Lou Brock, Cardinals Hall of Famer, dies at 81 and fans remember the legendary 'base burglar'
Lou Brock, the legendary St Louis Cardinals base stealer, died aged 81.
According to the New York Post, the news was confirmed by his friend and longtime agent Dick Zitman, but couldn't provide many details. The Cardinals and the Cubs also observed a moment of silence in memory of the prolific outfielder at Wrigley Field ahead of their game. Fans took to social media to pay their respects as well. "Nobody slid into and up out of a base as perfectly as Lou Brock. His form was textbook," remembered one of the fans.
Nobody slid into and up out of a base as perfectly as Lou Brock.
— Honorable Rod Shaw (@aswadrodz) September 6, 2020
His form was textbook.
"Head bowed for the passing of another great who lived and played during difficult times. Brock 'Base Burglar' lead by example and did so with class. Let's learn and educate so we can keep the movement going in a positive direction #RIHLouBrock," wrote one of the fans.
@Kurkjian_ESPN Head bowed for the passing of another great who lived and played during difficult times. Brock 'Base Burglar' lead by example and did so with class. Let's learn and educate so we can keep the movement going in a positive direction #RIHLouBrock #NorthsideLove ✊⚾️ pic.twitter.com/zw6N64cjyR
— AJ Ollmert (@TheReal_AJO) September 7, 2020
And the tributes just flowed. "As a Detroit Tiger’s fan and a kid that obsessed over the MLB in the 60’s and 70’s, I loved, respected and feared Lou Brock vs our Tigers in 1968. Thanks Mr. Lou Brock for your excellence and all of the wonderful memories. RIP."
As a Detroit Tiger’s fan and a kid that obsessed over the MLB in the 60’s and 70’s, I loved, respected and feared Lou Brock vs our Tigers in 1968. Thanks Mr. Lou Brock for your excellence and all of the wonderful memories. RIP.
— Hard Rain (@PaddleboardRoy) September 6, 2020
"Grew up going to Cards games. A great legacy of players. Lou Brock joined in 64 just after Stan the Man retired in 63. Lou loved to swing on the 1st pitch [which we need more of!] & often hit homers. Stealing bases... nobody like him. The mid 60s were a magic time in StL."
Grew up going to Cards games. A great legacy of players. Lou Brock joined in 64 just after Stan the Man retired in 63.
— Alice🌊🇺🇸🌊 #VotingBluetoSaveAmerica (@AliceforCO) September 6, 2020
Lou loved to swing on the 1st pitch [which we need more of!] & often hit homers.
Stealing bases... nobody like him. The mid 60s were a magic time in StL.
During his playing career, Brocks stole 938 bases and 118 of them came in 1974. These records were some of the bigger ones until Rickey Henderson broke them. His on-field skills ensured the Cardinals remained one of the top teams in the '60s and were the side to beat. He was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. "RIP Lou. You were one of the greatest. Glad I got to watch hi@ play as a kid. Right up there with Stan The Man," a tweet read.
RIP Lou. You were one of the greatest. Glad I got to watch hi@ play as a kid. Right up there with Stan The Man.
— Jon Moore (@redwolvesdad) September 7, 2020
"My Dad took me to the Cardinals games all the time. I was born and raised in Da 'Lou and spent many days and nights at Cardinals game. I am STILL a super fan. May you RIP Lou Brock!" a fan tweeted.
My Dad took me to the Cardinals games all the time. I was born and raised in Da 'Lou and spent many days and nights at Cardinals game. I am STILL a super fan. May you RIP Lou Brock! ♥🙏
— Allie Whittaker (@AllieWhittaker) September 6, 2020
"Pure ballplayer. I learned so much watching this man on TV. Forever remembered.."
Pure ballplayer. I learned so much watching this man on TV. Forever remembered..
— No one asked me..🌞 (@bille3b) September 7, 2020