Lou Brock
Hall of Fame left fielder and stolen base pioneer for the St. Louis Cardinals.
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.
- Role
- Outfielder / Leadoff Hitter
- Affiliation
- St. Louis Cardinals (1964-1979), Chicago Cubs (1961-1964)
- Status
- Hall of Fame (Inducted 1985)
- Primary Position
- Left Field
- Signature Skill
- Base Stealing
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
On September 10, 1974, at age 35, Brock tied Maury Wills' single-season record of 104 steals with a first-inning swipe against the Philadelphia Phillies. In the seventh inning, he stole second again to break the record, finishing the year with 118 stolen bases, a new major league mark. Just three years later, on August 29, 1977, he broke another long-standing barrier by surpassing Ty Cobb's career record of 892 stolen bases against the San Diego Padres. This record had been considered unbreakable for decades, akin to Babe Ruth's home run total. Brock held this title until Rickey Henderson surpassed it in 1991. His agility was unique; in 1972, he pioneered the "rolling start" instead of using a traditional lead, maximizing his speed on the basepaths while also leading the league in singles in 1972 and doubles and triples in 1968.
Reader's Guide
Brock was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the St. Louis Cardinals on June 15, 1964. At the time of the trade, the Cardinals were 28–31, in eighth place in the National League, trailing even the Cubs, who were 27–27 and in sixth place. Brock helped the Cardinals storm from behind to capture the National League pennant on the last day of the season. He became the first player in MLB history to steal 50 bases and hit 20 home runs in the same season (1967).
Did You Know?
- Brock was born on June 18, 1939, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to a family of sharecroppers.
- He grew up as a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, a team that included Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, and Roy Campanella.
- Brock won the 1961 Northern League batting championship with a .361 batting average while playing for the St. Cloud Rox.
- In the 1967 World Series, he set a World Series record with seven stolen bases.
- Brock pioneered the 'rolling start' for stolen bases in 1972.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lou Brock?
He was a Hall of Fame outfielder who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1964 to 1979 after starting with the Chicago Cubs. Known as one of baseball's greatest leadoff hitters, he passed away in September 2020 at age 81.
What was his primary role on the field?
Brock primarily served as a left fielder and leadoff hitter for the Cardinals organization. His signature skill was base stealing, where he utilized his relentless speed to set major league records during his era.
Why is Lou Brock important to baseball history?
He is celebrated for breaking Ty Cobb's long-standing career stolen base record and leading the National League in steals eight times. His inclusion in the 3,000-hit club further cements his legacy as one of the sport's most accomplished players.
What happened after his playing career ended?
Following his retirement from active play, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985 for his outstanding contributions to the game. He remained a beloved figure in St. Louis until his death decades later.
How did he perform as he aged?
Brock maintained exceptional performance late in his career, batting .304 when he was 40 years old. This longevity helped him accumulate the hits and steals necessary to secure his place among baseball legends.
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