Lou Brock
The base-stealing legend who helped lead the Cardinals to two World Series titles.
Louis Clark Brock (June 18, 1939 – September 6, 2020) was an American professional baseball left fielder. He began his 19-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the 1961 Chicago Cubs but spent most of it as a left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. An All-Star for six seasons, Brock was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985 in his first year of eligibility and was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Legendary Leadoff Hitter & Base Stealer
- Status
- Retired; Hall of Fame
- Key achievement
- MLB All-Time Stolen Bases Record Holder (1,972) until Rickey Henderson
- Hall of fame year
- 1985
- Rivalry context
- Primary antagonist for Brewers during AL East matchups and occasional interleague games after 1997
Lore & Background
Best known for stealing bases, Brock led the National League (NL) in stolen bases in eight seasons, and set then-major league records for most steals in a single season and in a career. A member of the 3,000-hit club, he batted over .300 in full seasons seven times, and had additional full seasons of .297, .298, and .299. He finished his career with a .304 batting average in 436 plate appearances at age 40 in 1979, compiling a .293 career batting average. Brock led the NL in doubles and triples in 1968, and in singles in 1972. In 1974, he was the runner-up for the NL Most Valuable Player Award. After retiring as a player, he served as a special instructor coach for the Cardinals.
Reader's Guide
Brock set a World Series record with seven stolen bases in the 1967 World Series. He then stole seven bases again in the 1968 World Series, tying his own record.
Did You Know?
- Brock was traded from the Cubs to the Cardinals in 1964 in a deal that is considered one of the most lopsided in baseball history.
- He became the first player in MLB history to steal 50 bases and hit 20 home runs in the same season.
- Brock pioneered the 'rolling start' for stolen bases in 1972.
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