Whitey Herzog, a Hall of Fame manager and World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals who also won three pennants in the 1980s, has passed away. The inventor of “Whiteyball,” a nail-biting strategy, was 92.
The spokesman for the Cardinals, Brian Bartow, stated Tuesday that the Herzog family told the franchise about Whitey’s death, per the New York Post. The team isn’t sure when his death happened, whether that be Monday or Tuesday. (RELATED: Effective Immediately: John Sterling, The Voice Of The New York Yankees For 36 Seasons, Retires Due To Health Issues)
Herzog was present for the April 4 home opener for St. Louis at Busch Stadium.
The Cardinals won pennants under Herzog in 1982, 1985 and 1987, completing the mission in ’82 to win a World Series title — they took out the Milwaukee Brewers in that Fall Classic, reigning victorious in seven games. From 1976-78, he won three consecutive division championships with the Kansas City Royals, however, they took defeats to the New York Yankees in the league championship all three years.
The entire Cardinals family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer and World Series champion manager Whitey Herzog at the age of 92. pic.twitter.com/PLwAM6PV4V
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 16, 2024
Herzog was a manager for a total of 18 seasons, tallying a career record of 1,281-1,125. In 1985, he won the Manager of the Year award, and then later in 2010, was voted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. His plaque puts a focus on his pitching, defense and speed, and also highlights his “stern, yet good-natured style.”
His No. 24 jersey number was retired by the Cardinals just before his induction to the Hall of Fame.