Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog, who led the Cardinals to the 1982 World Series championship, dies at age 92

Whitey Herzog, the Hall of Fame manager who led the St. Louis Cardinals to the World Series championship in 1982, has died. He was 92 years old.

In a statement released by the Cardinals, the Herzog family said, “Whitey spent his final days surrounded by his family,” adding, “We would like to extend our prayers and prayers to his friends who knew Whitey was seriously ill.” I am very grateful for the support.” Although it is difficult for us to say goodbye, his peaceful death was a blessing to him. ”

“Whitey Herzog was one of the greatest managers of his generation, a consistent winner on both sides of the I-70,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He had a tremendous impact on both teams and the St. Louis Cardinals.” He has served as a manager and general manager, including managerial positions with the Kansas City Royals and player development with the New York Mets. Whitey’s Cardinals teams advanced to the World Series three times in the 1980s, winning in 1982, relying on speed and a defensive identity that resonated with baseball fans around the world.

“On behalf of Major League Baseball, we extend our deepest condolences to Whitey’s family, his friends in the game, and the fans of the Cardinals and Royals.”

“On behalf of the entire St. Louis Cardinals organization, I would like to extend our condolences to the family and many friends of Whitey Herzog,” Cardinals Chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement. “Whitey and his team played a huge role in the transformation,” he said. The direction of the Cardinals’ franchise in the early 1980s was his style of exciting play, which became known throughout the baseball world as “Whitey Ball.” Whitey loved the Cardinals, their fans, and St. Louis. I will miss him very much when he is gone. ”

Born Dorell Norman Elbert Herzog, he was nicknamed “Whitey” by a sportscaster in McAlester, Oklahoma, because of his light blond hair.

Before becoming a manager, Herzog played seven years with the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers.

As his post-playing days began, Herzog served as a scout for the Athletics, then third base coach and director of player development for the New York Mets. He was part of the organization when the “Amazing Mets” won the World Series in 1969.

“Baseball has been good to me since I stopped playing.”

After replacing Gil Hodges as manager of the Mets in 1972, Herzog became manager of the Texas Rangers. He was fired before the season ended as the team lost 100 games.

Herzog was hired by the California Angels in 1974 as first base coach and eventually became interim manager. A year later, he replaced Jack McKeon as manager of the Kansas City Royals, where he remained until 1979.

Herzog’s successful run as an MLB manager began in 1980. He was hired by the Cardinals to adapt his style of play to Busch Stadium’s artificial turf. His baserunning speed, quality fielding, timely hitting, and reliable pitching made him known as “Whitey Ball,” and he helped lead the team to the World Series title in 1982. Did.

Herzog didn’t just manage the Cardinals. He also served as general manager from 1980 to 1982 and was instrumental in acquiring future Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith from the San Diego Padres.

The Cardinals would win two more championships under Herzog, in 1985 and 1987, but lost in the World Series to the Royals and Minnesota Twins.

After serving as manager for 10 years, Herzog was appointed manager of the Cardinals on July 6, 1990, with an 822-728 record against St. Louis, a World Series championship, and three National League championships. resigned.

“I came here for the last time and I’m leaving here for the last time. I left them where I started,” Herzog said after resigning.

Herzog never coached again and finished his career with 1,281 wins with four different teams. He won six division titles and was named National League Manager of the Year in 1985.

In 2009, Mr. Herzog was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame through the Veterans Affairs Committee and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 2010. That same year, the Cardinals retired the number 24 worn by pitcher Rick Ankiel.

Four years later, Herzog was part of the first 22-man class of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum.