ST. LOUIS – Three new names will officially join the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame later this season: Shortstop Edgar Rentería, pitcher Al Hrabosky, and longtime executive Walt Jocketty.
The Cardinals announced Rentería, Hrabosky and the late Jocketty as the newest members of the team Hall of Fame on Friday evening. All three will formally be inducted in September.
Jocketty died at the age of 74 last week after a prolonged illness. Prior to his death, Cardinals ownership informed Jocketty that he would be enshrined into the team’s Hall of Fame as an organizational selection.
“His family said [the selection] meant everything to him,” Cardinals chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. recently told FOX 2 on Jocketty.
Rentería was voted in by the fans during an eight-week poll. The Red Ribbon Committee, which is comprised of 12 baseball experts, selected Hrabosy into the team Hall of Fame.
“We take great pride in the selection process we use for electing new members of the Cardinals Hall of Fame,” said DeWitt in a statement via the Cardinals. “Congratulations to Édgar Rentería, Al Hrabosky, and the late Walt Jocketty on this tremendous honor. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of these players during our induction ceremony in September.”
Rentería, a starting shortstop well known for his speed and pure contact, hit .290 with 71 home runs, 451 RBIs, and 148 stolen bases through 903 games with the Cardinals from 1999-2004.
Hraboasky ranks sixth in Cardinals history with 182 games finished, ninth with 59 saves (as documented since 1969) and 12th with 329 games pitched. Hrabosky was well known for his on-field antics and physcing up the St. Louis crowd before his appearances. He has also served in radio and TV analyst roles with the Cardinals since 1985.
Jocketty, the general manager from 1994 to 2007, oversaw one of the most successful eras in modern Cardinals history. The teams he built made seven postseason appearances, won the 2006 World Series, and won two National League pennants. He was named MLB Executive of the Year in 2000 and 2004. Jocketty also shared a strong bond with longtime Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.
Rentería, Hrabosky, and Jocketty will make up the 11th class inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame. They will join 55 other former players, managers, and executives who made their mark on the Cardinals franchise. They will officially be inducted prior to the Sept. 6 Cardinals home game.