It's official: Cardinals choose Matheny as La Russa's successor

St. Louis Public Radio

Published November 14, 2011 at 11:58 AM CST

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New St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (C) holds his jersey with general manager John Mozeliak as team owner Bill Dewitt Jr. (L) looks on at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Nov. 14, 2011. Matheny becomes the team's 49th manager.

(UPI/Bill Greenblatt)

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Cardinals players David Freese (L) and Matt Holliday (C) chat with their new manager, Mike Matheny.

(via St. Louis Cardinals)

As expected, the St. Louis Cardinals have introduced Mike Matheny as their new manager.

Matheny will replace Tony La Russa, who retired after the Cardinals won the World Series last month. Even though Matheny has no managing experience, general manager John Mozeliak said the four-time Gold Glove catcher stood out from a group of candidates that began with about 35 names.

Matheny donned a No. 22 Cardinals jersey at his inaugural news conference. The 41-year-old Matheny called it the greatest honor of his life.

The Cardinals expect to finalize the coaching staff by the end of the week. Mozeliak said pitching coach Dave Duncan should be back.