Walt Jocketty, the Cardinals architect who lured manager Tony La Russa to St. Louis and oversaw the drafting of Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina to pave the way for seven division titles and a 2006 World Series crown,

Three-time MLB Executive of the Year Walt Jocketty, the former general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds, has died. He was 74. Jocketty reportedly died Friday in the Phoenix area and the Cardinals announced the news Saturday.

Former Cardinals, Reds GM Reds Walt Jocketty, one of the most respected front office figures in baseball for decades, died after a long illness.