Bill Killefer

William Lavier Killefer (October 10, 1887 – July 3, 1960), nicknamed "Reindeer Bill", was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1909 to 1921 for the St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs. Killefer, who was nicknamed "Reindeer Bill" due to his speed afoot, is notable for being the favorite catcher of Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander and, for being one of the top defensive catchers of his era. After his playing career, he continued to work as a coach and a manager for a Major League Baseball career that spanned a total of 48 years.

Major League career Killefer made his major league debut at the age of 21 with the St. Louis Browns on September 13, 1909.

In 1914, Killefer made news when it was reported that he had signed with the Chicago Whales of the Federal League, although he denied the report. Killefer had one of his best seasons for the Phillies in 1917. He led National League catchers with a .984 fielding percentage, as well as in putouts, double plays, and total chances. He also had one of his best seasons offensively with a .274 batting average. With the Cubs, Killefer was credited with strengthening their pitching staff. The Cubs won the 1918 National League pennant before losing to the Boston Red Sox in the 1918 World Series. Killefer had another strong season in 1919, hitting a career-high .286 batting average and leading National League catchers in fielding percentage, putouts and assists. He served as player-manager for the Cubs in 1921 before retiring as a player at age 33.

Career statistics In a thirteen-year major league career, Killefer played in 1,035 games, accumulating 751 hits in 3,150 at bats for a .238 career batting average along with 4 home runs and 240 runs batted in. He also led the league three times in putouts, assists and in baserunners caught stealing.

Killefer's reputation as a defensive standout is enhanced because of the era in which he played. In the Deadball Era, catchers played a huge defensive role, given the large number of bunts and stolen base attempts, as well as the difficulty of handling the spitball pitchers who dominated pitching staffs. Richard Kendall of the Society for American Baseball Research devised a study that ranked Killefer as the most dominating fielding catcher in major league history.

Managing and coaching career After his playing career ended, Killefer continued as manager of the Cubs until he was fired after 75 games in 1925. Killefer enjoyed little success as the Browns' manager, never finishing above fifth place as the depression-era team had cut its payroll significantly. As a scout for the Indians, Killefer was involved in the signing of Larry Doby in 1947 (the American League's first black player). Killefer was credited with helping the development of such catching standouts as Bob O'Farrell, Gabby Hartnett, Rick Ferrell, and Walker Cooper.

He died in Elsmere, Delaware, at age 72. His brother, Red Killefer, was also a major league baseball player. Political economist Nancy Killefer is a granddaughter.

Managerial record Team Year Regular season PostseasonGamesWonLostWin %Finish Won Lost Win % ResultCHC 572334 7th in NL – – – –CHC 1548074 5th in NL – – – –CHC 1548371 4th in NL – – – –CHC 1538172 5th in NL – – – –CHC 753342 fired – – – –CHC total 593 300 293 0 0 – SLB 1546490 6th in AL – – – –SLB 1546391 5th in AL – – – –SLB 1546391 6th in AL – – – –SLB 913457 fired – – – –SLB total 553 224 329 0 0 – Total 1146 524 622 0 0 –