Lou Markle

Everett Louis Markle

• Bats Left
• Height 6' 0", Weight 172 lb.

• School Kent State University, Ashland University, Michigan State University

• Born August 13, 1929 in Smithville, OH USA
• Died August 16, 2011 in Ashland, OH USA

BR register page

Biographical Information

Lou Markle played in the minors and was a college coach.

Markle broke his back as a freshman at Michigan State and spent months in a body cast, thinking his athletic career was over. He recovered and played baseball and basketball at Ashland University, setting the school record for average at .433. Signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, he hit .258/.483/.403 with 26 walks in 22 games for the 1951 Americus Rebels in his pro debut. With the New Iberia Pelicans the next year, he batted .301/.441/.463 with 81 walks and 84 runs in 89 games, with 19 outfield assists. He tied Art Edinger for third in the Evangeline League in assists and was 5th in OBP among those with 400+ PA.

He then served in the Army in 1953-1954, stationed in the US and in Europe. He returned to hit .223/.369/.327 with 87 walks and 20 steals for the 1955 Decatur Commodores to end his pro career. He tied for 7th in the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League in swipes and was 7th in walks. He was a high school teacher and coach. In 1966, he became assistant baseball and basketball coach at Ashland. In 1972, he became head coach, remaining through 1989. Among his products was Ken Kravec. He later was a regional scout for the Florida Marlins.

Sources

• Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame
• 1953 Baseball Guide, pg. 327
• Obituary