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A few evenings ago it was announced over the broadcast of a Cardinals game that Hall of Famer Lou Brock had passed away at the age of 81. Sweet Lou was an icon for the St. Louis Cardinals, famously part of a trade with the Chicago Cubs in 1964 that some have dubbed the “most lopsided in history”. Brock went on to play in 16 seasons wearing the birds on the bat before retiring in 1979. Known for his base-stealing ability he led the National League in Stolen bases eight times and held the record for most stolen bases in a single season with 118 and career stolen bases with 938 until both records were eventually broken by Rickey Henderson. In 1978 the league announced the player with the most stolen bases that season would receive the Lou Brock Award making Brock the first active player to have an award named after him. He was a six-time All Star, was a two-time World Series Champion, earning the Babe Ruth Award for his performance in 1967, had a post season batting average of .391 in over 20 games is the highest of any player, and was a Roberto Clemete Award winner. As if his on-field legacy was not enough, he also lent his name to a practical piece of head-wear known as the Brockabrella and he wore the heck outta of it.
Lou Brock was the coolest. He was cooler than the other side of the pillow. He was cooler than a breeze after a warm shower. He is cooler than a drink of water after eating a peppermint. Lou Brock was ice cold cool. He will be missed.
Our hearts are broken.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 7, 2020
Lou Brock was an amazing player and outstanding person.
He loved the game and all of Cardinal Nation.
Rest in peace, Lou ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MSxnIJOHhK
Lou Brock was one of the finest men I have ever known.
— Albert Pujols (@PujolsFive) September 7, 2020
Coming into this league as a 21-year-old kid, Lou Brock was one of the first Hall-of-Fame players I had the privilege to meet. He told me I belonged here in the big-leagues. pic.twitter.com/JIbSKMYI13
RIP to a true legend Lou Brock pic.twitter.com/Z1fCZNKL3z
— Tommy Pham (@TphamLV) September 7, 2020
Love you Lou Brock. Prayers for you and your family. I’m thankful for your presence with me and our locker room.
— Trevor Rosenthal (@TrevRosenthal) September 7, 2020
He was one of the main ones setting the example for all the Cardinals who came after him in how to play and how to live. I will forever be grateful for the times I got to listen to Mr Lou tell stories in that smooth voice he had. RIP Mr Lou...we love you and will miss you.
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) September 7, 2020
RIP to a Legend pic.twitter.com/593tZlQnAK
— Jack Flaherty (@Jack9Flaherty) September 7, 2020
@Cardinals @MLB #LouBrock was my favorite challenge in my career! It was ridiculous how good he was! Amazing was his stats not just in the regular season but his W. S. stats are truly a stunning mind blowing standard. Stealing 7 bases I believe twice! RIP my friend.
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) September 7, 2020
R.I.P True Legend @Cardinals pic.twitter.com/OKLHRnnIlO
— Pat Maroon (@patmaroon) September 7, 2020
Lou Brock the Base Burglar was a class act on and off the field. Made @Cardinal baseball what it is. Had the ability to change the momentum of a game with his legs and his bat. May he Rest In Peace. One of the greatest Cardinals of all time.
— Ozzie Smith (@STLWizard) September 6, 2020
In autobiography, Bob Gibson on Lou Brock: "There was no other player who irritated the other team as Lou Brock did, and consequently no other who was knocked down quite as often. When the other team threw at Brock, I considered it my duty to throw at somebody on the other team." pic.twitter.com/duaYOqkRin
— Mark Tomasik (@retrosimba) September 7, 2020
The only players to get their 3,000th hit while in a Cardinals uniform: Lou Brock and Stan Musial. Stan was there when Lou did it in 1979. pic.twitter.com/i8ivk6tlOR
— Mark Tomasik (@retrosimba) September 7, 2020
In his autobiography, Keith Hernandez after moping in dugout: 'Lou Brock took a seat next to me, basically telling me to stop being such a prima donna. Lou engaged with a calm gentleness that was powerful. He made you want to do better. like your favorite teacher in high school." pic.twitter.com/eekxE75xd2
— Mark Tomasik (@retrosimba) September 7, 2020
- 6x All-Star
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) September 6, 2020
- 2x World Series champion
- 3,023 career hits
- 938 career stolen bases
- 1985 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee
A baseball legend.
RIP Lou Brock pic.twitter.com/T3p93FJ998
Lou Brock is 1 of 4 players in MLB history with 900 stolen bases. His 938 are the most in NL history and the only player with more all-time is Rickey Henderson (1,406). pic.twitter.com/6D6f7G3OVq
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 6, 2020
I ask Lou could he steal off of Yadi and I ask Yadi could he throw Lou out? The both said at the same time “depends on the pitcher”. Hence the jovial moment. Memorable to say the least. pic.twitter.com/861iU1bjTL
— mike claiborne (@claibsonline) September 7, 2020
Lou Brock: I can still beat Yadi - A Hunt and Peck | Viva El Birdos
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