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Lou Boudreau Obituary
Boudreau, the shortstop and manager of the 1948 World Series championship team, was brought into St. James Hospital and Health Centers in Olympia Fields on Friday afternoon in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead there, said hospital spokeswoman Julie Miller.
Boudreau also was hospitalized last month for circulatory problems, forcing him to miss the Indians' 100-year anniversary celebration honoring their Top 100 players.
Earlier this year he was selected an honorary captain by the Indians for this season but did not attend a ceremony.
Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller called Boudreau “the greatest shortstop I ever saw.”
“He was afraid of nobody,” Feller said from his home in Ohio. “He was a great manager, teammate and friend. Just a great man. There is not a more gracious man than Lou Boudreau. There have not been many better all-around players than he was.”
Feller said Boudreau won his player's respect by having confidence in them.
“I remember in 1948, Lou said, 'We're going to sink or swin with Feller.' I was having a rough season and after he said that I won 10 of my last 12 games. He instilled a confidence in his players they never forgot.”
Boudreau, a slick fielding shortstop for 13 seasons, was selected the AL MVP in '48. That season, the Indians won a one-game playoff over the Boston Red Sox to advance to the Series and then beat the Boston Braves 4-2.
Boudreau was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1970, the same year the native of Harvey, Ill., had his No. 5 jersey retired by the Indians. He was recently selected one of the club's Top 100 greatest players.
He managed the Indians from 1942-50 and also managed Boston (1952-54), Kansas City (1955-57) and the Cubs in 1960.
Boudreau also was a popular radio broadcaster for the Cubs for nearly 30 years before retiring in 1988.
A seven-time All-Star, Boudreau led the AL with a .327 average in 1944 and he led the league in doubles three times.
During his MVP season, Boudreau batted .355 with 18 homers and 106 RBIs. He struck out just nine times in 560 at-bats.
In the one-game playoff that year, Boudreau went 4-for-4 with two homers in Cleveland's 8-3 win over the Red Sox.
Boudreau was a captain of the baseball and basketball teams at Illinois before beginning his pro career in 1938 as minor league third baseman.
He made his big league debut in 1940 with the Indians, and in his first full season he was named to the AL All-Star team and batted .295 with 101 RBIs.
After the Indians finished second in 1940 under Oscar Vitt and fourth in 1941 under Roger Peckinpaugh, the 24-year-old Boudreau wrote a letter to owner Alva Bradley and applied for the manager's job.
Boudreau was hired on Nov. 25, 1941, and at 24 became the youngest manager in baseball history. He was immediately dubbed the “Boy Manager” by the press.
Boudreau managed the Indians through 1950 despite owner Bill Veeck's attempts to fire him earlier. Boudreau was fired on Nov. 10, 1950, and replaced by Al Lopez.
Pitcher Bob Lemon credited Boudreau with transforming him from a light-hitting third baseman to Hall of Fame pitcher.
Copyright © 2001 The Associated Press
22 Entries
Sandra Holloway
March 25, 2025
My Grandmother was Julia Violet Boudreau (1913), tracing her ancestors led me here.
Lou Jr.
May 22, 2013
Still missed everyday. Many say he was one of the best ballplayers that ever played. He was a better father.
Barbara Trautwein
August 27, 2001
I feel as if my childhood has finally come to an end.
My life in Cleveland from . . .say. . .1943 through 1948 was entwined with the presence of Lou Boudreau in ways that he never knew.
The present president of the Cleveland Indians has written that when he was a kid, he wanted to grow up and BE Lou Boudreau, the shortstop of the Cleveland Indians. Well, he wasn't the only one! I was not gifted athletically, but I was smart and I was interested and I thought that if I could learn what Lou knew and work hard, I'd make it. He had been plagued with ailments from his basketball days but he was a real student of his game and overcame his physical limitations by using his "smarts".
Then came the reality check: As a GIRL, this was not going to happen for me. So, because of Lou, I learned certain then current facts of life.
So then as I entered my teens, while the other gals were swooning over Frank Sinatra, my attention went to brown eyes, not blue. My first "crush" was on, yes, handsome Lou. I think it is more than significant that I eventually married a dark haired, brown eyed guy from northern Illinois.
I chased Lou for years for his autograph. Got it when my mother and I stopped at a traffic light and he was in the car behind us. I jumped out and "accosted" him. He knew that my mother was not going to move until I got back into the car. . .regardless of what color the traffic light was. . .sooo, he "signed" for me. I told you he was smart.
I have lovely memories of those carefree days following World War II. Then the Indians won the World Series, soon I went off to college and Lou and I "drifted apart."
When I heard that he was unable to return to Cleveland for the 50th anniversary of that World Series Championship, I sent him a note care of the ballclub. Several weeks later, I received in the mail . . .without comment. . .his Hall of Fame card, autographed. I almost cried.
I still have my scrapbook but an era is over.
Thanks, dear Lou, for the inspiration and the memories. . .
jeff boudreau
August 20, 2001
Our condolences to the family. We were avid fans for over fifty years. A great man. He will be missed.
