Player Profile:
Lou Boudreau
| Name: | Louis "Lou" Boudreau |
|
Shortstop; Right-handed batter | |
| Lived: | 1917 - 2001 |
| Career span: | 1938 - 1952 |
| Hall of Fame? | Yes (1970) |
| Major Awards: | AL Most Valuable Player 1948 |
| Primary teams: |
Cleveland Indians, 1938- 1950 |
| Best Year: | 1948 - .355, 18 HR, 106 RBI |
Player notes: Perhaps the premier shortstop of his era, Boudreau (who died the day before this writing) must rank among the all time greats of the Cleveland Indians franchise, and one of the best shortstops ever. In 1948 as a player-manager he led the Indians to the last World Series title in franchise history. He was an inspirational leader for the team that year, and easily won the league MVP award. But while 1948 was clearly his greatest year, he was a fine player over the course of his career. He led the American League in fielding at a critical defensive position eight different times, won the AL batting title in 1944, and was the league leader in doubles three times. Long before A-Rod, Nomar and Derek Jeter, Boudreau was a prototype of a slick fielding shortstop who could also be a major offensive force.