Derrick Goold and Ben Frederickson break down the manager's clash with the front office and introduce the candidates the Cardinals could consider as they search for a replacement who won't stray from the front office's script
Cardinals manager Mike Shildt was fired unexpectedly Thursday after three seasons at the helm.
An 18-year member of the organization who rose through the ranks with a reverence for Cardinals history and their fundamental approach to playing the game, Mike Shildt was fired abruptly Thursday, less than three weeks after his team wrote itself into that storied history with a record 17-game winning streak.
The reason given for his dismissal: “Philosophical difference.”
Within the past week after meetings held last Friday “things came to a head,” president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said, and prompted his front office to determine conflicting views could not be mended and a new manager is desired.
Mozeliak phoned Shildt on Thursday to notify him of his dismissal. Sources described Shildt as “floored” by the call some thought would be about discussing an extension. Members of the team and coaching staff described themselves as “stunned” and “totally caught off guard.” Mozeliak used the words “very shocked” to describe the reaction he received from Shildt, whom he hired as a scout in 2003.
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Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., who attended the Zoom press conference hastily called to announce the firing, said the decision was not rooted in the team’s performance but in contrasting opinions of the team’s route into the future.
“This is based on the difference between ‘Mo’ and his group and the manager, and it didn’t have anything to with this year,” DeWitt said. “I value continuity. But I value continuity if we’re continuing to head in the right direction. This is a decision that everybody bought into, and that’s kind of the way it played out. One thing you want to make sure is everyone is on the same page, and that’s pretty critical or you’re going to stumble along the way.
“That was part of the decision that we had.”
Shildt declined comment when contacted Thursday afternoon.
A week ago, hours before the Cardinals’ loss in the wild-card game to the Dodgers, team officials acknowledged a plan to offer a contract extension to Shildt, who will be paid through 2022 unless hired elsewhere. In the days since, and specifically following team meetings Friday, that perception shifted — and fast.
Shildt was not given the choice to stay if he adopted whatever undefined approach the front office sought.
The suddenness of the Cardinals’ decision was revealed by a request they made to Major League Baseball on Thursday to hold a press conference on the same day as a playoff game.
“After a successful 2021 season, we have determined that we have a philosophical difference in the direction our major-league club is going,” Mozeliak said. He added: “On the continuity of thinking — it is evolving, it does change over time. Ultimately, we just felt like we were at a place we weren’t going to have a meeting of the minds.”
During the season, Shildt and his coaches had multiple pointed, argumentative meetings to alter the team’s offensive approach, and one source called those discussions “raw.”
The front office acknowledged considering coaching changes during the season but as recently as last week lauded how the staff aided September’s run. Jeff Albert, the team’s hitting coach, has a contract through 2022, and the Cardinals invested heavily in his stewardship of a modern offensive philosophy for the entire organization. Mozeliak has often voiced support for Albert, even as the Cardinals struggled offensively in recent years until surging late this season.
“I would expect him to be back,” Mozeliak said of Albert. “It terms of that being the sole reason for this (managerial) decision, the answer is no.”
Mozeliak also dismissed lingering friction between him and Shildt related to the roster and a fraying pitching staff in June. Additions made at the trade deadline contributed to September’s success.
The extent to which an extension for Shildt was formally discussed is unclear. Mozeliak said his conversations did not get that far. There is at least one example in the past several years of the Cardinals offering a coach, not a manager, a new contract and when that coach sought to negotiate a larger deal the Cardinals withdrew the offer, abruptly and completely. That coach had to find another organization.
A manager search will commence in coming days, and Mozeliak said there are internal candidates. Bench coach Oliver Marmol and first-base coach Stubby Clapp are atop that list. Former Cardinals leadoff hitter Skip Schumaker, the Padres’ associate manager, is viewed in the industry as a rising managerial talent. White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing previously interviewed for the manager job with Mozeliak and his staff. Mozeliak said he does not want to “drag our feet” and intends to find a new manager by mid-November.
That manager will inherit a team with championship aspirations, club icons Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina in their final year together, and cornerstones Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. The latter can opt out after the 2022 season.
The manager may have a coaching staff already in place, a factor that could potentially lead the club to hire a candidate familiar to or already a part of the organization.
The new manager also will inherit a team that found its stride in September, rallied together to reach the postseason for a third consecutive year, and did not get a week into its offseason without a jarring change. Whatever fallout or fissures must be addressed as a result of Thursday’s decision and an upended clubhouse, the new manager will follow one that restored the team’s defensive prominence and repaired fractured fundamentals, in a Cardinals way.
Mozeliak praised Shildt’s managing, and when asked if there was a reason beyond the ballpark for the dismissal, Mozeliak stressed this “was a baseball decision.”
“I thought the team was managed well,” Mozeliak said. “Overall, the roster evolved, as you know. We had to make some midseason changes. The original version of what we broke with in spring was not working ideally. Ultimately, given the way we finished and how we played this year — this is not a reflection simply on wins and losses. It’s not simply a question of were you happy with how the game was managed? It really was at more of a higher level. Where we saw the team going and where we wanted it to go.”
Mozeliak declined multiple times to detail what philosophical differences existed between his office and the manager.
Asked several times to define his philosophy for the team, Mozeliak spoke only in generalities — many of which he once felt Shildt personified.
“We are an organization that has trust in creating a pipeline from our minor-league system to our big leagues, for both the players and staff,” Mozeliak said. “We are typically an organization that tries to stay internal with what we’re trying to do. From where we were in this point in time, we’re not making this decision on the reaction (to) the season. This is a decision, as we start to look forward, what do we want to most look like and how do we want that to be run? … We needed to go a different way.”
The Cardinals intend to have conversations next week with coaches like Marmol who do not yet have a contract for 2022. Pitching coach Mike Maddux is signed through 2022 and, entering the playoffs, expressed his plan to return.
Shildt took over as interim manager in July 2018 after the Cardinals, concerned about a manager who isolated himself and a fraying of the team’s fundamentals, fired his predecessor, Mike Matheny. After a late charge that fell shy of a playoff berth, Shildt was named manager, the 50th in club history. The Cardinals went 252-199 with him at the helm and endured last year’s COVID-19 outbreak and the rigorous schedule that followed. Shildt led the Cardinals to three consecutive postseason berths after missing the three previous Octobers. Shildt won the National League’s Manager of the Year award in 2019 — the first person to win who did not play pro ball — and that fall led the Cardinals to the NL Championship Series.
The timing of Shildt’s dismissal does allow him to be pursued by other teams with manager openings, such as San Diego.
A gift to Shildt from the great Cardinals’ coach’s son, the pocket-sized, leather-bound binder of George Kissell’s coaching and baseball philosophies — the one that begins with the question, “Are you an organizational man??,” and that Shildt said he read daily — will go with Shildt.
In a different direction.
“We just decided internally it would be best to separate now and take a fresh look as we enter the new season,” said Mozeliak, who has overseen 14 consecutive winning seasons since ascending to lead of baseball operations. “We feel optimistic about how we look at 2022. Just felt like the leadership downstairs needed to be on the same page.”
Photos: Mike Shildt's career with the Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals spring training

