Eventually, Wilson agreed to re-tool his game. The Royals won their division three straight years, from 1976-78. By that time, Herzog was managing in St. Louis, where he put together another terrific turf team. The Cardinals won the 1982 World Series with speedsters Lonnie Smith and Willie McGee and slick-fielding Ozzie Smith. But, of course, there is a downside.
Players hate it, and with good reason.
Lying under the fake grass and an inch or so of padding is a slab of asphalt or concrete. That wrecks havoc with knees and ankles. Studies are inconclusive, but athletes are convinced it robs years from their careers. Smart NFL teams who play on artificial turf have been practicing on grass for some time, in an attempt to extend their players' effectiveness. You can blame Dr. Harold Gores.