William DeWitt, Jr. is a prominent figure in the world of baseball, having made significant contributions to the sport over the course of his career. He is best known for his role as the owner of the St. Louis Cardinals, a position he has held since 1995. Under his leadership, the Cardinals have become one of the most successful franchises in baseball, winning multiple championships and consistently fielding competitive teams.
DeWitt's involvement in baseball began in the 1980s, when he served as a minority owner of the Texas Rangers. He later became the majority owner of the Cincinnati Reds, a position he held from 1984 to 1988. During his time with the Reds, DeWitt oversaw the team's transition to a new stadium and helped to build a strong roster that included future Hall of Famers Barry Larkin and Tony Perez.
In 1995, DeWitt purchased the St. Louis Cardinals, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. Under his ownership, the Cardinals have won three National League pennants and two World Series championships, in 2006 and 2011. DeWitt has been praised for his commitment to building a winning team, as well as his willingness to invest in the organization's infrastructure and player development programs.
In addition to his role with the Cardinals, DeWitt has been involved in various other aspects of baseball. He served as the chairman of Major League Baseball's Ownership Committee from 2000 to 2003, and has been a member of the league's Executive Council since 2003. He has also been involved in the development of several new ballparks, including Busch Stadium in St. Louis and Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Throughout his career, DeWitt has been recognized for his contributions to baseball. In 2012, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2014 he received the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award from Major League Baseball. He has also been active in philanthropy, supporting a variety of causes related to education, healthcare, and the arts.
Overall, William DeWitt, Jr. has had a long and successful career in baseball, marked by his commitment to building winning teams and investing in the sport's infrastructure. As the owner of the St. Louis Cardinals, he has helped to establish the team as one of the most successful franchises in baseball, and his contributions to the sport have been widely recognized and celebrated.
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