Books and articles about Lou Klein

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Klein unexpectedly fought his way into the Cardinal lineup in 1943, playing every inning of every game, batting .287. After losing almost two years to WWII, he returned to lose second base in a(b-h)h)h)three-way battle with Red Schoendienst and Emil Verban. Disgusted, he jumped to the Mexican League, was barred from organized baseball, and later signed to play in the outlaw Quebec Provincial League. Before playing an inning in Canada, he was reinstated in 1949 and became the first jumper to return to the big leagues. But he still couldn't beat Schoendienst out of a job. Klein was one of the Cubs' "College of Coaches," managing in 1961-62, and again, by himself, for most of 1965. (MC)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 20, 1946: A state Supreme Court justice has armed the Yankees with an injunction against the raiding Mexican Leaguers, and the Dodgers and the Cardinals have also turned to the courts for protection and damages. Before any of the relief becomes permanent, however, Max Lanier, Fred Martin, and Lou Klein jump back to the Redbirds. » May 23, 1946: The Cardinals, the pre-season favorites to win the National League pennant, suffer a blow when pitchers Max Lanier and Fred Martin, and infielder Lou Klein jump to the Mexican League. Lanier was 6–0 in six starts this season. The 2nd-place Cards win today at the Polo Grounds behind Johnny Beazley's 4-hitter, but will lose three of their next four starts and drop into 2nd place. » June 15, 1946: Commissioner Happy Chandler bans Mexican jumpers Max Lanier, Fred Martin, and Lou Klein. Chandler mentions a lifetime suspension for the players, but his penalty is later reduced to five years. » June 5, 1949: Commissioner Happy Chandler lifts the ban on all players who jumped to Mexico, starting in 1946. Only Sal Maglie will make a significant mark after the exile. Lou Klein will be the first jumper to make a major-league box score, successfully pinch-hitting on June 16. » June 11, 1965: Lou Klein replaces Bob Kennedy as head coach of the Cubs. Kennedy becomes assistant to GM John Holland. It doesn't help today as the Cubs lose, 4–3, to the Reds at Wrigley. Gordy Coleman's 2-run homer in the 9th inning is the winner. » October 25, 1965: Leo Durocher becomes manager of the Cubs, replacing head coach Lou Klein (48-58).