On January 7, 1985, the news hit the wires that Lou Brock had been selected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It was his first time on the ballot. Brock's illustrious career took off after being traded to the Birds in the Summer of '64, as he quickly became one of the most feared runners in all of baseball.Brock's well documented achievements included 3,023 hits, 938 stolen bases, 900 RBI, and two World Championship rings as well. His induction came later that year, and during his speech he spoke of listening to Cardinals games on KMOX as a child in Louisiana. At that time the game was changing, and America was changing as well. Jackie Robinson had broke the color barrier, and Brock had found a dream. His dream became a reality, and that dream led to hallowed halls in Cooperstown, New York.
Brock was joined by the famed knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm, who had not thrown a pitch off a major league diamond until he was 28 years of age. Another legendary player from the Cardinals past would join Brock in the '85 Hall of Fame class would be Enos Slaughter. Slaughter was selected by a Veteran's Committee, who also selected the late Arky Vaughan also. On this day that we remember the day Lou heard the news I would like to congratulate the newest members of baseball's immortal bunch. So here is a tip of the cap to Randy Johnson, Pedro Martiniez, Craig Biggio, and former Cardinal, John Smoltz. And last, but not least: Louuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!! Go Cards!!!
If you have the time I urge you to listen to Brock's Hall of Fame speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_k_nHvRmxo
Stats of a legend: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brocklo01.shtml
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