Biography

John J. McGraw says: “From a purely spectacular point of view the greatest catch I ever saw was made by Willie Keeler in Washington. Abbey, I believe it was, took a vicious swing and slammed a drive toward right field that seemed a sure home run. On top of the railing in front of the right-field bleachers there were three or four strands of barbed wire, just a little higher than the outfielder’s head. It seemed sure that the ball would clear this barbed wire. Willie Keeler started with the crack of the bat and got to the fence in time, but it looked as if the ball would go into the stand over his head. That’s what it did do—almost. Seeing the predicament, Willie leaped in the air and fearlessly stuck his bare hand between the strands of barbed wire. The ball struck in his hand and he held it. He held it, despite the painful cutting of his hand as he dragged it back over the sharp barbs. That catch was talked about for months. I have never seen another like it. It showed marvelous judgment of distance, accuracy and unusual courage.”

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