Duncan to return to Cards

Oct 3, 2008 - 8:18 PM ST. LOUIS (Ticker) - Dave Duncan, regarded as the majors' best pitching coach, will return to the St. Louis Cardinals for a 14th season after agreeing with the club on a one-year contract Friday.

Duncan, 62, recently completed his 29th season as a pitching coach, the most in major league history. He has been with Cardinals manager Tony La Russa since 1983 beginning with the Chicago White Sox before moving on with him to Oakland and St. Louis.

"We are extremely pleased to have Dave returning," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. "He has a tremendous reputation in baseball and among players, and his ability to work with and make successful a diverse pitching staff is a talent we feel privileged to keep with the Cardinals."

In his career, Ducan has worked with four Cy Young Award winners, including Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals in 2005.