Hall of Fame Remembers Herzog

The National Baseball Hall of Fame Remembers Whitey Herzog

"I’ve done about everything you can do in baseball. But when I look back, I never ever thought I’d be a member of the Hall of Fame." - Whitey Herzog

 
Whitey Herzog's Hall of Fame plaque (elected, 2010)

Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog
“Whitey”, “The White Rat”
Texas, A.L., 1973
California, A.L., 1974
Kansas City, A.L., 1975-79
St. Louis, N.L., 1980-90

An architect and respected leader who built and managed teams to six division titles, three pennants and the 1982 World Series title. Renowned for being two steps ahead of opposing managers. Maximized player contributions with a stern yet good-natured style, emphasizing speed, pitching and defense. Twice posted 100-win seasons, and was named 1985 Manager of the Year. A two-time Executive of the Year as general manager, also with player development contributions with the Mets and Angels. Totaled eight seasons as major league player.

 Whitey Herzog Bio
Born: Nov. 9, 1931, in New Athens, Ill.
Died: April 15, 2024, in St. Louis, Mo.
Height: 5-11 Weight: 182
Batted left and threw left

A lifetime in baseball helped manager Whitey Herzog adapt his clubs to the modern game played on artificial turf, resulting in consistent success. After brief managerial posts in Texas and California, his Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals of the 1970s and ’80s played “Whitey Ball,” focusing on aggressive base running, sparkling defense and a strong bullpen. Herzog won three division titles in five years with Kansas City, and a trio of pennants and the 1982 World Series with the Cardinals. Managing for 18 big league seasons, Herzog retired with a record of 1,281-1,125.

Remembering Whitey Herzog

“Whitey Herzog devoted his lifetime to the game he loved, excelling as a leader on and off the field. Whitey always brought the best out of every player he managed with a forthright style that won him respect throughout the game. His passion for the Hall of Fame was evident each time he returned to Cooperstown, and we will forever miss his smile and warmth. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Mary Lou, and his family.”
 – Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame 

Quotes about Whitey Herzog

Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith: “He made me a better player and he made me a better person.”
 
Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter: “He was a manager, a general manager, a farm director, a player personnel director, a scout, a coach. That tells you about his smarts right there.”
 
Former general manager Hank Peters: “Whitey Herzog is the best judge of talent I ever saw.”
 
 
On the web: Visit baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/herzog-whitey to view Whitey Herzog’s Hall of Fame plaque and a video tribute.