Baseball Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog, renowned for his leadership of the St. Louis Cardinals and the celebrated “Whiteyball” style of play, passed away at the age of 92, as announced by his family through the Cardinals on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Herzog family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support during Whitey’s illness and shared that his final days were spent peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
During his tenure with the Cardinals from 1980 to 1990, Herzog led the team to three World Series appearances, clinching the title in 1982 against the Milwaukee Brewers. His 822 victories with the Cardinals rank third in franchise history.
Cardinals Chairman and CEO Bill DeWitt Jr. extended condolences on behalf of the organization, highlighting Herzog’s pivotal role in revitalizing the team’s direction with his dynamic managerial approach.
Herzog, named the 1985 National League Manager of the Year, amassed a career record of 1,281-1,125 across various teams, including the Texas Rangers, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals, where he secured three consecutive American League West Division titles.
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. recognized Herzog’s profound impact on baseball, particularly his emphasis on speed and defense, which characterized his Cardinals teams in the 1980s.
Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010, Herzog was praised by Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark for his lifelong dedication to the sport and his ability to inspire and lead both on and off the field.
Herzog is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Lou, their three children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
