An all-around lefty, Kissel had major league potential. He began at Scruggs School at age 12 and when barely 16 starred for the Aubuchon-Dennison American Legion team that went to the quarter finals, batting .550. Lou played for some of the top Muny clubs like Garavelli's, Gebken-Benz, Keller Drugs and Meyer BBQ. Each of these clubs invariably won league titles and the year his team did not win the championship, he was drafted (1944) by Meyer BBQ who won the City Championship. He was selected to nine Muny All Star teams and turned down pro offers because of his job and family. Kissel was one of a select few who possessed the unique ability to play baseball and night softball at an All-Star level.