Mark McGwire is back in baseball, reunited with Tony La Russa as the St. Louis Cardinals’ hitting coach.
La Russa agreed to return for a 15th year as manager Monday with a one-year contract, the first time he hasn’t had a multiyear deal with the team.
All of his coaches will return except for Hal McRae, who will be replaced by McGwire.
“Mark is passionate about the game, passionate about the Cardinals,” chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. “Tony thinks he’ll be a great coach, and I think he’s got a lot to offer.”
McGwire was not at the news conference at Busch Stadium, but La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak said there will be no effort to shield McGwire from questions about steroids. The team anticipated a telephone news conference with McGwire.
McGwire has worked with Cardinals hitters and other major leaguers in recent offseasons at his California home.
The group includes Matt Holliday, which could make McGwire an asset in the team’s negotiations with the free agent outfielder.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.