Monday, July 13, 2020

Remembering Joe Loudis

He appeared in 2 Little League World Series as a 2nd baseman from Schenectady Little League, whose teams were runners-up in 1953, then won it all the very next year. He played four sports at Mont Pleasant, and played basketball for a fellow area legend, Richard "Doc" Sauers at Albany State (now UAlbany). In fact, he'd be more closely associated with basketball for the rest of his career.

Joe Loudis would forge his own coaching legend in Section II, coaching at Cohoes & Mechanicville, leading the Red Raiders to three sectional finals.

In recent times, Loudis, now confined to a wheelchair, would be at courtside while son Eric coached at Schenectady and Lansingburgh, and was present when the Knights captured the Uncle Sam Holiday Classic in December, then came up short in the Class A final in Glens Falls a shade over two  months later, losing to Mekeel Christian.

Joe Loudis passed away Sunday at 78. Eric Loudis was quoted as saying he had a feeling last season would've been his father's last at courtside. The Daily Gazette led with the rememberance of Loudis' Little League title run.

Come December, assuming basketball season starts on time, we'll see if Loudis has the court rededicated in his memory at either Cohoes or Mechanicville.

Rest in peace.

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