SAN LUIS._ Whitey Herzog, whose strategy and keen eye for baseball helped him build a career as a Hall of Fame manager, died Tuesday at age 92.
Herzog won the 1969 and 1982 World Series – first with the Mets as manager of the minor league system and then as manager of the Cardinals.
As with the Mets, whose construction he had his mark, Herzog changed the face of the Cardinals by structuring a club focused on speed, defense and a solid bullpen, thanks to key acquisitions.
Herzog’s roster was established after moving up to 22 players during the 1980 Winter Meetings – which ended up laying the foundation for the 1982 championship and two more National League pennants (1985 and 1987). Before that, Herzog led the Royals to three consecutive division titles between 1976 and 1978, losing hard-fought American League Championship Series to the Yankees each time.
“Whitey Herzog was one of the most outstanding managers of his generation and a consistent winner with both ‘I-70’ franchises,” Commissioner Rob Manfred published in a statement, referring to the highway that connects the city of St. Louis with the one in Kansas City.
“He had a significant impact on the St. Louis Cardinals both as a manager and general manager, with the Kansas City Royals as a manager, and with the New York Mets in player development. Whitey’s Cardinals teams reached the World Series three times in the 1980s, winning the championship in 1982, riding on an identity of speed and defense that resonated with baseball fans around the world.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Whitey’s family, his friends throughout the game, and the fans of the Cardinals and Royals.”
Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog was born November 9, 1931 in New Athens, Illinois; 40 miles east of San Luis. After a short playing career, he found his true position – as a scout, coach, farm director and manager between 1963 and 1990, utilizing his skills as a talent evaluator and builder of winning teams.
As manager, Herzog won six division titles, three pennants and one World Series, finishing with an overall record of 1,281-1,125 (.532). He went 21-16 (.538) in 37 postseason games with the Cardinals. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. He is also part of the Royals and Cardinals Hall of Fame. His number 24 is retired in San Luis.
2024-04-16 17:15:57
#Whitey #Herzog #Hall #Fame #manager #dies
