Whitey Herzog Biography: Height, Net Worth, Age, Wife, Parents, Baseball, Nationality, Instagram, Wikipedia, Death

Whitey Herzog was an American professional baseball player and manager renowned for his impactful career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

He debuted as a player 1956 with the Washington Senators and was an outfielder until his playing career ended in 1963.

Following his time on the field, Herzog transitioned into various key roles within MLB, including scout, coach, general manager, and farm system director.

He is best known for his successful managerial career, where he led several teams to prominence, notably the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he won a World Series championship in 1982.

Profile

• Full Name: Dorrel Norman Elvert “Whitey” Herzog
• Stage Name: Whitey Herzog
• Born: November 9, 1931
• Death date: April 15, 2024
• Age: 92 years old
• Birthplace: New Athens, Illinois, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American professional baseball outfielder and manager
• Height: 1.8 m
• Parent: Edgar Herzog ,Lietta Herzog
• Siblings: Therron Herzog
• Spouse: Mary Lou Herzog (m. 1953)
• Children: Jim Herzog ,Debbie Urick
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million and $5 million

Early Life And Education

Dorrel Norman Elvert “Whitey” Herzog was born on November 9, 1931, in New Athens, Illinois, to Edgar and Lietta Herzog. His father worked at a brewery, and his mother was employed at a shoe factory.

Herzog had an older brother, Therron, who briefly played minor league baseball in 1954 in the Cotton States League.

Whitey attended New Athens High School in Illinois, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.

His versatility as a player—capable of playing as a baseman, pitcher, and outfielder—caught the attention of colleges like the University of Illinois and St. Louis University.

Herzog’s success in high school sports helped lay the foundation for his future baseball career. Though Herzog’s ethnicity is German, details about his religious beliefs remain unknown.

Career

Whitey Herzog had a multifaceted baseball career spanning over four decades. He debuted as a player 1956 with the Washington Senators and played until 1963, appearing in 634 MLB games. The New York Yankees originally signed him as a left-handed hitter and thrower.

Herzog earned the nickname “Whitey” due to his light blonde hair, which resembled Yankees pitcher Bob Kuzava.

He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, managing the camp’s baseball team. Herzog’s career as a player ended with a .257 batting average, 25 home runs, and 172 RBIs.

After retiring as a player, Herzog moved into various roles within MLB, including scout and coach. He rejoined the Kansas City Athletics in 1964 as a scout, later becoming a coach in 1965.

Herzog was considered for the New York Mets managerial position in 1972 but was passed over in favour of Yogi Berra. Following this, he accepted his first managerial job with the Texas Rangers, managing the team briefly in 1972.

In 1975, Herzog became the manager of the Kansas City Royals, leading the team to three consecutive American League West titles from 1976 to 1978.

Herzog’s time with the Royals was marked by internal conflicts, particularly with general manager Joe Burke. After a disappointing 1979 season, Herzog was fired despite the team’s relative success.

In 1980, Herzog took over the St. Louis Cardinals, where he introduced his aggressive, speed-based style of play, known as “Whiteyball.”

His teams were known for their strong pitching, defence, and base-stealing threats rather than relying on home runs. Herzog’s leadership helped revitalize the Cardinals, leading them to the 1982 World Series championship.

Herzog continued to manage the Cardinals through the 1990 season, ultimately resigning in July with a record of 822 wins and 728 losses. Although he had a successful managerial career, Herzog contributed to the Cardinals’ front office as a general manager from 1980 to 1982.

During this time, he helped build a team that competed in multiple World Series events throughout the 1980s. In a 1983 poll by The New York Times, Herzog was voted the best manager in baseball.

Herzog’s career wasn’t limited to managing. He also served as the general manager of the California Angels from 1993 to 1994.

Although the team struggled under his leadership, Herzog’s influence on the Angels’ roster and his involvement in major league player development were significant.

Herzog briefly considered running for President of the National League in 1986 but was unsuccessful in this bid. In the 1996 offseason, Herzog and Jim Leyland turned down managerial offers from the Boston Red Sox.

In recognition of his contributions to baseball, the Veterans’ Veterans’ Committee elected Herzog to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

The team retired his jersey number 24 and cemented his legacy with the St. Louis Cardinals. Herzog’s career was indelible in the game, mainly through his distinctive managerial style and player development strategies.

Awards and Nominations

• National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction: 2010
• Manager of the Year: 1985
• Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Induction: 1994 (as a Coach) and 2008 (as a Legend)
• World Series Champion: 1982 with the St. Louis Cardinals
• National League Pennants: 1982, 1985, and 1987 with the Cardinals

Social Media

Whitey Herzog does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Whitey Herzog married Mary Lou Sinn on February 8, 1953. The couple enjoyed a long and enduring marriage that lasted over 71 years.

Together, they had three children: Debra, David, and Jim. Herzog died in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 15, 2024, at 92.

His death marked the end of a remarkable life, both in baseball and in his personal life.

Net Worth

Whitey Herzog’s net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million at the time of his death.

Herzog earned his wealth through his extensive career in Major League Baseball, which included roles as a player, manager, scout, and general manager.