Dr. Phillips High School alum takes reins as manager of St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals fans were thrown into a state of shock when manager Mike Shildt was fired not long after the Cardinals lost in the National League Wild Card game to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reports said it was due to philosophical differences between Shildt and upper management on which direction the team should go. 

But it was not long before the Cardinals found their man in Dr. Phillips High School alum Oliver Marmol. 

Marmol, known as “Oli” within the organization and those close to him, has been around the Cardinals organization in many capacities since he was drafted by the team in 2007. He has been a hitting coach and manager of the Cardinals’ lower-level affiliates until 2017, when he was hired to be the first base coach for the Major League club.

Marmol graduated from DP in 2004 as the school record-holder for triples in a season. 

“It’s an incredible accomplishment and most deserving to an incredible young man,” DP Athletic Director Steve McHale said. “He always carried himself with the utmost respect and is a true ambassador for his family, Dr. Phillips High School and community.” 

Former baseball coach Michael Barefoot saw something special in Marmol from the beginning. 

“Oli was a fine young man,” he said. “He was a student of the game; wasn’t an overpowering guy or flamboyant. Just a hard-nosed kid who wanted to learn in and out.” 

Marmol was at a loss for words when describing what it was like being hired to manage such a historic club such as the Cardinals. 

“When you think about the magnitude of it — managing in general at this level is a great accomplishment,” Marmol said. “When you get to do it for a team that has the history and tradition that the St. Louis Cardinals have, you’re doing it for one of the top sports organizations. It’s humbling.” 

At 35 years old, Marmol is now the youngest manager in baseball. Although he doesn’t think much of it, Marmol’s wife had an interesting take on his hire. 

“She said all that means is they realized you couldn’t hit at a really early age,” Marmol said. 

Being with an organization that has had a tremendous amount of success over the last 20 years, Marmol was given the tools early on in his coaching days that set him up for success. 

“I got an early start to it and had some really good coaches within the organization (who) were very intentional and equipping me for this opportunity that I have today,” Marmol said.  

Marmol said his managing style will be a combination of all his mentors’ best qualities. He looks to combine Tony La Russa’s attention to detail with Mike Matheny’s team atmosphere and caring for people.

Within his own team, six of his players are either older than him or the same age. With a veteran team built to win now, many would view the firing of Shildt and hiring a young manager to be a potential step back, but Marmol said all the players — including pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina — have supported the decision. 

“I was able to talk to all of them, and the support has been phenomenal,” Marmol said. “They’re all looking forward to this upcoming year. Everything has been a positive up to this point, and I look forward to leading that group.” 

After serving as first base coach for two seasons, Marmol was promoted to bench coach in 2019 under Shildt.