Lou Brissie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lou Brissie |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: June 5, 1924 Anderson, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Died: November 25, 2013 (aged 89) Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 28, 1947, for the Philadelphia Athletics | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| September 1, 1953, for the Cleveland Indians | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 44–48 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.07 | ||
| Strikeouts | 436 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Leland Victor Brissie (June 5, 1924 – November 25, 2013), known as Lou Brissie, was a brave pro baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1947 to 1953. His teams were the Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians. Lou Brissie is remembered for his amazing comeback to baseball after a serious injury during World War II.
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Lou Brissie's Early Life and Military Service
Lou Brissie started playing baseball when he was just 16 years old in 1940. He pitched for a team in Ware Shoals, South Carolina. Even then, he caught the eye of Connie Mack, a famous manager for the Philadelphia Athletics. But Lou's dad wanted him to finish school first.
Lou went to Presbyterian College. In December 1942, he joined the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. In November 1944, he was in heavy fighting in Italy. His unit was the 88th Infantry Division, also known as the "Fighting Blue Devils."
A Serious War Injury
On December 2, 1944, Lou's unit was hit by artillery shells. One shell exploded and badly hurt his left leg. It shattered his shinbone into 30 pieces. At the Army hospital, doctors thought they would have to remove his leg. But Lou told them he was a baseball player and begged them to save his leg, no matter what.
Lou Brissie received several important military awards for his service. These included the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
Lou Brissie's Major League Baseball Career
After two years and 23 major operations, Lou Brissie was able to return to baseball. He played with a special metal brace on his leg. Connie Mack signed him to the Philadelphia Athletics on December 15, 1946. Mack had always encouraged Lou to keep his dream of playing in the major leagues alive.
Starting His Comeback
In 1947, after spring training, Lou was sent to a minor league team in Savannah. This team was part of the Athletics organization. His comeback started very well there, as he won 25 games! The Athletics then called him up to Philadelphia. On September 28, 1947, Lou Brissie achieved his dream of pitching in the major leagues.
Facing Baseball Legends
Lou's first start of the 1948 season was against the Boston Red Sox. During the game, Ted Williams, a famous hitter, hit a ball right back at Lou. The ball hit Lou's injured leg, and he fell to the ground. Ted Williams later remembered feeling terrible. But Lou, even in pain, told him to "pull the ... ball," meaning to hit it harder! Lou went on to win that game 4–2. He even struck out Ted Williams for the final out.
Later that season, on July 19, Lou gave up an extra-inning home run to Pat Seerey. This was Seerey's fourth home run of the game, which tied a major league record at the time.
Best Seasons and All-Star Game
Lou Brissie's best years were with the Athletics. In 1948, he won 14 games and lost 10. In 1949, he had an even better record, winning 16 games and losing 11. Because of his great pitching, he was chosen to play in the 1949 American League All-Star team. He pitched three innings in that game. The Athletics had a good season in 1949, finishing fifth. This was one of their best seasons after World War II.
Moving to the Cleveland Indians
On April 30, 1951, Lou Brissie was traded to the Cleveland Indians. This trade involved three teams: the Indians, the Athletics, and the Chicago White Sox. A big part of this trade was Minnie Miñoso going to the White Sox. He became the first black major league player in Chicago's history and soon became an All-Star.
Lou Brissie retired from baseball in September 1953. His career record was 44 wins and 48 losses. He had 436 strikeouts and an ERA of 4.07.
Lou Brissie's Life After Baseball
After he stopped playing baseball, Lou Brissie continued to be involved in the sport. He became the National Director of the American Legion Baseball program. This program helps young players develop their skills.
He also worked for the President's Physical Fitness Council. Lou was a baseball scout, looking for new talent. He also worked for a worker training agency in South Carolina.
In his later years, Lou often used crutches and was in pain from his war injuries. He frequently spoke to soldiers who had served in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He shared his story to inspire them. In 2010, Lou Brissie was honored in a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., along with other baseball legends like Yogi Berra.
Lou Brissie passed away on November 25, 2013, at the age of 89. He died at a hospital in Augusta, Georgia.