St. Louis Cardinals quality control coach Mike Shildt poses for a portrait during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.
St. Louis Cardinals spring training

St. Louis Cardinals quality control coach Mike Shildt talks with players about base running during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals Yankees Baseball

St. Louis Cardinals coach Mike Shildt is silhouetted as he walks onto the field before a baseball game against the New York Yankees Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
St. Louis Cardinals v Los Angeles Dodgers

St. Louis Cardinals quality control coach Mike Shildt (right) and backup catcher Eric Fryer watch play from the dugout during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals v Milwaukee Brewers

St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Mike Shildt directs the outfield defensive alignment from the dugout during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals v Milwaukee Brewers

St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Mike Shildt consults his notes during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals v New York Mets

St. Louis Cardinals' Dexter Fowler is congratulated by third base coach Mike Shildt after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets on Friday July 7, 2017, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training

St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Mike Maddux (right) talks with bench coach Mike Shildt during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training

St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Mike Shildt talks with infielders and catchers during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals spring training

St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Mike Shildt poses for a portrait during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cards talk about need for change at press conference

The St. Louis Cardinals introduced the new interim manager Mike Shildt at a press conference on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after firing manager Mike Matheny. Congratulating Shildt (center) is Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. (left) and President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards talk about need for change at press conference

The St. Louis Cardinals introduced the new interim manager Mike Shildt (right) at a press conference on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after firing manager Mike Matheny. At left is Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards interim coach Mike Shildt takes over

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina greets interim manager Mike Shildt before the start of Sunday's game. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards interim coach Mike Shildt takes over

