Former Mets, Cardinals, and Tigers general manager Joe McDonald dies at 97

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 4:16 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Former Mets, Cardinals, and Tigers general manager Joe McDonald dies at 97
Summary

Joe McDonald, a long-serving baseball executive who spent nearly eight decades in professional baseball, has died at age 97. His son, Jody, confirmed the passing Saturday. McDonald began his career as the first team statistician for the New York Mets in 1962 and eventually served as general manager for the Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Detroit Tigers. During his tenure as Cardinals general manager starting in 1982, the club won the World Series. Beyond his front-office roles, McDonald maintained a long career in scouting, working for several major league organizations until his retirement at age 90 in 2019. He was honored for his scouting contributions in 2012 by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation. McDonald’s career spanned from his early years working at Ebbets Field to his final roles as a professional scout.

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By the Numbers
  • Joe McDonald died at age 97 on September 6, 2026.
  • He served as general manager for the Mets, Cardinals, and Tigers.
  • The 1982 Cardinals won the World Series during his tenure as general manager.
  • He retired from his scouting career in 2019 after nearly 80 years in baseball.
  • The Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation awarded him the Legends of Scouting Award in 2012.
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  • 4:16 PMYahoo SportsFormer Mets, Cardinals, Tigers GM dies
What they're saying
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The Mets' first team statistician spent nearly 80 years around baseball.

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