KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Lou Brock was star on the diamond. The Hall of Famer was one of baseball's signature leadoff hitters and base stealers. He helped the St. Louis Cardinals win three pennants and two World Series titles in the 1960s. What many may not know is his prior to all the records and All-Star appearances, before the World Series games and Hall of Fame induction.

Brock’s career started at the NAIA institution Southern University-New Orleans. Although he thrived on the field in high school he could not muster a baseball scholarship. Due to his devotion to his studies he chose to attend Southern University on an academic scholarship. He began falling behind in school, desperate to continue at the university, he tried out for the baseball team. One afternoon Jaguar coaches gave him five practice swings and he four of pitches over the right field fence. He earned a full baseball scholarship and paved the way for his 19-year Hall of Fame career from 1961-79.

By his sophomore year at Southern Brock became a sensation, batting .545 with 80 hits and 13 homeruns. Brock would lead Southern to win 1959 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship — the first African-American team to ever earn such a title. The 1958-59 Southern baseball team would later be inducted into the Southern Hall of Fame.

The White Sox and Cubs both offered tryouts. He had one lone minor league season before he received a late-season call-up from the Cubs. He was traded a few years later to the St. Louis Cardinals.  

A six-time All-Star, Brock finished his career with a .293/.343/.410 (109 OPS+) line and 3,023 hits, a total that ranks 28th all-time; he also hit 149 homers. He hit .391/.424/.655 with four homers and a record 14 steals in 92 plate appearances spread over three World Series.

Brock retired in 1979 as the single-season and all-time leader in stolen bases, marks since surpassed by Rickey Henderson. Brock was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year in 1979, and won the Hutch Award, given to the player who “best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire”. Brock was also elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame the first year of eligibility in 1985. The Cardinals retired his uniform number 20

Brock passed away on Sunday, September 6, having battled multiple health issues for several years.

"Lou Brock was one of the most revered members of the St. Louis Cardinals organization and one of the very best to ever wear the Birds on the Bat,'' Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a news release.

Lou Brock was an amazing person both on and off the field representing countless Champion of Character traits throughout his baseball career. The NAIA is proud to call him alumni.

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