Louis Santop
| Birthdate | 1/17/1889 |
| Death Date | 1/22/1942 |
| Debut Year | 1909 |
| Year of Induction | 2006 |
| Teams | Negro Leagues |
| Position | Catcher |
A top drawing card of his day, Louis Santop was one of the Negro League’s earliest superstars and black baseball’s first legitimate home run slugger.
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Catcher Louis Santop starred from 1909-1926
Catcher Louis Santop starred from 1909-1926
Louis Santop had a remarkable career both individually and as a member of outstanding teams. At 6’4″ Santop was a giant for his day known for smashing home runs of more than 500 feet.
According to the Negro League Baseball Museum, Santop is credited with a .406 lifetime average. He was equally effective against white players.
In a three-game series against an MLB barnstorming team, Santop tallied six hits off of Chief Bender and Joe Bush. His Hillsdale team took two of the three contests against the MLB stars.
Santop’s playing career lasted from 1909-1926 and saw his teams play for championships four times. His play on the field and leadership in the clubhouse were key elements to the teams’ successes.
Santop was a teammate of fellow Cooperstown men John Henry Lloyd, Smokey Joe Williams, Biz Mackey, and others. He played for Hall of Fame managers Sol White and Rube Foster.
Upon his retirement as a player, Santop went into broadcasting and later, tending bar.
Negro Leaguer Louis Santop was elected to the Hall in 2006
Negro Leaguer Louis Santop was elected to the Hall in 2006
In 2005, the Hall of Fame put together a special screening committee to find people associated with the Negro Leagues who were most deserving of induction.
An original list of 94 nominees was cut to 29 candidates and finally 17 new members of the Hall of Fame to be inducted. in 2006.
The cover of the 2006 Hall of Fame yearbook shows those 17 and including Luis Santop.
