| Bill Killefer | |
|---|---|
 Reindeer Bill Killefer, Philadelphia Phillies, Library of Congress photograph | |
| Catcher / Manager | |
| Born: October 10, 1887 Bloomingdale, Michigan, U.S. | |
| Died: July 3, 1960 (aged 72) Elsmere, Delaware, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 13, 1909, for the St. Louis Browns | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 1, 1921, for the Chicago Cubs | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .238 |
| Home runs | 4 |
| Runs batted in | 240 |
| Managerial record | 524–622 |
| Winning % | .457 |
| Teams | |
| As player
As manager As coach | |
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.[1][2] 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.[1][3] 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.
- ^ a b Weatherby, Charlie. "The Baseball Biography Project: Bill Killefer". Society for American Baseball Research. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
- ^ "Bill Killefer Stats - Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com.
- ^ Deadball stars of the National League, Thomas P. Simon, Brassey's, 2004 ISBN 1-57488-860-9 ISBN 978-1-57488-860-7