Hall of Fame OF Lou Brock loses part of leg to infection
Former St. Louis Cardinal outfielder and National Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock has had his left leg amputated just below the knee, reports Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Brock, 76, was entered into a St. Louis area hospital a few weeks ago and it was revealed that he had an infection related to a diabetic condition. According to Brock’s family, he is already starting to use a walker and will be fitted with a prosthetic.
Brock started his major league career in 1961 with the Cubs in Chicago, where he played his first three seasons. However, he made his career as a base stealer with the Cardinals in St. Louis, where he called home from 1964 until his retirement in 1979.
SI Vault: Lou Brock explains how he became a master thief on the bases
Brock holds the National League record with 938 career steals, second in major league history behind Ricky Henderson (1,406). His 118 steals in 1974 are the second most in a season in the modern area, also trailing Henderson (130).
Brock hit .293 over his career, picking up 3,023 hits and 900 RBI.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
