Whitey Herzog, Former Cardinals and Royals Manager, Dies at 92
Hall of Famer Led St. Louis to 1982 World Series Title
Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010
WEB Dorrel Norman Elvert "Whitey" Herzog (born November 9, 1931) was an American former professional baseball outfielder and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1956 to 1963 and managed the Kansas City Royals from 1975 to 1980 and the St. Louis Cardinals from 1980 to 1990.
Herzog led the Cardinals to the 1982 World Series title, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Herzog died on October 10, 2022, at the age of 92.
Early Life and Career
Herzog was born in New Athens, Illinois, and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an undrafted free agent in 1954 and made his MLB debut with the team in 1956.
Herzog played outfield for the Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and Detroit Tigers during his eight-year MLB career. He was primarily a pinch hitter and defensive replacement, and never played more than 80 games in a season.
Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, Herzog began his managerial career in the minor leagues. He managed several teams in the Cardinals' minor league system before being named the manager of the Kansas City Royals in 1975.
Herzog led the Royals to the American League Championship Series in 1976 and 1977, but they lost in both series to the New York Yankees.
Herzog was fired by the Royals after the 1980 season and was hired by the Cardinals to replace Ken Boyer.
In his first season with the Cardinals, Herzog led the team to a World Series victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Herzog managed the Cardinals for 11 seasons, leading them to three National League pennants and the 1982 World Series title.
He was fired by the Cardinals after the 1990 season and never managed in MLB again.
Legacy
Herzog is considered one of the greatest managers in MLB history.
He was known for his innovative strategies, including using a designated hitter in the National League and employing a left-handed closer.
Herzog was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
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