well done.
Matt Strelo
Colleagues remembered him as a mentor, a fierce competitor, and a man of great warmth and humor.
The Jocketty family will soon announce Walt’s private service with a public memorial. In his honor, donations may be made instead of flowers.
The sport has lost one of its finest executives, but Walt’s legacy, marked with winning teams, lasting friendships, and an unwavering passion for baseball, will endure forever.
Rest in Peace, Walt Jocketty.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Walt Jocketty, the son of Ruth and Joe Jocketty, was born on February 19, 1951, and grew up with his four siblings in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- He graduated from Marshall High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota.
- He brought La Russa and traded for club greats Mark McGwire, Adam Wainwright, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, Chris Carpenter, Jason Isringhausen, and Larry Walker.
- After the 2014 season, Walt was awarded the John Schuerholz Award for his 20 years as general manager.
