Lou Criger

Lou Criger, born in Elkhart, Ind., on Feb. 6, 1872 to Charles J. and Lovina Stutsman Criger, became the city's first major leaguer and was regarded as one of the best catchers of his day, catching most of Cy Young's 511 victories from 1897-1908. He led the American League in assists in 1903 and 1905, and also led the league in games caught, double plays, and total fielding chances. He was on the winning side for Boston (AL) in the first World Series in 1903. Originally a pitcher turned catcher, he played town ball for the Elkhart Truths and in the minors for Kalamazoo and Fort Wayne, made his major league debut on Sept. 21, 1896 with the Cleveland Spiders (NL), later played with St. Louis (NL), Boston, St. Louis and New York of the AL, and Milwaukee (AA), coached for St. Louis (AL) in 1912, and played his last game on June 3, 1912.

Elkhart, Indiana · United States