NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Legendary St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has officially announced his retirement from professional baseball after a remarkable 19-year career. However, Molina will not be leaving the Cardinals organization entirely as he takes on a new role as a special assistant to John Mozeliak, the team's president of baseball operations.

The 41-year-old Molina, a 10-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in the history of the sport. Having played his entire career for the Cardinals, Molina holds the record for the most games played by a catcher for one team in major league history, with an impressive total of 2,184 games behind the plate.

In a statement, Mozeliak expressed his excitement at welcoming Molina back to the Cardinals family in his new capacity. He highlighted Molina's invaluable experience and leadership, stating that he will provide assistance at the major league level as well as spend time working with the team's minor league affiliates.

Molina's contributions to the Cardinals franchise are truly remarkable. He ranks second only to the legendary Stan Musial in terms of longevity with the team, having spent 19 seasons representing the Cardinals. During his tenure, Molina played a pivotal role in helping the team reach four World Series and secure two championships in 2006 and 2011.

Furthermore, Molina's consistency and success in the postseason have cemented his status as an all-time great. He retired as the Cardinals' career postseason leader in hits, with an impressive tally of 102, as well as games played, having participated in 104 playoff games.

Prior to taking up his new front office role, Molina also dabbled in managerial responsibilities. In 2023, he served as the manager of Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, showcasing his leadership skills on an international stage. Additionally, Molina managed the Navegantes del Magallanes team in Venezuela.

As Molina transitions from player to special assistant, there is no doubt that he will continue to leave a lasting impact on the St. Louis Cardinals organization. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Molina's presence will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and development of both the major league team and the Cardinals' minor league affiliates.