Whitey Herzog RIP

[Collectorsince62]

When asked what it is like to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Whitey responded "It's like going to heaven before you die."

Baseball in St. Louis was mediocre in the late 70's. Not even a sniff of the postseason. I remember the upper deck at Busch Stadium being closed off entirely many times. Gussie Busch wanted one last championship and hired Herzog to do whatever he thought necessary to turn things around. Whitey singlehandedly jettisoned players he felt were problematic (ex. Templeton) and added heady players he felt could take advantage of the artificial turf in St. Louis (ex. Ozzie). Winning baseball returned, played in a style that brought back the fans who had soured on the franchise, while adding new fans attracted to the exciting Whiteyball trademarks of speed, defense, pitching, strategy and small ball. It was a lot of fun to watch.

Whitey Herzog was rightfully beloved here in St. Louis. He was very visible in the community and was a frequent visitor to Busch Stadium. He attended Opening Day this year. He was unable to join his fellow Cardinal legends on the field but when he was recognized on the video board from a suite, the ovation was thunderous.