The news of Whitey Herzog's inclusion into MLB's Hall of Fame didn't exactly make people across the nation wet themselves. But, it certainly did in St. Louis (and perhaps, Don Denkinger's entourage - which may feel *slightly* vindicated through Herzog's recent achievement).
While most St. Louis fans acknowledge the success of Whitey's ball clubs throughout the 80s, a few consummate attributes come to mind when thinking about the former Cardinals' skipper; the crew cut....the red satin jacket....and his way with words.
This insightful articulation can be found in the 1985 "Heck of a Year" Cardinals documentary, in which Herzog describes what Tommy Herr meant to the National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Watch that again. Only this time, count the number of times Herzog says the word "ball". It will blow your mind.
Take that, Mark Schlereth and your "National Football League Football Players".
Not being from St. Louis, I've never seen "Heck of a Year". But "Great Sports Moments of the 80's" is an amazing movie no matter where you're from. I've heard Jack Buck's Kirk Gibson homerun call roughly 700 times thanks to that video
bd, December 8, 2009 10:12 PM
look out john gruden, your job is not safe
hmw, December 8, 2009 05:12 PM
i'm with you jb. heck of a year > that's a winner. if i need to even state my case, august busch sealed the deal at the end: "we had a HECK of a year. a HECK of a ballclub. and by gah-, by grgrlargagllhwr....we're going to do our best to do it again next year" -augie busch, who can clear his throat whenever he feels like it.
Cross, December 8, 2009 04:12 PM
"ball" - 7 times in 30 seconds....that is something. I am a Giant fan- total Dodger hater- so we liked the Cards one in awhile.
Sebek, December 8, 2009 04:12 PM
Our think of preference between "Heck of a Year" (1985) and "That's a Winner" (1987) shows our slight age difference. That, and you're an idiot.
JB, December 8, 2009 02:12 PM
Sebek knows that claiming "That's a Winner" is better than "Heck of a Year" will get me riled up. Dan Thompson will not be happy, Sebek.
Whitey Herzog, December 8, 2009 12:12 PM
Fake Myspace Profile, anyone??
Sebek, December 8, 2009 12:12 PM
I've definitely watched "Heck of a Year" 1000 times, but "That's a Winner" sits atop my "Best 80s Cardinals Videos" power rankings.
hmw, December 8, 2009 11:12 AM
most watched video of my childhood: 'heck of a year'. and it's not even close.
Lindsey, December 8, 2009 11:12 AM
Awesome. Had a huge crush on Tommy growing up. Way to post it!!