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Dan Christensen
August 16, 2001
I wish to express my condolences to your family. My father Dan played high school ball with Lou and spoke fondly of what a great athlete and great person that Lou was. I myself didn't know Lou as a player but as the voice of the Cubs along with Vince Lloyd on WGN radio. I really miss the days of the 60's and 70's tuning into Cub games--it brings back fond memories of the truly great announcers we were priveleged to have here in Chicago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Ash
August 15, 2001
My condolences to the family of Lou Boudreau who gave us all so much enjoyment of the game of baseball.
Bobby Alpert
August 15, 2001
I'll miss him. He was first class.
Jeanine Katzel
August 15, 2001
My deepest sympathy to all of the Boudreau family at Lou's passing. Because of him, I learned to understand the game of baseball. I also learned to love it. He gave us so much. When the Cubs were losing, he made us laugh. I always turned down the TV volume and made sure the radio was on so I could listen to Vince and Lou. Because of Lou, the world has been a better place. We'll miss you Lou.
Bud Amon, Jr.
August 14, 2001
I felt a wave of sadness as I heard the words that alerted the baseball world, of the passing of my family's long time friend, Mr.Lou Boudreau.
We lived next to Lou's mother for the first 8 years of my life, and watched Lou walk up that ramp to her front door many a times, to visit her, when he was in town. He always took a minute to say hello to us as we played baseball in the vacant lot next door.
Then, as the years would have it we relocated in Harvey and Lou and his family moved across the street while he was the manager of the Cub's and later a broadcaster. At that point we neighbor kids ( who were all Cub's fans a course)we were in 7th heaven having Lou as our nieghbor.
We watched his daughter get married, his son Jimmy grow up and the even some of the cub's players visit him at home on days off.
As I read and listen to these other testimonials, I too must express the fact I never heard a person ever say a discouraging word or statement in reference to or about Lou Boudreau, and that I know shall bring joy to your hearts during these times of reflextion.
Over the years,I have memories of the summers when my dad and Lou would fish together, and in the winters, they would bowl on Tuesday nights together, and the stories from their childhood days in Harvey.
As I close, please know that my family will always carry the memories of Lou Boudreau and his family in our hearts. And again, Thanks Lou for being a friend.
Bud Amon, Jr.
nancy boling-dopke
August 14, 2001
Hi Jim - I was sad to read about your Dad in Sunday's paper. He lived a long, full life and you should feel blessed to have had him in your life so long. I spoke with my brother, Danny, that day and we talked about a Pony league game where your Dad umped and it was your first time pitching(? - age 8?) and you guys lost in the bottom of the nine with bases loaded with your Dad calling a strike on your team's last batter (who happened to be Danny). Needless to say, a memorable moment for your Dad and Danny. May the memories always comfort you and bring a smile to your face. We'll remember your Dad at our southside reunion in Mesa this weekend. Take care.
Jeanne Hicks
August 14, 2001
Few can say that when they are gone thousands will miss them. Lou will be remembered for his talent, warmth, humor and down to earth spirit by all of us. God speed, Lou.
Ken Bian
August 13, 2001
My heartfelt sympathy to the Boudreau family. My mother, Vera Coxon, went to school with Lou and always had wonderful things to say about him. Praise God for people like my Mom and Lou Boudreau.
Bill Lynch
August 13, 2001
Lou: I am a Cub fan today because growing up in a predominatly Sox Family, I listened to the games with my Grandfather who was a Cub Fan. He died in 1966. I am still a Cub fan today and miss hearing those great games in the 60's and 70's. Thanks for the memories.
Bill
Kyle Karraker
August 13, 2001
I am a Cub fan today because my mother insisted on listening to Lou on the radio. When WGN TV finally came downstate, we would watch the games but still listen in on 720.
Valerie Duffy
August 13, 2001
I was so saddened to hear of Lou's passing. I was one of the many that turned off the sound on the TV and turned on the radio to watch the Cubs' games! I know what I know about baseball because of Lou and Vince.
DALE PEERCY
August 12, 2001
LOU YOU BRIUGHT ME SO MUCH JOY GROWING UP GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DALE
jim nelson
August 12, 2001
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of one of baseball's greats. He was a terrific player, manager, and later announcer. He was truely a role model to look up to, one we need more of. Growing up and listening to him was one of my best memories. Thanks Lou!!!!
Tim J. Carlson
August 12, 2001
Louie,
So sorry to hear about your pop. He was truely a class act. Hope things are well with you and yours.
Tim Carlson
Milton College '67
Judy, Bill, Remi and Croy Boudreau
August 11, 2001
We really hoped to see you this summer, Lou. You and your family are in our hearts.
jake pamulak
August 11, 2001
MR.LOU
I SURE AM GONNA MISS YOU.
YOU WERE A WONDERFUL PERSON,
A GREAT BALLPLAYER.
A SUPER BASEBALL ANNOUNCER.
I WISH YOUR FAMILY THE BEST.
ALWAYS YOUR FAN
JAKE
Janet Stoller
August 11, 2001
Thanks, Lou for always being the good kid. Even though I never saw you play I grew up with you on the radio. Your life is an example to us all. We need more people like you. My condolences to your family and friends. God bless you.
Gary Fuhlman
August 11, 2001
Growing up listening to the Cubs on the radio, I would always listen to Lou Boudreau and Vince Lloyd. They made a great team. Lou knew baseball, their wasn't a better analyst than him. I will miss hearing the Kid on the radio.
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