Cardinals new interim coach Mike Shildt is congratulated by players Dexter Fowler (left) and Matt Carpenter before the start of the game on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after the Cards firied manager Mike Matheny. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards interim coach Mike Shildt takes over

St. Louis Cardinals new interim manager Mike Shildt (right) is congratulated by Cincinnati Reds manager Jim Riggleman before the start of the game on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after the Cards fired manager Mike Matheny. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards interim coach Mike Shildt takes over

Cards new interim manager Mike Shildt talks with player Marcell Ozuna before the start of the game on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after the Cards fired manager Mike Matheny. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards and Red battle on a muggy Sunday at Busch

New Cardinals manager Mike Shildt (right) is congratulated by coach Jose Oquendo after his first win on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards and Red battle on a muggy Sunday at Busch

New Cardinals manager Mike Shildt (left) is congratulated by player Paul DeJong after his first win on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cards and Red battle on a muggy Sunday at Busch

New Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said he is keeping this ball after his first game and first win on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com
Cardinal managers in the dugout

Cardinals Hall of Fame managers Whitey Herzog, Tony LaRussa and current manager Mike Shildt talk in the dugout before playing the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Mike Shildt named manager

St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak,(left) answers questions after the team announced Mike Shildt as manager on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Shildt will get a three-year contract Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Mike Shildt named manager

Mike Shildt is congratulated by Cardinals staff before his first official game as manager on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Shildt will get a three-year contract Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Mike Shildt named manager

Mike Shildt settles in before his first official game as manager on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Shildt will get a three-year contract Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Mike Shildt named manager

Mike Shildt gets a hand slap from Jose Martinez as he returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run homer on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Shildt's first official game as manager against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Shildt will get a three-year contract Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
Mike Shildt named manager

Mike Shildt is congratulated with a hug and a squeeze by Cardinal infielder Jedd Gyorko before his first official game as manager on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Shildt will get a three-year contract Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
St. Louis Cardinals vs Los Angeles Dodgers National League wild-card game

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt looks out from the dugout before the start of the National League wild-card game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Blues, Blue Jackets play final exhibition

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt attends the St. Louis Blues game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Enterprise Center on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals look for redemption against Cubs

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt (8) argues with umpire Jeff Nelson (45) over a call in the previous inning as umpire Manny Gonzalez (79) blocks him during the sixth inning of a MLB game against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Shildt was ejected from the game. Photo by Colter Peterson, cpeterson@post-dispatch.com
Day four of full-squad workouts

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt (8) watches players during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. This is the fourth day of full-squad workouts for the 2021 spring training session. Photo by Colter Peterson, cpeterson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals play third game against Reds

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt (8) talks with third base coach Jose Oquendo during the second inning of a baseball game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. The game is part of a ten game home stand meant to catch the Cardinals up after several weeks off due to positive COVID-19 tests.Photo by Colter Peterson, cpeterson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals on the brink of elimination from the National League Championship Series in Washington

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt hits grounders during batting practice before Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Washington Nationals in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com)
St. Louis Cardinals vs Washington Nationals, Game 3 NLCS in Washington

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt looks away from the action on the field in the fifth inning during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Nationals take 2-0 lead over Cardinals in National League Championship Series with 3-1 victory

St. Louis Cardinals Adam Wainwright talks with manager Mike Shildt after he was removed from the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com.
Mike Shildt

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt pulls on his cap after the National Anthem was played before Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. Photo by David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals force deciding fifth game of the NLDS with a 5-4 win over the Braves in the 10th inning

St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt and a trainer check on catcher Yadier Molina during Game 4 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves at Busch Stadium on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com.
Cardinals host Padres in home opener

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt talks with former Cardinal manager Tony La Russa on Friday, April 5, 2019, before the team's home opener, against San Diego, at Busch Stadium. (Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com)
Cardinals host Padres in home opener

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt greets the fans as he arrives for opening day ceremonies on Friday, April 5, 2019, before a game against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.
Cardinals Winter Warm-Up Sunday, Shildt and Wainwright

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright gives Cardinals manager Mike Shildt a big hug as Wainwright comes out on to the stage to sign autographs during the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. Photo By David Carson, dcarson@post-dispatch.com
Cardinal managers in the dugout

Tony La Russa talks with then-Cardinals manager Mike Shildt as Hall of Famers Lou Brock and Whitey Herzog sit in the dugout before playing the Brewers at Busch Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018.