St. Louis – On September 30, 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals officially confirmed: John Mozeliak will leave his leadership position after nearly two decades of association, closing a illustrious chapter in which his name has become an inseparable part of the “Cardinal Army”.
The announcement was made during a special press conference at Busch Stadium, where Mozeliak emotionally shared his farewell words: “I still have a few regrets because I haven’t been able to do everything I wanted to do… but I am proud of the years I have dedicated to this organization. The Cardinals are more than just a job – they are a family.”
Having joined the Cardinals since the late 1990s, Mozeliak quickly asserted his sharp strategic vision. From his role as a scout, he gradually rose to become the general manager (GM) in 2007, then President of Baseball Operations in 2017.
Under Mozeliak’s leadership, the Cardinals not only maintained their winning tradition but also shaped their own style: courage – discipline – nurturing talent from the root. The most resounding success was the 2011 World Series championship, along with a series of consecutive playoff seasons that made the Cardinals a model of stability in MLB.
Mozeliak is famous for his bold deals: bringing in Matt Holliday in 2009, rebuilding the pitching staff after Chris Carpenter retired, and especially maintaining the core of the team around names like Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.
Along with his successes, he has also faced a lot of controversy in recent times – when the Cardinals experienced a series of ups and downs, inconsistent pitching and a long rebuilding process. However, Mozeliak always kept his composure, loyal to the philosophy of long-term development, laying the foundation for the next generation of players.
During the farewell, many players, coaches and internal staff could not hide their emotions. They recalled the image of a polite, patient listener, always appearing at the right time when the team needed direction. An inside source shared: “He was the one behind many important decisions, but always humble, never seeking the spotlight for himself.”
The team also released a nearly 10-minute tribute video, highlighting historic moments under Mozeliak: from Molina’s miraculous catch in 2006 to the 2011 championship win – all accompanied by a long applause from Cardinals fans.
The Cardinals said they will conduct a succession process in the coming months, focusing on internal faces who understand the team’s philosophy. Although he is no longer in a leadership position, Mozeliak is expected to serve as an advisor in the short term to ensure a smooth transition.
As the press conference concluded, he left the field with dozens of employees shaking hands, and shouts of “Thank you, Mo!” rang out throughout the stadium. For the Cardinals, this was more than just a farewell to a manager – it was a tribute to a man who helped shape a golden era.
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