Whitey Herzog - 1931-2024

Whitey Herzog must be remembered as being such a quintessential innovator as a baseball manager because of his innate ability to foresee strategic advantages within the course of individual baseball games that enabled his teams to have a far advanced chance to win. Whitey was intelligent enough to devise a plan to assemble lineups in Busch Stadium that emphasized speed, pitching, and defense that enabled his teams to gain a distinct advantage over their opponents. In this way, the speed of the Cardinals effectively neutralized the strengths of the Cardinals' opponents. I never wanted Whitey to leave the Cardinals - I hated the day in 1990 when he left. I still believe that Whitey could have won several more world championships with the Cardinals if he would have stayed on as manager for another ten to fifteen years. Finally, in closing, it is my true belief that Whitey will never be gone because his excellent spirit will always be present with the Cardinals. I will always celebrate the life of Whitey Herzog and the plethora of accomplishments that have enabled him to stand alone above all of the managers in major league baseball history. May GOD bless Whitey Herzog with peace and happiness throughout eternity.

Jason W. - Memphis, TN

First of All I want to send my condolences to Whitey's family. I got to see him and Mary Lou or Opening Day, April 4, 2024 going up to his suite in a golf cart on the West Ramp of the Ballpark where I was doing my Usher duties. He had his shades on and was patient as the driver asked me for directions to that suite. It was always a Blast to see him and Mary Lou getting on the escalator after games, seeing that White Rat smile. I bet that mind of his never stopped churning regarding baseball strategy! God Bless You Whitey! RIP

Mark S. - St. Louis, MO

My deepest sympathies to Mary Lou and all of the Herzog family on Whitey's passing. He will live forever in the hearts of all of Cardinals Nation. We will miss seeing him in Fargo.

Chris D. - Bemidji, MN

As a Mets fan as a kid, the early 80's was great as the team became relevant again. And always there were those Cardinals! Whitey, I now see, was a worthy opponent. It was a privilege to see his work so close, as frustrating as 1985 might have been. Nearly 40 years later the memories are special. And still, there is Whitey and his damned Cardinals! RIP"

Ed A. - Palm Harbor, FL

I drove from Memphis to St. Louis often to watch the exciting style of play that Whitey's teams always exhibited. He was a class act, and so were his teams. It was so much more watchable than the homerun and strikeout priorities of today. Whitey was the best!

Marcus P. - Highlands Ranch, CO

Whitey is the ultimate argument against the DH. How else would Juaquin Andujar get to play right field?

Cindy D. - O'Fallon, IL

"I've been a Cardinal fan since I knew what baseball was in the mid 60's. As a Cardinal fan, the 70's weren't great to us. But we always stayed upbeat and positive. Spent a lot of time in Busch Stadium 2 with my Dad attending games dreaming of one day getting an opportunity to play for the Redbirds. That dream never panned out but everything changed in the 80's when Mr. Whitey Herzog stepped on the field. So many great memories during the decade. I had the privilege of attending all three World Series years. Actually attending the 1982 game 7 World Series Championship. That was a memorable time with my grandfather. Thank You for all the memories Mr. Herzog. Thoughts and preys to Mrs. Herzog and the Herzog family. And all of CARDINALS NATION.

John O. - IN

Whitey's knowledge of the game and ability to mold his teams in his fun, freewheeling style were the best part of 1980s baseball. After his managerial career, he was thoughtful and passionate about the game he loved. I will definitely miss number 24, but will fondly remember the Runnin' Redbirds of Whiteyball.

Bruce M. - Centerpoint, IN

My wife and I met Whitey when he came down to help an old friend raise money for a new ballpark to be built in Jackson. Talk about a 'regular guy' who instantly made you feel as if you already knew him. I'm not usually enamored by celebrities, but Whitey was easy to admire.

Richard F. - Jackson, MO

The older that I get, the more I tend to long for the days of my youth. I was raised by a father who taught me to live the Cardinals. When I was only 9 years old the Cardinals won the 1982 world series. It's a memory that is stitched into the fabric of my brain. I remember how happy my father and other members of my family were when the won it that year. I'm so glad that the Cardinals and Whitey Herzog were a part of my family. It's sad getting old, and seeing the players and now manager start to join the afterlife is a great remainder of how you should really cherish the memories of this team and it's manager and players.

Dean W. - Toledo, OH

As a die hard Cardinal fan, I will never forget Whitey & Whiteyball. What a devoted man Whitey was and is. Ill never forget him strolling out to the pitchers mound to releave and change a pitcher. May he join Gibby, Brock & the GREAT Mike Shannon, Play ball you GREAT ones. God Bless you all & please watch out for that split finger pitch our good LORD has. Play ball gentleman, play ball.

Steve T. - St. Louis, MO

It was 1988 and in Italy a local TV started broadcasting US Sports, baseball included. Being a teenager, I was avid consumer of TV Sports, and I've been mesmerized by the 80s Cardinals, led by Whitey. If I am still following baseball, if I hold my breath when I see a nice defensive play, if I look to STEALS as the first stat, is all due to him. May You rest in peace with your beloved friend Gussie, have one for us as I'll have one for you.

