Donned in their best Cardinals gear, the Sunset Hills Board of Aldermen proclaimed May 14, 2024, as “Whitey Herzog Day in Sunset Hills, Missouri” following the death of the beloved baseball manager on April 15.
Herzog was a longtime resident of Sunset Hills. During his 10 years as the Cardinals’ manager, he introduced “Whiteyball” – focusing on speed and defense as opposed to hitting – leading the team to great success. Under his leadership, the Cardinals went to the World Series three times, securing the series win in 1982. Herzog ranks third in franchise history with 822 wins, three National League pennants and the aforementioned series win.
After retiring, Herzog continued to be a positive force for St. Louis, “display(ing) his generosity through foundations and organizations that assisted the City of Sunset Hills with the construction of a fully accessible playground at Watson Trail Park and the construction of athletic fields for the citizens and traveling public to utilize.”
“We certainly want to honor Whitey for being a resident in our community,” Mayor Pat Fribis said following the proclamation. “I have a little bobblehead of Whitey here, and I’m sure this is what he’s doing up in heaven, fishing and catching all the great fish. Thank you for all honoring Whitey.”