Louis Coleman


Harold Louis Coleman III is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers.

Early life

Coleman was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Hal and Kathy Coleman. He graduated from Pillow Academy in Greenwood and attended Louisiana State University, where he played college baseball for the LSU Tigers baseball team. Coleman earned his agricultural business degree in May 2009.

Professional career

Kansas City Royals

Coleman was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2009 MLB Draft, and was called up to the majors for the first time on April 21, 2011. That night, he pitched two scoreless innings against the Cleveland Indians in his major league debut. On May 11, 2011, Coleman recorded his first major league save by pitching a perfect 11th inning against the New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium.
The Royals placed Coleman on waivers in April 2015 with the purpose of removing him from their 40-man roster. He was re-added to the roster on September 7. On February 3, 2016, Coleman was released by the Royals.

Los Angeles Dodgers

On February 19, he signed a one-year, $725,000, free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a member of the Dodgers bullpen in 2016, he pitched in 61 games with a 2–1 record and 4.69 ERA.

Cincinnati Reds

On January 10, 2017, Coleman signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He was released on June 19, 2017.

Arizona Diamondbacks

On June 23, 2017, Coleman signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was released on August 26, 2017.

Detroit Tigers

On February 23, 2018, Coleman signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers. On May 12, 2018, the Tigers purchased Coleman's minor league contract and added him to the major league roster. In relief innings for the 2018 Tigers, Coleman posted a 4–1 record with a 3.51 ERA and 41 strikeouts. On November 29, 2018, Coleman re-signed to a minor league deal with the Tigers. He was assigned to AAA Toledo Mud Hens to start the 2019 season. Coleman was released by the organization on July 4, 2019.

Pitching style

Coleman mostly throws a four-seam fastball and slider, with an occasional changeup to left-handed hitters.