Carlo S. - Monza, Italy

Lucky enough to enjoy "Whitey Ball" as a season ticket holder in 1982. Speed was the name of the game, exciting baseball with 1 run wins, exceptional defense with good starting pitching & the best closer in baseball. You will be missed Whitey. 82, 85 and 87 will be a constant reminder in baseball history.

Leon M. - Fairview Heights, IL

I was born in the 90s so I never had the pleasure of watching the Cardinals play Whitey Ball in the 80s. However, my whole family are huge Cardinal fans and have shared many stories and memories with me from the great Cardinal rosters that Whitey assembled and managed. Hearing their stories and watching highlight films, it is very clear that Whitey was one of the greatest baseball minds of his time. He was a mastermind when it came to roster construction and he wasn't afraid to ruffle some feathers along the way. I mean, it takes some nerve to trade a guy like Ted Simmons, right? You can't mention a list of Cardinal greats without mentioning Whitey Herzog. He will be sorely missed.

Kyle K. - Peoria, IL

Whitey famously said, "Being a baseball hall of famer" is like going to heaven before you die. Well, if there is baseball in heaven, they are assuredly playing Whiteyball because your brand of baseball was like manna for so many. From a Cardinals fan in NY, thank you for all the memories, Mr. Herzog; my condolences to your family, the players and coaches you went to war with, and the entire Cardinals nation.

Darren, H. - Bronx, NY

Best Cardinals Manager ever, period. He was the most beloved Manager in Cardinals history, Fans cheered Whitey at every Cardinals game he attended. He always received some of the loudest cheers at every Cardinals Home opener. RIP Whitey.

BRIAN R. - Evansville, IN

Whitey Herzog was a great manager for the St. Louis Cardinals it was nice seeing him at the St. Louis Cardinals home opener game this year and last year home opener. He will be missed by so many Cardinals fans and cardinals family. I will keep his family in my prayers and thoughts. He was a wonderful person.

Travis B. - Troy, MO

This was my intro to Cardinals baseball in the 80s as a kid... The best baseball I have ever watched, thanks Whitey for all the great memories!

R.P. M. - St Louis, MO

Whitey will be sorely missed... met him one time at a Cardinals function. Very interesting man with a wealth of baseball knowledge. I don't know if half the players today could've played for him. Either you gave 110% effort or you got traded or sent back down to the minors.

Bruce Z. - St. Louis, MO

I have been a long time Cardinals fan (1944) and thought Whitey was one of the best we ever had. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Lyle B. - Palatka, FL

I remember when Tony LaRussa came to town and he said in an interview that he was hoping to hear from Whitey some tips and advice about managing the Cardinals in St Louis. Whitey responded back and kind of grumbled and said "you're the one with the $2 million a year contract" LOL!

TERRY P. - Sikeston, MO

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Whitey Herzog, in my opinion, was one of the best managers in baseball. He was such a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. May God be with his family through this difficult time.

Mary W. - Shelbina, MO

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He was the best, period. The Whiteyball era was the most entertaining of my time being a Cardinals fan. I don't think I missed many games during his tenure managing the club. To watch & listen to Cardinals baseball during those years was s clinic on how to play the game, it was winning first and always. He taught me so much about the game I love.

Dan C. - Lincoln, NE

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I have been a Cardinals fan for 74 years. Whitey Herzog was by far my favorite manager. Whitey ball was the most exciting baseball ever. In my opinion, Whitey was the smartest baseball man I have ever seen. So sorry to hear of his passing and my most sincere sympathy to his family. RIP Whitey!

David L. - Lewistown, IL

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Whitey Herzog was the greatest manager of all time. I think he was the coolest manager there ever was. My thoughts and prayers go to the entire Herzog family.

Larry S. - IL

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Whitey's teams were among the all-time best at playing to their potential. He loved St. Louis and the feeling was mutual. His skill in his position made possible one of the great eras in Cardinals history. Rest in Peace after a job well done.

Larry H. - Abb's Valley, VA

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Simply the best. I think I enjoyed Cardinals baseball the most when Whitey was at the helm. His style of managing was fun to watch and he and his Cardinal teams really knew how to excite a crowd. There was always that feeling that something exciting was about to happen when there were men on base. I believe it was said that Busch Stadium St. Louis was the only place where stealing was not a Cardinal sin! Also, with the Cardinals, "the threat of the steal is worse than the steal itself" says the Phillies' Mike Schmidt. Was there ever a more fun and brilliant guy than Whitey with his foot on the top step of the dugout? I'll always picture him there.

Nancy H. - Maryland Heights, MO

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What a fun man who shared his humor with us, and an inspiration. I've been a fan since five years old (89 this month) and saw many of the great ball players. Thank you Whitey. I'm sure God is happy to have you join him.

Betty L. - St. Louis, MO

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Whitey ball is what got me interested in baseball in the first place. And I have been a Cardinals fan ever since. Thank you Whitey, you will be missed, but never forgotten. Thanks for the memories

Anthony M. - Wickliffe, KY

I was in middle school when Whitey came to St. Louis, and knew a little bit about him from the success he had on the west side of the state. He set the table for the thrilling, exciting years of the 1980's, winning a World Series and going to two more. Whiteyball was so exciting because you never knew what was going to happen. A steal of home, taking an extra base, the stellar defense of Hernandez, Herr, Ozzie and Obie. Thank you Whitey for a decade of amazing Cardinals baseball.

Paul Z. - Columbia, MO