Hall Of Famer Lou Boudreau Had Strong Cubs, Indians Ties
CHICAGO (CBS) -- There's no Chicagoan who was more closely connected to both the Cubs and the Indians than the late Lou Boudreau, a Hall of Famer.
He managed the Indians to their last world championship in 1948 and was a Cubs broadcaster for decades.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley sat down with his family.
Within Boudreau's family, this Cubs-Indians World Series presents a delightful dilemma.
"The Cubs finally get to the World Series, and it's against the Indians, really," James Boudreau, Lou's son says. "It's kind of one of those mixed bags."
In 1948, at age 31 as a player-manager, Boudreau led the Indians to a World Series title.
"He was so young that he not only played, but he had to manage those players and most of them were a lot older than he was," says Barbara Golaszewski, Lou's daughter.
Boudreau was the AL MVP in that 1948 season. His plaque is still Barb's most prized possession.
Boudreau spent one year, 1960, as Cubs manager, plus 25 years as a Cubs broadcaster.
"He did it consistently, unfortunately, for a team that lost a lot," James says.
Asked who he would be rooting for now," Barbara says, "He'd be rooting for baseball ... period."
His children aren't nearly so diplomatic in their predictions.
"Seven games and then the Cubs win, that would be nice," Jim said.
"And if you ask me who I'm voting for president -- Joe Maddon," Barbara jokes.
Their beloved father died in 2001, undoubtedly as one of the greatest athletes Illinois has ever produced.
But his family is a little disappointed that neither the Cleveland Indians nor the Chicago Cubs reached out to acknowledge his significant contribution to each team's legacy.
