Walt Jocketty, a prominent figure in Major League Baseball and a distinguished executive for the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals, has passed away at the age of 74. The organization confirmed his death on Saturday.

“On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organization, I would like to offer our condolences to Walt’s family and his many friends,” said Cardinals chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. in a statement. “Walt was our first GM when we purchased the ball club, and he helped to lead our baseball operations through some of the franchise’s most successful and memorable years. He will be sorely missed, but long remembered for his distinguished career in baseball.”

Jocketty’s career was defined by his 13 years as the Cardinals’ general manager, during which the team secured numerous titles, including one World Series championship. His impact extended to crafting the roster with key players like Chris Carpenter and Jim Edmonds.

Prior to his tenure with the Cardinals, he contributed to the Athletics’ front office, experiencing back-to-back successes with the team, marking a significant era in his professional journey.