Texas ex

After leaving Texas, Herzog landed in Kansas City with his old pal Joe Burke, ex-Rangers GM. There, he managed a young player named George Brett and turned around another struggling franchise. Then he landed with the California Angels, then went to St. Louis, where, in 1982, his Cards won a world championship. Three years later, his team back in the World Series, Herzog garnered Manager of the Year accolades.

His stint with the Rangers? Just a speck of dirt in the rearview mirror. "Texas was the first time I failed," Herzog says, as though embarrassed by what happened 26 years ago. Fortunately for him, Texas would also be the last time he failed.