Marmol joins NL coaching staff for first All-Star Game 

ST. LOUIS -- Though the voting for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game has only recently begun, we already know one member of the Cardinals organization who will be heading to Philadelphia to represent the club.

It’s manager Oliver Marmol.

Marmol shared with reporters at Busch Stadium on Sunday that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts asked him to join the National League coaching staff for the Midsummer Classic, which takes place Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park.

For Marmol, it will be his first-ever trip to the All-Star Game.

“As a kid, you grow up watching the Home Run Derby and you watch the All-Star Game, just all the festivities and everything that goes into it,” Marmol said. “All the best players in the world, all in one place at the same time, man. So it’s cool to be invited and be able to represent the organization and our families in that type of environment. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Marmol, who is the third-longest tenured National League manager, doesn’t necessarily feel like a wily veteran at this stage of his coaching career. But he spoke to his relationship with Roberts and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity.

“I wouldn’t go that far, man,” Marmol laughed when a reporter suggested that he’s already one of the vets. “It’s cool that Dave Roberts is extremely thoughtful. I’ve gotten to know him a little bit over the past several years and it was a cool moment for him to ask me to join him. So, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”

The festivities of the week in Philadelphia will represent a welcomed shift for Marmol. All season, it’s a constant grind with his coaching staff, working tirelessly to formulate plans for how to counter the talents of the best players in the sport.

But for a few days in Philly this July, he’ll have the luxury to let all of that go, to sit in the same dugout as those superstars.

“More than anything, It’s a really good time,” Marmol said. “You take a step back and you actually get to enjoy the game more than anything. So, I look forward to that part of it, as well.

“Mainly, just being around those types of players, I think will be cool. It’s all the guys you have to game plan against all year. Being around that staff, being around the players will be a good time. Then, also, just having my family be a part of it and everybody there together for a couple days. Being able to enjoy that aspect of it, as well.”

Though Marmol joked that his daughters are more likely to get starstruck by seeing whoever sings the national anthem than any of the famous ballplayers, it’s clear that the opportunity to enjoy the week with his family will be cherished for the Cardinals manager.

“They’re at an age where they know what’s happening now, right?” Marmol said. “You get to actually explain it to them, they understand it and they can look forward to it.”

The unknown element for the Cardinals, who currently sit at a respectable 34-28 record and in second place of the NL Central, is how many players will be joining their manager on the trek to Philadelphia.

Marmol wasn’t looking to speculate just yet, but the Cardinals certainly have several candidates worthy of consideration.

“Once we get closer and we get to that point, I think it will be pretty cool,” Marmol said.

The Cardinals' surprising start to the season makes a moment like this all the more satisfying for Marmol, as the energy behind this year's club reflects a positive shift for the organization.

“You look at the last several years compared to this year, there’s just a different level of excitement.” Marmol said. “You’re getting on the other side of it, right? So, that more than anything, yes, to be able to have the conversation with Dave and represent this city, our fan base, our org, I think, for me, is actually super special. Especially knowing what the last couple of years looked like.”