Cardinals Legend Scott Rolen Returns to St. Louis as Assistant Hitting Coach

The St. Louis Cardinals are bringing back one of their all-time greats. Hall of Fame third baseman Scott Rolen has officially rejoined the organization as Assistant Hitting Coach, marking his first on-field coaching role since being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023.

The team made the announcement Saturday morning, noting that Rolen will work closely with hitters at the major league level, focusing on approach, preparation, and situational hitting.

“Scott was the definition of a complete ballplayer, and his return to the organization is a huge boost to our staff,” said Cardinals manager Oli Marmol. “He’s a teacher, a competitor, and one of the smartest hitters of his generation.”

Returning to Where It All Peaked

Rolen played with the Cardinals from 2002 to 2007, anchoring third base and helping lead the team to a World Series championship in 2006. Known for his elite defense and explosive bat, Rolen hit .286 with 111 home runs and 453 RBIs during his six-year run in St. Louis.

A seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner, Rolen is widely regarded as one of the best third basemen in MLB history. After retiring in 2012, he remained close to the game but took a step back from professional baseball to focus on his family and charitable work.

“St. Louis has always felt like home,” Rolen said at his introductory press conference. “The fans, the tradition, the people in this organization—this is a place where baseball still means everything. I’m excited to be back in the dugout and to help the next generation of Cardinals grow.”

A Coach with Championship Experience

Rolen’s role as Assistant Hitting Coach will pair him with current hitting coach Turner Ward, giving the Cardinals a one-two punch of experience and insight. His focus will be on situational awareness at the plate, helping younger hitters develop smarter at-bats and adjust more quickly to major league pitching.

He’ll work closely with players like Nolan Gorman, Jordan Walker, and Masyn Winn, sharing lessons from a 17-year career that included playoff battles, slumps, surges, and everything in between.

“You don’t just teach mechanics—you teach mindset,” Rolen explained. “It’s about getting in the box and believing you can win every pitch. That’s what we’ll be working on.”

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Rolen will also assist in player development, working with minor league hitters during spring training and throughout the season.

A Fan Favorite Returns

Rolen’s return has sparked excitement among Cardinals fans, many of whom still remember his diving stops at third base and towering home runs at Busch Stadium. His signature hustle, leadership, and blue-collar style of play perfectly matched the spirit of St. Louis baseball.

“He played the game the right way,” said team president John Mozeliak. “And now he’s coming back to help us instill that same mentality in the next wave of Cardinals talent.”

The Cardinals plan to honor Rolen’s return with a “Scott Rolen Day” at Busch Stadium in July, celebrating his contributions to the franchise both past and present.

Looking Ahead

With a revamped coaching staff, a hungry young roster, and now the presence of a Hall of Fame mentor in the dugout, the Cardinals are hoping Rolen’s championship pedigree will help guide them back to the top of the National League.

For Rolen, it’s not about the spotlight—it’s about giving back to the game and team that helped shape his career.

“Baseball gave me everything,” he said. “Now I get to give something back.”

In St. Louis, where legends never fade, Scott Rolen’s second act is just beginning—and fans are ready to cheer him on once again.