Cause of death Car accident Name Lou Kolls Occupation Umpire Role Baseball Umpire | Years active 1933-1940 Employer American League Spouse(s) Irene Tanghe | |
Full Name Louis Charles Kolls Born December 15, 1892 ( 1892-12-15 ) Rock Island, Illinois Died February 23, 1941, Hooppole, Illinois, United States Resting place Rock Island National Cemetery | ||
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.
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Early life
Before entering umpiring, Kolls unsuccessfully ran for sheriff in Rock Island, Illinois. He also played semi-pro and minor league baseball. He attended college at St. Ambrose University
Football career
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.
Umpiring career
Kolls umpired in the Mississippi Valley League, Western League and International League before making it to the American League in 1933.
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, but he umpired a full slate of 161 games and officiated the 1938 World Series. After the 1940 season, American League president Will Harridge issued an outright release to Kolls.
Personal life
Kolls was married to the former Irene Tanghe, who worked as a secretary to U.S. Representative Chester C. Thompson.
Death
Kolls was killed in a two-car accident near Hooppole, Illinois in 1941. 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.