It's no secret why Oquendo's in Cardinals Hall of Fame

This story was excerpted from John Denton’s Cardinals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

José Oquendo, once dubbed “The Secret Weapon” by Hall of Fame announcer Jack Buck because of his ability to help the Cardinals in so many ways, played at least one game at all nine positions in 1988. One position at which Oquendo was never comfortable, however, is behind a microphone. So he started his Cardinals Hall of Fame induction speech on a steamy Sunday with a light-hearted joke to try to calm his own nerves.

“This feels a little like a Sunday game,” Oquendo said, while looking back at the 12 Cardinals Hall of Famers seated behind him, and specifically at the incomparable Ozzie Smith. “On Sundays, these guys would take the day off and I’d have to fill in for them and it would make me nervous.”

Those not familiar with the rich history of the Cardinals organization might wonder how 60-year-old Oquendo -- with a career .256 batting average and just 14 MLB home runs -- could ever make it to the Cardinals Hall of Fame to stand alongside Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Scott Rolen, Ted Simmons, Smith and others. To understand Oquendo’s massive reach as a Cardinals player (1986-95), Minor League manager (1998), bench coach (1999), third base coach (2000-15, ‘18) and Minor League instructor (1997, 2019-present), listen to an Oquendo protégé tell it.

“One, I love him, and two, he’s got his fingerprints all over this organization in so many ways,” said Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol, who was taught the effectiveness of blunt honesty by Oquendo. “He’s had a great influence over my career as a coach and I’m thankful for it. … This is what [Oquendo] lives for and it’s his passion. He wakes up every day trying to figure out ways to make this organization better and he’s done that for so long.”

How long has Oquendo been shaping the famed “Cardinal Way?” Likely first-ballot Hall of Famer Albert Pujols returned to St. Louis to attend the ceremony and show his thanks to Oquendo, who helped to make him a two-time Gold Glover at first base.

Said Pujols, who someday soon will be wearing a Cardinals Hall of Fame red jacket like Oquendo: “I wouldn’t have accomplished anything [defensively] in my career without José. I wouldn’t have missed this day because I’m so excited for him.”

Now, flash forward to the current Cards clubhouse, and there’s outfielder Alec Burleson, whom Oquendo once told to get in better shape if he wanted to play in the big leagues. Then there’s prized rookie Jordan Walker, who showed up early to Spring Training to absorb Oquendo’s “tough love” -- which helped him make the Opening Day roster. Finally, newcomer Masyn Winn -- the organization’s top prospect who was called up Thursday -- said he owes his career to the no-nonsense Oquendo.

“I would not be where I’m at without ‘Cheo,’” the 21-year-old Winn said of Oquendo by his nickname. “When you talk about day-in and day-out fundamentals and being consistent on defense ... my first year I had 26 errors and I got progressively better after working with [Oquendo] and I’d have to give him all the credit. Obviously, Ozzie is ‘The Wizard,’ but Cheo is more like ‘Yoda’ because he's a master. Anything he has to say, I’m going to listen to it.”

Oquendo finally going into the Cardinals Hall with 1940s era pitcher Max Lanier -- who was buried years earlier with a Cardinals cap beside him, per his request -- means ‘Cheo’ will finally stand beside Whitey Herzog, Tony La Russa, George Kissell and Dave Ricketts as the greatest teachers and influencers of the game in franchise history. But even after working with the franchise’s baby ‘Birds for much of the past 40 years, Oquendo said he still has plenty left to offer.

“Dave Ricketts used to say, ‘When a player makes a mistake, don’t yell at them; teach them!’” Oquendo said. “That’s what I want to keep doing -- teaching kids for as long as they’ll have me.”