Lou Kolls
Lou Kolls | |
|---|---|
| Born | Louis Charles Kolls December 15, 1896 |
| Died | February 23, 1941 (aged 48) |
| Cause of death | Car accident |
| Resting place | Rock Island National Cemetery |
| Occupation | Umpire |
| Years active | 1933-1940 |
| Employer | American League |
| Spouse | Irene Tanghe |
Louis Charles "Lou" Kolls (December 15, 1896 - February 23, 1941) was an American professional baseball umpire who worked in the American League from 1933 to 1940. Kolls umpired in one All-Star Game and one World Series. Kolls was released by the American League a few months before his untimely death.
Early life
Before entering umpiring, Kolls unsuccessfully ran for sheriff in Rock Island, Illinois.[1] He also played semi-pro and minor league baseball.[2] He attended college at St. Ambrose University
Football career
Kolls played seven seasons of professional football, 40 games total), for the 1920 Chicago Cardinals, 1920 Hammond Pros, 1922-1926 Rock Island Independents and 1927 New Yankees.[3]
Umpiring career
Kolls umpired in the Mississippi Valley League, Western League and International League before making it to the American League in 1933.[4]
Kolls called 1195 games in his major league career. He was named to the staff of the 1936 All-Star Game. In 1938, Kolls suffered a broken nose in spring training,[5] but he umpired a full slate of 161 games and officiated the 1938 World Series.[6] After the 1940 season, American League president Will Harridge issued an outright release to Kolls.[7]
Personal
Kolls was married to the former Irene Tanghe, who worked as a secretary to U.S. Representative Chester C. Thompson.[8]
Death
Kolls was killed in a two-car accident near Hooppole, Illinois in 1941.[9] Four occupants of the other car were killed in the head-on collision. Two people were injured, including the sole passenger in the umpire's vehicle.[10]
References
- ^ Degeer, Vern (July 23, 1936). "Sport Gossip". The Windsor Daily Star. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- ^ "Kolls Fatal Victim With Four Others". Reading Eagle. February 24, 1941. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- ^ http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KollLo20.htm
- ^ "Louis Kolls is Named Umpire in American League". The Telegraph-Herald. November 3, 1932. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- ^ "Umpire Proves First Casualty at Tiger Camp". The Spartanburg Herald-Journal. March 15, 1938. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- ^ Retrosheet
- ^ "Umpire Kolls Released". The Milwaukee Journal. November 27, 1940. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- ^ "Eddie Johnson Now in College". The Spartanburg Herald-Journal. January 26, 1936. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
- ^ Umpire Card
- ^ "Umpire Lou Kolls Killed in Collision". The Milwaukee Journal. February 24, 1941. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
