Lou Koupal, a starboard side pitcher from Tabor South Dakota made his professional debut with the Hastings Cubs of the Nebraska State League in 1923. The twenty two year old flinger did so well for the Hastings team that his contract was purchased by Barney Burch, owner of the Omaha Western League franchise.

In 1924 Lou pitched for Omaha. At the end of the season Barney sold Lou to the Pittsburg Pirates along with Fresco Thompson.

Lou made his major league debut in April of 1925. He pitched for six years in the majors for four different teams. His lifetime record was 10-21 wtih a 5.58 ERA.

In 1930 he split time between Philadelphia in the National League and Baltimore in the International League. 1931 was spent in Baltimore then he moved to the left coast and played in the Pacific Coast League from 1932-1936 and 1938-39. He played for Portland, Mission, Sacramento, Seattle and San Francisco. In 1937 he was back in the major league with the St. Louis Browns. In 1940 he was with Tacoma in the Western International League and his final year was 1941 with Merced in the California League.

He died in 1961 in San Gabriel California.

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