Lou Kolls
Louis Charles "Lou" Kolls (December 15, 1892 – 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. He also played in the National Football League.
Lou Kolls | |
---|---|
Born | Louis Charles Kolls December 15, 1892 |
Died | February 23, 1941 48) | (aged
Cause of death | Car accident |
Resting place | Rock Island National Cemetery |
Occupation | Umpire |
Years active | 1933-1940 |
Employer | American League |
Spouse(s) | Irene Tanghe |
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 York Yankees.[3][4]
Umpiring career
Kolls umpired in the Mississippi Valley League, Western League and International League before making it to the American League in 1933.[5]
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,[6] but he umpired a full slate of 161 games and officiated the 1938 World Series.[7] After the 1940 season, American League president Will Harridge issued an outright release to Kolls.[8]
Personal life
Kolls was married to the former Irene Tanghe, who worked as a secretary to U.S. Representative Chester C. Thompson.[9]
Death
Kolls was killed in a two-car accident near Hooppole, Illinois in 1941.[10] 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.[11]
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.
- "LOUIE KOLLS". profootballarchives.com. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
- https://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.