Whitey Herzog, who had an eight-year playing career, took his first managerial post in 1973, taking over the previously Ted Williams run Texas Rangers club that lost 100 games in the previous season. Although he was signed to a two-year contract, Herzog was fired during the season so that the Rangers' owner, Bob Short, could hire Billy Martin, who had just been fired by the Detroit Tigers. Short told reporters, "If my mother were managing the Rangers and I had the opportunity to hire Billy Martin, I'd fire my mother."
Herzog's managerial career only got better from there. After an interim stint with the California Angels in 1974, Herzog joined the Kansas City Royals in 1975. During his five seasons with the Royals, Herzog led his teams to three consecutive American League West Division championships.
Herzog joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980, with whom he led the club to three National League pennants and a World Series Championship in 1982.
Herzog employed a strategy that the media called "Whiteyball." He concentrated on pitching, speed and defense to win games. His lineups typically started with one or two base stealers at the top of the order, a power threat batting third or fourth protected by one or two lesser power hitters and followed with more base stealers.
"They seemed to think there was something wrong with the way we played baseball, with speed and defense and line-drive hitters. They called it 'Whitey-ball' and said it couldn't last."
- Whitey Herzog, White Rat - A Life in Baseball
Herzog was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010 and his number "24" was retired by the St. Louis Cardinals.
About This Card
This card is the only manager card in the 1973 Topps set to feature only three coaches. (All other manager cards feature four.) This card also features former All-Star pitcher, Chuck Estrada, former second baseball, Chuck Hiller and former catcher, Jackie Moore.
It's been a long time, but I want to start up the blog again.
ReplyDeleteHearing about the passing of Chris Stufflestreet brought me back. Chris was an accomplished writer and blogged about vintage sports cards and music. Chris started writing the 1973 Topps Photography blog and, unlike myself, kept it going continuously. We'd exchanged emails and even helped each other with our sets.
With Chris is no longer with us, I'm hoping this 1973 Topps blog can help fill the void left behind.
Nice thought. Glad you're keeping it going.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you'd step in. I look forward to your work. Thanks!
ReplyDelete