Professional career

In 1994, Collier was selected MVP of the South Atlantic League All-Star Game after leading the National League affiliate teams to a 9-5 victory with three hits, including a home run. He reached the Majors in 1997 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, spending two years with them before moving to the Milwaukee Brewers (1999-2001), Montreal Expos (2002), Boston Red Sox (2003) and Philadelphia Phillies (2004). In 1998 with Pittsburgh, he posted career-highs in games played (110), hits (82), runs (30), RBI (34), doubles (13) and triples (6).

In 315 major league games, Collier was a .241 hitter with eight home runs and 78 RBI. In 2007, he was invited by the Philadelphia Phillies to spring training after spending two seasons with the LG Twins and Hanwha Eagles in Korea Baseball Organization.

On June 1, 2007, as a member of the Ottawa Lynx, Collier announced his retirement from professional baseball. In 2016, he was listed as a Chicago-based scout for the Kansas City Royals.

Off the field

"Friendly" Lou Collier is not only well known for his baseball skills. Lou often kept his teammates happy and motivated by preparing for them his world famous Texas French Toast with homemade vanilla bean syrup.

In 1992, Lou Collier founded a not-for-profit organization: Lou Collier Baseball Association, Inc. This organization focused on surrounding Chicago youth in a positive atmosphere with successful mentors and role models so that each youth will have the opportunity to acquire the tools necessary to be successful in life.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]