June 9, 1980: Herzog was hired as field manager by team president August Busch Jr.
August 1980: He stepped away from managing to become the general manager, focusing on reshaping the roster
October 1980: He took on a dual role as both GM and field manager
December 1980: At the winter meetings, Herzog made three blockbuster trades involving 21 players, laying the foundation for his signature style of play—speed, defense, and hustle, later dubbed “Whiteyball”
he reshaped the Cardinals in just a few days with a flurry of bold trades that set the stage for their 1982 World Series win.
1. December 8, 1980 – Cardinals & Padres Blockbuster
Cardinals received:
Rollie Fingers (Hall of Fame closer)
Gene Tenace (veteran catcher/1B)
Bob Shirley (left-handed pitcher)
Minor leaguer
Padres received:
Terry Kennedy (catching prospect)
Kim Seaman, Al Olmsted, John Urrea, John Littlefield (pitchers)
Mike Phillips (infielder)
Steve Swisher (catcher)
1. December 8, 1980 – Cardinals & Padres Blockbuster
Cardinals received:
Rollie Fingers (Hall of Fame closer)
Gene Tenace (veteran catcher/1B)
Bob Shirley (left-handed pitcher)
Minor leaguer
Padres received:
Terry Kennedy (catching prospect)
Kim Seaman, Al Olmsted, John Urrea, John Littlefield (pitchers)
Mike Phillips (infielder)
Steve Swisher (catcher)
Cardinals received:
Bruce Sutter (Hall of Fame closer)
Cubs received:
Leon Durham (1B/OF)
Ken Reitz (3B)
Ty Waller (infielder)
3. December 12, 1980 – Cardinals & Brewers
Cardinals received:
David Green (OF prospect)
Dave LaPoint (LHP)
Sixto Lezcano (OF)
Lary Sorensen (RHP)
Brewers received:
Rollie Fingers
Ted Simmons (All-Star catcher)
Pete Vuckovich (RHP
Can it be done now?
Why does the fix have to take years?