St. Louis Cardinals legend, Hall of Famer Lou Brock dies at age 81
Hall of Fame outfielder and St. Louis Cardinals legend Lou Brock died Sunday at the age of 81, according to multiple media reports.
Known as “the Base Burglar” for his prodigious skill in stealing bases, Brock played his entire career for the Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. He was traded to St. Louis in 1964, his fourth season in the majors.
The six-player deal came to be known famously in St. Louis and infamously in Chicago by the names of its principals — Brock for (Ernie) Broglio.
The trade is considered one of the most lopsided in baseball history, as Brock would go on to win two World Series championships with the Cardinals while setting the major league record for steals with 938, later to be broken by Rickey Henderson.
Brock was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, his first year of eligibility. His number 20 was retired by the Cardinals in 1979 on the occasion of his retirement.
The Cardinals and Cubs paid tribute to Brock in a moment of silence before play began at Wrigley Field on Sunday night.
“Lou Brock the Base Burglar was a class act on and off the field,” Cardinals Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith said, via Twitter. “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.”
The Cardinals called Brock “one of the very best to ever wear the Birds on the Bat” in a statement released Sunday.
“Lou was a Hall of Fame player, a great coach, an insightful broadcaster and a wonderful mentor to countless generations of Cardinals players, coaches and members of the front office. He was an ambassador of the game around the country and a fan favorite who connected with millions of baseball fans across multiple generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” Cardinals owner and CEO William O. DeWitt Jr. said in a release.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued his condolences to Brock’s family and Cardinals fans late Sunday.
“He was known for his dominant performances in his three career World Series. Lou was an outstanding representative of our National Pastime and he will be deeply missed,” Manfred said in a statement.
The Associated Press reported that Dick Zitzmann, Brock’s longtime agent and friend, confirmed Brock’s death on Sunday, but he said he couldn’t provide any details.
Brock lost a leg from diabetes in recent years and was diagnosed with cancer in 2017.
“I think he led a life that will never be duplicated,” Zitzmann said.
Brock’s death came after Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver died Monday. Brock and Seaver faced each other 157 times, the most prolific matchup for both of them in their careers.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
This story was originally published September 6, 2020 at 6:02 PM.