Pilgrims > K

Wee Willie Keeler

Outfield
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: New York
  • Team: Giants
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

William Henry Keeler (1872-1923) retired in 1910 trailing only Cap Anson in career hits with 2932. He still stands 14th in all of ML baseball in that category. Keeler’s proficiency with the bunt led baseball to change the rules, making a two-strike foul an out. In 13 of his 19 seasons, little William (5’4”) hit over .300 with a BA of .341.

  • Ned Hanlon brought Keeler to his Orioles in 1894, building one of the most formidable teams ever. Keeler was one of seven future Hall of Famers on Baltimore’s squad
  • No less an authority than John McGraw said “Keeler had the best batting eye I have ever seen.”
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1939

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Grant McGlynn

Bill Klem

Umpire
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

William Joseph Klem (nee Klimm) (1874-1951) was the great founding-father of baseball umpiring. He brought a level of expertise and dignity that helped transform officiating and the game itself. And he was colorful: “It ain’t nothin’ till I call it;” “Gentlemen, he was out because I said he was out;” and “Son, when you pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know.”

  • Joined the NL crew in 1905, worked a record 18 World Series (no one else did more than 10)
  • Was the longest-tenured and oldest umpire until exceeded in both by Bruce Froemming
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1953

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Fred Odwell

Ed Konetchy

First Base
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: St. Louis
  • Team: Cardinals
  • League: National League

Edward J. Konetchy (1885-1947) reminisced about growing up in LaCrosse “when we used to get pictures of athletes out of cigarette boxes.” The big kid from Wisconsin not only carved out a worthy career as a NL 1st baseman, he lived to see himself on a few of those picture cards. “Koney” was the Cardinals’ best hitter & such a consistent speedster & fielder that John McGraw observed “Konetchy is worth the whole team,” & often tried to trade for him. A train wreck cast a pall over the Cards’ 1st good year with their young infielder, 1911. Many never recovered from the fatalities they witnessed, yet Koney & manager Roger Bresnahan were heroes, rescuing as many as they could. Many teams coveted the star & Pittsburgh finally pried Koney away from St. Louis in ’14.

  • Konetchy was a marvel of consistency afield & at bat. He compiled more hits (2150) than games played (2085), a .285 BA, 992 RBI & 255 SBs
  • Hit safely in 10 consecutive ABs in ’19 & stole home twice against Boston, 9/30/07

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: James Stephans