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Induction
Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers in 1939, Player -
207 votes on 274 ballots - 75.55%Born: March 3, 1872,
in Brooklyn, New York
Died: January 1, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York
ML Debut: 9/30/1892
Primary Position: Right Fielder
Bats: L Throws: L Primary Uniform #:
Played For: New York Giants (1892-1893, 1910), Brooklyn
Grooms (1893), Baltimore Orioles (1894-1898), Brooklyn Superbas
(1899-1902), New York Highlanders (1903-1909)
Bio
"Wee Willie" Keeler's motto of "Hit 'em where they ain't" garnered
him two batting titles, eight straight years of 200 or more hits and
a 44-game hitting streak in 1897. Gifted with a keen eye and
exceptional speed, Keeler's place-hitting prowess resulted in 13
straight seasons batting over .300, and a career mark of .345.
Though he began his professional career as a left-handed third
baseman, the diminutive Keeler went on to become an outstanding
right fielder.
Quote
"Keeler could bunt any time he chose. If the third baseman came
in for a tap, he invariably pushed the ball past the fielder. If he
stayed back, he bunted. Also, he had a trick of hitting a high
hopper to an infielder. The ball would bound so high that he was
across the bag before he could be stopped."
— Honus Wagner
Did You Know... that Willie Keeler used one of the
shortest, yet heaviest bats in major league history, just 30 inches
long but weighing 46 ounces? |