Lou Kolls

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lou Kolls
Born
Louis Charles Kolls

(1892-12-15)December 15, 1892
Rock Island, Illinois, US
DiedFebruary 23, 1941(1941-02-23) (aged 48)
Hooppole, Illinois, US
Resting placeRock Island National Cemetery
OccupationUmpire
Years active1933–1940
EmployerAmerican League
Spouse(s)Irene Tanghe

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.

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[]

  1. ^ Degeer, Vern (July 23, 1936). "Sport Gossip". The Windsor Daily Star. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  2. ^ "Kolls Fatal Victim With Four Others". Reading Eagle. February 24, 1941. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  3. ^ "LOUIE KOLLS". profootballarchives.com. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  4. ^ "Louie Kolls Stats".
  5. ^ "Louis Kolls is Named Umpire in American League". The Telegraph-Herald. November 3, 1932. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  6. ^ "Umpire Proves First Casualty at Tiger Camp". The Spartanburg Herald-Journal. March 15, 1938. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  7. ^ Retrosheet
  8. ^ "Umpire Kolls Released". The Milwaukee Journal. November 27, 1940. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  9. ^ "Eddie Johnson Now in College". The Spartanburg Herald-Journal. January 26, 1936. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  10. ^ Umpire Card
  11. ^ "Umpire Lou Kolls Killed in Collision". The Milwaukee Journal. February 24, 1941. Retrieved August 7, 2012.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""