Any major league club needs a strong bench if they expect to contend for the postseason. Whether it’s for defensive needs at the end of the game, a bat to pinch-hit, or a flexible pitcher who can fill many roles coming out of the bullpen, a good bench is indispensable. The bench for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 turned out to be a particularly strong one.
Primarily constructed by Whitey Herzog after his arrival in St. Louis, it was a flexible bench, which allowed the Hall of Fame manager to use his strategic skills freely during this memorable season.