Lou Merloni

Who is Lou Merloni?

Louis William "Lou" Merloni is an American radio personality and a former Major League Baseball player. Merloni was scouted by hall of fame scout 'Buzz' Bowers, and played for his hometown Boston Red Sox from 1998-2003. Merloni is well-known locally for his frequent trips between the Red Sox and their Triple-A affiliate, the Pawtucket Red Sox, which has become known as the "Merloni Shuttle" . He also played for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Merloni was nicknamed "Sweet Lou" by Boston fans since he was born in Framingham, Massachusetts. He graduated from Providence College in 1993 and still holds several single-season and career records for the now-defunct Friars baseball team.

Merloni was a replacement player during the 1994 Major League Baseball strike and is therefore barred from membership in the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Merloni is known for hitting a home run in his first major-league at bat in Fenway Park, a 3-run home run off of José Rosado on May 15, 1998.

After beginning the 2006 season in Triple-A, Merloni was called up to the Cleveland Indians on May 17, 2006.