By Metro News Service

ST. LOUIS - Former St. Louis Cardinals great Willie McGee is back in the organization full-time.

The team has hired the 54-year-old as a special assistant to General Manager John Mozeliak. McGee will focus his attention on the club's minor league players. He had already been working this spring as a guest instructor at the invitation of manager Mike Matheny.

McGee played 18 big league seasons, winning the 1985 National League MVP and a pair of batting titles.  

“We are pleased to announce Willie’s return to the Cardinals organization,” said Cardinals Senior Vice President and General Manager John Mozeliak. “Willie has a wealth of experience in the game and he is eager to pass on his observations and teachings.”

McGee currently ranks among the Cardinals top-10 career leaders in games played (1,661), triples (83), stolen bases (301), and pinch-hits (59).