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.
Lou Kolls | |
|---|---|
| Born | Louis Charles Kolls (1892-12-15)December 15, 1892 |
| Died | February 23, 1941(1941-02-23) (aged 48) |
| Resting place | Rock Island National Cemetery |
| Occupation | Umpire |
| Years active | 1933–1940 |
| Employer | American League |
| Spouse | Irene Tanghe |
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
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]
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]
Kolls was married to the former Irene Tanghe, who worked as a secretary to U.S. Representative Chester C. Thompson.[9]
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]
