Bill Killefer

Bill Killefer, born in 1887, was a prominent position player in Major League Baseball who played from 1909 until his retirement in 1921. Known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field, Killefer appeared in 1,035 games throughout his career, primarily as a catcher and an outfielder. He was an integral part of the game during the early 20th century, an era characterized by a focus on pitching and defense, which suited Killefer's playing style. Killefer finished his career with 751 hits, totaling 240 RBIs and a batting average of .238. He showed a knack for speed on the bases, accumulating 39 stolen bases, which was a notable achievement for players of his era. While he may not have been a prolific home run hitter—finishing with just 4 home runs—his contributions to his teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies, were significant in terms of leadership and defensive reliability. Killefer's legacy is remembered as part of the transitional period in baseball, bridging the gap from the deadball era to the more offensive-minded play that would define the game in the years to come.