Whitey Herzog, the legendary Hall of Fame manager for the St. Louis Cardinals, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his innovative “Whiteyball” strategy, Herzog led the Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s. He was highly respected for his leadership both on and off the field, bringing out the best in every player he managed with his forthright style. Under his guidance, the Cardinals relied on speed and defense, with players like Vince Coleman, Willie McGee, Ozzie Smith, and John Tudor, to secure victories in low-scoring, 1-run games.
Herzog’s successful managerial career spanned 18 seasons, with the Cardinals winning pennants in 1982, 1985, and 1987, and the World Series in 1982. He was named Manager of the Year in 1985 and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. Herzog’s plaque in the Hall recognizes his emphasis on speed, pitching, and defense, as well as his stern yet good-natured style. His legacy also includes having his uniform number, 24, retired by the Cardinals before his Hall of Fame induction. Herzog is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Lou, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Born in New Athens, Illinois, Herzog excelled in baseball and basketball from a young age. He signed with the Yankees as a player but ultimately became known for his managerial prowess. Herzog was dubbed “The White Rat” due to his resemblance to Yankees pitcher Bob Kuzava and gained valuable experience under the tutelage of manager Casey Stengel. Despite a modest playing career, Herzog found success in managing, first with the Kansas City Royals where he won division titles in the late 1970s before joining the Cardinals in 1980.
Throughout his managerial career, Herzog was known for his decisive moves, including trading away players who did not fit his vision for the team. One notable trade brought Ozzie Smith to the Cardinals in exchange for Garry Templeton, a move that solidified Smith’s reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops in history. While Herzog enjoyed many successes, the 1985 World Series loss to the Royals, in part due to a controversial call by an umpire, was a bittersweet moment in his career. Despite the setback, Herzog remained respected among players and peers in the baseball community.
After retiring from managing in 1990, Herzog stayed involved in baseball as a consultant and general manager for the Angels. He briefly considered a return to managing with the Red Sox but ultimately chose to focus on other aspects of the game. Herzog’s impact on the Cardinals and the sport of baseball as a whole is still felt today, with his legacy as one of the game’s great strategists enduring. His contributions to the game and the Cardinals organization, both on and off the field, will be remembered for generations to come.
