ST. LOUIS — Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog was absent from the first-pitch ceremonies during the National League championship series games in St. Louis this weekend, having just gotten out of a hospital after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left hip he suffered in a fall at his Sunset Hills home.

Herzog, who will be 82 next month, had fallen at home a couple of years ago, too, at about this time of year. But this one isn't nearly as serious.

"He didn't fall on his head this time," joked his wife, Mary Lou.

Herzog, contacted by telephone, said he thought the Cardinals would win the playoff series with the Dodgers and be the National League champion.

"They've got the best team," he said. "I've really felt that this year.

"They didn't have the best team in 2006 (a World Series championship year) but this year they are the best team."