The passing of Lou Brock on Sunday marked another somber occasion for a sport still in mourning over the recent death of one of Brock's fellow Hall of Famers.
Brock's death came only days after the passing of Tom Seaver, an MLB legend and contemporary of Brock in the 1960s and 70s.
Brock, who retired as MLB's all-time leader in steals, was an iconic figure as the leader of the stolen base revolution of his era. His overtaking of the controversial Ty Cobb as the league's steals king also held enormous symbolic value and came only three years after Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth as all-time home run leader.
Players, celebrities, journalists, fans and prominent people from all walks of life weighed in on social media to pay tribute to Brock.
Several current and former Cardinals players were among those to offer condolences.
Former Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols said Brock was "one of the finest men I have ever known."
Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutcheon paid to tribute to a fellow thief:
Some of Brock's former opponents also spoke out:
Saddened to hear of the passing of Lou Brock. Many years of rivalries between us but always respected Lou as a person and player. My thoughts are with the Brock family and the Cardinals nation. pic.twitter.com/0TOO0IlVbf
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) September 6, 2020
The baseball world has lost Lou Brock. Lou was a class act. Lou played the game with a confident smoothness. I am pleased that I had a chance to meet and watch him play. Many prayers to his family. RIP
— Frank White (@Frank20White) September 7, 2020
Hall of Famers George Brett and Wade Boggs paid tribute:
Responses from politicians, musicians and other public figures underscored Brock's impact beyond the playing field.
SNY, the Mets' TV network, resurfaced an old clip of Seaver recounting his funny first meeting with Brock:
