By Pam J Henderson
Luke Sewell Catcher making his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians June 30, 1921 joining his brother Joe who joined with the Indians in 1920. Luke earned his way playing backup to Steve O’Neil. He eventually took top spot catcher in the 1926. He was an excellent defensive player. 1927 proved to be a productive season batting average of .294.
In 1933 Luke was traded to the Washington Senators played an intricate part of the winning season for player manager Joe Cronin. Plagued by injury in 1934 not getting much play.
In 1935 he is traded to the St.Louis Browns for a minute and then sent on to the White Sox in 1936 he was reaching career highs leading league play..Good season in 1937. Then in 1938 December he is purchased by the Brooklyn Dodgers was released by the Dodgers and quickly signed with the Cleveland Indians 3rd string Catcher and pitching coach.
Coaching/Management changes with the Indians took place and made way for Luke to move on board the St.Louis Browns as Manager replacing Fred Haney. He would serve as player Manager in 1942. The same year he retired at age 41. He continued to manage the St. Louis Browns. He led them to an American League Pennant in 1944. The Teams only in its 52 years in St.Louis they lost the 1944 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 1946 he steps down as Browns Manager. He went for short periods with pitching coach for Cincinnati Reds to the Minor Leagues. He had 21 years as a MLB Player and 8 years as Manager . Lived to be 86 years old.
