This week was a difficult one in baseball with the passing of two legends.

First it was the face of the New York Mets franchise, Tom Seaver, who passed on Monday. On Sunday, Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinals legend Lou Brock passed away at age 81.

A 19-year career, bunches of stolen bases (938 in total), over 3,000 hits, and a .293 career batting average were just some of the many career highlights for Sweet Lou. He also had a stretch of 12 consecutive seasons with at least 50 steals.

Brock was comfortable while making every pitcher and catcher uncomfortable. His pure speed was a threat every time he got on base. And on the grandest stage, Brock was every bit as electric. He was a part of two World Series championship teams with St. Louis (1964 and 1967). He hit .414 with seven steals in as many attempts in the ’67 World Series against Boston. In 21 career playoff games, Brock had a slash line of .391/.424/.655.

Less than two hours from where I live is Southern University, where Brock starred with the Jaguars. His name is a big part of Lee-Hines Field and his legacy is every bit as profound more than six decades later. Brock helped Southern to the NAIA National Championship in 1959.

Part of one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history, Brock went from Chicago to St. Louis in 1964. It turned out to be the best deal the Cardinals made in their prolific history.

Brock went into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1985. How almost 21 percent of voters did not cast a vote for Brock is beyond anyone’s comprehension. The man was a run scoring, base stealing, hitting machine for nearly two decades.

Seaver and Brock faced each other 157 times. They also shared this moment years after their careers ended, included below.

Two gentlemen who were not only prolific stars around the same era, but were class personified. They not only played the game at a high level for years – Lou and Tom left an impact that is still felt today by baseball players, managers, and fans alike.

Rest in peace, Sweet Lou.