St. Louis Cardinals Owner William O. DeWitt Jr. Steps Down After Three Decades
In a significant shift for Major League Baseball, William O. DeWitt Jr., the longtime owner of the St. Louis Cardinals, has announced his decision to step down after more than three decades at the helm. DeWitt, 82, has been a transformative figure for the franchise since he took over in 1996, leading the team to unparalleled success with two World Series championships in 2006 and 2011, and numerous playoff appearances.
Under DeWitt’s stewardship, the Cardinals became synonymous with consistent excellence, boasting one of the most passionate fan bases in the sport. His tenure saw the construction of the new Busch Stadium, which opened in 2006 and has since become an iconic venue for baseball enthusiasts.
DeWitt’s departure marks the end of an era, but he leaves behind a robust legacy of stability and achievement. “It’s been an incredible journey,” DeWitt said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident that the organization is in a strong position for future success.”
The Cardinals have announced that DeWitt’s son, Bill DeWitt III, will take over as the principal owner. Fans and players alike are hopeful that the younger DeWitt will continue his father’s legacy of excellence and commitment to the team.