Mike Matheny becomes the 49th manager of the St. Louis Cardinals – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals formally introduced Mike Matheny as the new manager of the club on Monday, November 15 as he will be the 49th manager in the history of the team.
The news was probably not unexpected for the legendary catcher who remained part of the St. Louis Cardinals for years. Having won three Gold Glove Awards, Matheny was certainly placed as an ideal manager for this year’s World Series Champions.
"I believe all the experiences that I've learned up to this point from the field and off the field have led me to this point right now, to be what I was made to be," Matheny said. "And as I sit here as the manager of the Cardinals, this is the greatest honour
of my life”
Matheny assumes the charge after Tony La Russa announced his retirement in the wake of a glorious victory that the Cardinals scored in the World Series, beating the Texas Rangers by 4-3 in the best-of-seven games.
Although the St. Louis Cardinals interviewed six other supposedly strong candidates, all of whom had an exquisitely impressive record coupled with managerial experience, the club decided to go for rookie manager Mike Matheny.
John Mozeliak, while introducing the new manager to the press, reposed his confidence in the aptitude and intelligence of Matheny. While Matheny publicly accepted the position on Monday, he wore the traditional Cardinals jersey inscribed with his favourite
No. 22.
"I really think Mike has the aptitude, the intelligence and the character to withstand this," Mozeliak said.
The Cardinals and Matheny have agreed for a two-year contract as he will have a club option as well.
Matheny’s selection was a bit of surprising in the fact that as experience is concerned. However, given the reverence and respect this player has, very few people doubt his professionalism and the ability to lead.
Highly respected by his team and contemporaries, Mike Matheny remained an inspirational figure in the field. It will be interesting to see how he maintains the same record in the managerial capacity.
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