McDonald served as general manager of three MLB clubs between 1975 and 1992, and had a long career in the game as an administrator and a scout.
McDonald was the Mets' administrative secretary, minor league clubs, where he dealt with farm system operations in 1965–66.
In 1973, he again became director of minor league operations, and he stayed in that position until October 1974, when he was promoted to general manager.
He was assistant GM in St. Louis until April 10, 1982, when he became the Cardinals' general manager, thus enabling Herzog to focus on his on-field responsibilities.
Jody McDonald is currently a sports talk radio host who has worked in Philadelphia and New York City.