by Max Silberman

I have never written a more difficult story. It is hard to type with eyes filled with tears. My hero is gone.

Lou Limmer, first baseman for the 1951 and 1954 Philadelphia Athletics passed away April 1, 2007 following a long illness.

I could write about his distinguished career, the many home run crowns he won in the minors, his being named “Rookie of the Year” in the American Association but those things already appear in print.

Very few people ever get to meet a childhood hero and if they do very often find them to have feet of clay. I met Lou Limmer about ten years ago and he was even greater than the man for whom I rooted in 1954. He became one of my dearest friends and we were in constant contact through good times and bad. Lou Limmer attended Manhattan Aviation High School, the same as Whitey Ford. His baseball career began in 1946 following service in the Army Air Corps in World War Two. His home run power brought him to the majors in 1951 and again in 1954.

Lou Limmer loved the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society and the members and players loved him right back.It is unusual to describe a man as sweet but this strong, manly baseball player who excelled in many other sports was just that. He loved the game of baseball but wife Pearl and sons Craig and Dan were first and foremost.

I always looked forward to seeing him again at our reunions or at the museum. Lou, you always made me smile. Today you made me cry.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Pearl Limmer

18900 Haywood Terrace #2

Boca Raton, FL 33496

I was proud to be his number one fan. Shalom, Chaver! Goodbye my friend.

Lou Limmer Links:

Lou Limmer, One of Baseball’s Nice Guys