Former Springfield Cardinals manager tapped to lead pro team

Mike Shildt, former manager of the Springfield Cardinals, was chosen as the interim leader for the MLB team in St. Louis.

Shildt, who in 2012 led the Springfield Cardinals to a Double-A Texas League championship, succeeds Mike Matheny, who was ousted after the pro team’s game on Saturday, according to a July 14 news release.

Dan Reiter, general manager of the Springfield Cardinals, said the move by the MLB team does not affect its staffing.

“The effect on the Springfield Cardinals is that it gives us a great source of pride. We are very excited for our former manager to be the new interim manager of the Cardinals,” Reiter said via email. “He led us to our only Texas League championship in 2012, and we wish him that same success in St. Louis.”

Shildt, 49, has worked for the Cardinals organization since 2004. He joined the pro team in 2017 and was a bench coach before being named interim manager, according to the release.

In addition to Matheny, the St. Louis Cardinals also fired hitting coach John Mabry and assistant hitting coach Bill Mueller. Since being named manager in November 2014, Matheny led the Cardinals to a combined 591-473 record, including a National League Championship in 2013.

“These decisions are never easy, but we felt that a change in leadership was necessary as the team prepares to enter into the second half of the season,” St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said in the release. “I would like to thank Mike for his exceptional commitment and devotion to the Cardinals organization, including many fond memories of our years working together.”