Keeler, Wee Willie (1872-1923), was one of the greatest hitters in the early history of baseball. In 1897, he batted .424, one of the highest batting averages in baseball history. Keeler was known for his ability to handle the bat and his skill as a bunter and base runner. He became identified with one of the most famous quotations in baseball: “Keep your eye on the ball and hit ’em where they ain’t.”
William Henry Keeler was born in Brooklyn (now part of New York City), New York, on March 3, 1872. He was called Wee Willie because he stood only 5 feet 41/2 inches (164 centimeters) tall and weighed 140 pounds (64 kilograms). Keeler, a left-handed outfielder, entered the major leagues in 1892. He played for 19 years in Baltimore, Brooklyn, and New York City.
Keeler led the National League in batting in 1897 and 1898. He also led the league in hits in 1897, 1898, and 1900 and in runs scored in 1899. Keeler hit safely in 44 straight games in 1897, tying him with Pete Rose for the National League record. He retired after the 1910 season with a lifetime batting average of .342, 10th highest in major league history. Keeler died on Jan. 1, 1923. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.
