St. Louis (KMOX) -- Mike Shildt broke his silence Monday morning on KMOX since the shocking news that the former St. Louis Cardinals manager was fired. He made a live statement, which you can watch in the video above.
He didn't reveal any of the specific "philosophical differences" that were the cause of his firing and he didn't take questions from reporters after giving his statement.
"I invested my heart, soul and most of my professional career into helping maintain and be a part of an organization that I cared more about than I cared about my own career," Shildt said. "I was taught not to talk out of school and while clearly there were differences that led to this parting of ways, out of respect for this organization and the people that run it, I can only express my gratitude in all those philosophies that were shared over the many years together that allowed us to part ways as professional friends. What differences there were will be left to remain unsaid."
Shildt named and thanked many members of the Cardinals organization, most notably chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. He also said many Cardinals players and managers of past and present such as Ozzie Smith, Tony La Russa and Albert Pujols have reached out him since the firing.
"This group and others invested in me and taught me what it takes in all areas to achieve at the highest level," Shildt says. "The conversations were full of wisdom, encouragement, accountability and at times, some hard truths and tough love. At every turn, regardless of how challenging the conversations were, it was always also about what's best for the Cardinals St. Louis organization and maintaining the very high standards of the organization both on and off the field."
He became emotional when thanking his wife, Michele, and his two stepdaughters for helping him.
Related
Since last week's news, Shildt has been rumored to be interviewing for the open manager's job with the San Diego Padres. However, San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Kevin Acee says the team is still trying to figure out why he was let go in St. Louis.
Shildt, 53, has a history with the Cardinals that dates back to 2004 when he was hired as a scout and minor league coach. He debuted with the major-league coaching staff in 2017 and was promoted to manager when Mike Matheny was fired in July 2018.
He has a career managerial record of 451-252 (.559%) over the last three and a half seasons.
Related
© 2021 KMOX (Audacy). All rights reserved
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Follow KMOX
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram