Whitey Herzog, the St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series champion manager, passed away. He was ninety-two.
Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog, who led the Cardinals to three NL pennants and the 1982 championship, was born in rural Illinois and managed the team for 11 seasons, spanning from 1980 to 1990.
Although he played for the Tigers until 1963, he is more remembered for his “Whiteyball” managing philosophy, which prioritised contact hitting over home runs, quickness on the basepaths, and excellent pitching and defence.
“Whitey’s family was by his side throughout his final days. We really appreciate all of the well wishes and encouragement from those who were aware of his serious illness. His tranquil passing was a blessing for him, even though it is difficult for us to say goodbye,” his family wrote in a statement made public by the Cardinals.
2010 saw the induction of Herzog into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2014, the Cardinals Hall of Fame. Later, in 1976–1978 he managed the Kansas City Royals to division titles; however, both seasons ended in ALCS losses to the New York Yankees.
Herzog managed for eighteen seasons overall, going 1,281–1,125 as a manager. On April 4, he went to the Cardinals’ home opener at Busch Stadium.
Cardinals chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. issued a statement in which he said, “On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organisation, I would like to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of Whitey Herzog.” “Whitey and his teams had a significant impact on the early 1980s trajectory of the Cardinals franchise by introducing an entertaining brand of baseball called “Whitey Ball.” Whitey cherished St. Louis, the Cardinals, and their supporters. We shall really miss him.
In a statement following his passing, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned his accomplishments and teams that were centred around defence and speed, creating a “resonance with baseball fans across the world.”
Whitey Herzog excelled as a leader both on and off the pitch and dedicated his life to the game he loved, according to a statement from Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Hall of Fame. “Whitey’s direct approach earned him respect throughout the game as he consistently brought out the best in every player he managed.”We shall always be saddened by his warmth and grin.
Herzog “made (him) a better player and a better person,” according to Cardinals Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, and he was the “best judge of talent (he) ever saw,” according to former MLB general manager Hank Peters.
Herzog batted.257 over his eight seasons as a professional. When he hit.291 in 1961 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles, it was his greatest season. He was a player for Kansas City Athletics and the Washington Senators as well.
