Lou Schwechheimer, Wichita Wind Surge Owner, Dies From COVID-19 Complications

Lou Schwechheimer, the man instrumental in moving the Marlins Triple-A affiliate to Wichita, Kan. and building the Wind Surge’s Riverfront Stadium, died Wednesday from complications related to the novel coronavirus. He was 62.

Schwechheimer spent 35 years with the Pawtucket Red Sox before creating an ownership group and buying the Rays’ high Class A affiliate— the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League—and the Triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes of the Pacific Coast League. The Baby Cakes moved to Wichita and changed their name to the Wind Surge before the 2020 season, but the team never took the field due to the coronavirus pandemic that canceled the minor league season.

While serving as an executive for Pawtucket, Schwechheimer twice won the International League’s executive of the year award and was inducted into the International League Hall of Fame in 2019.

“There are no words to express the loss of the entire Wind Surge family,” said Jared Forma, senior vice president and general manager for the Wind Surge, in a statement. “Lou was truly one of a kind, someone who never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, which included an extended baseball family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lou’s wife and daughter at this difficult time.”

The Marlins also released a statement on Wednesday mourning the loss of Schwechheimer.

“Lou was a true visionary and innovative baseball executive. Above all, though, he was a true fan of the game,” the statement reads. “His inspiration and leadership will be missed by the entire baseball community.”