Lou Criger

Lou Criger, born in 1872, was a prominent American baseball player whose career spanned from 1896 to 1912. Primarily known as a position player, Criger appeared in 1,012 games throughout his tenure in Major League Baseball. He accumulated a total of 709 hits, including 11 home runs, and drove in 342 runs, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively during a time when the game was evolving rapidly. Criger's batting average stood at .221, reflecting the challenges many players faced in a league transitioning from the deadball era to a more offense-driven style of play. Criger was also notable for his speed on the bases, successfully stealing 58 bases over his career. His playing style was characterized by a strong defensive presence alongside a willingness to take risks on the base paths, attributes that served him well in an era where strategy and fundamentals were key to team success. While he may not be remembered as one of the era's superstars, Criger's contributions to the teams he played for were significant, helping to shape the competitive landscape of early 20th-century baseball.