ST. LOUIS — Cardinals Hall of Famer Lou Brock, a former base-stealing champion, had his left leg amputated below the knee due to an infection related to diabetes.
The Cardinals and a longtime friend, Dick Zitzmann, confirmed Wednesday that 76-year-old Brock had surgery last month. Brock is undergoing therapy at an area hospital and will be fitted for a prosthetic leg.
Brock was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about 15 years ago and had the procedure done Oct. 27, Zitzmann said.
“He’s got a long road ahead, but he’s a tough guy,” Zitzmann said. “He’s got a great attitude.”
Brock has been a national spokesman for a diabetes drug manufacturer the last five years or so. Zitzmann said Brock “watched his diet meticulously.”
Brock stole a National League-record 938 bases, including 118 in 1974, and was known as the “Base Burglar.” He also had 3,023 hits, becoming a star after a celebrated trade from the Chicago Cubs in 1964 for pitcher Ernie Broglio.
Brock batted .391 with four home runs and 10 steals in 21 World Series games.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@70sBaseball
