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,

Walt Jocketty, the well-regarded baseball executive who was architect of one of the most successful eras of St. Louis Cardinals history, has died. He was 74. USA Today reported that Jocketty had been battling health issues for much of the last two years.

Walt Jocketty, a three-time baseball executive of the year and former general manager for the Cardinals and Reds, has died. He was 74.