ST. LOUIS — Busch Stadium not only rang with cheers for his beloved team, but also echoed with every step of John Mozeliak – President of Baseball Operations of the St. Louis Cardinals. Before his final home game of the 2025 season, Mozeliak was honored with a formal ceremony, marking his long years of dedication, and signaling the coming of a major transition of power.
Mozeliak, who will officially end his role after this season, was honored by fans, management, and teammates with an emotional pregame ceremony. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cardinals for decades. What transcends all titles is working with people who share the same passion and belief,” Mozeliak said, his eyes welling up after signing the plaque with his name on it outside the main field.
Building Achievements & Legacy
Looking back at Mozeliak’s journey: since joining the Cardinals in 1995 – starting as a scout, assistant, then working his way up to General Manager in 2007, and then President of Baseball Operations – he has helped the Cardinals win six NL Central titles and make multiple playoff appearances since the late 2000s.
Then there were the challenging times: when the Cardinals missed the playoffs in a row, when the public and fans questioned the trades, tactics, or investment in young player development. But today, those debates were put aside to pay homage to a man who laid the groundwork for generations to come.
The Honor Roll – When Busch Stadium Stopped to Listen
Before the first whistle blew, Busch Stadium seemed to pause for a few moments. Team members, backroom staff, and fans from across the stadium stood up and gave a standing ovation. The plaque featured Mozeliak talking to young players, scouting, overseeing development – all eyes filled with gratitude.
Team owner Bill DeWitt Jr. took to the stage to introduce Mozeliak as an architect of the Cardinals’ golden age, a man who connected history to the future. “John was more than just a decision maker. He was the person we trusted when we built, when we failed, and when we succeeded. He left a legacy not only in his accomplishments, but in our belief in the ‘Cardinals way’ – to compete, to grow, and to stay focused,” DeWitt said in a hushed voice.
The future is planned
In conjunction with the ceremony was a pre-announcement: Chaim Bloom will replace Mozeliak as President of Baseball Operations beginning in the 2026 season.
Mozeliak will complete the 2025 season in his current role, while also assisting in the transition.
Mozeliak shared in an interview with MLB.com: “Being here, seeing the new players emerge, seeing the spirit of never-ending struggle – that makes me believe we are entering a new chapter with hope. It’s not just the end, it’s the beginning of something bigger.”
When the home lights finally dim after the ceremony, many, from longtime fans to backroom staff, will likely feel a sense of both farewell and hope. Mozeliak’s legacy will not be about the numbers, but about how he led, how he built a culture, how he made fans believe the Cardinals were more than just a team, but a big, responsible, passionate family.
In the 2025 season – Mozeliak’s final season at the top of baseball’s leadership ladder – Busch Stadium will be more than just a field, it will be a place of memories, gratitude, and faith. As a moment ends, so too will hope for the future be lit brightly.
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