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Bill Killefer

Dossier

William Lavier Killefer, nicknamed "Reindeer Bill," was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager who lived from October 10, 1887, to July 3, 1960. A catcher, he played in Major League Baseball from 1909 to 1921 for the St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs. The nickname "Reindeer Bill" referred to his speed afoot. He was regarded as one of the top defensive catchers of his era and was the favorite catcher of Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander.

Killefer made his major league debut at the age of 21 with the St. Louis Browns on September 13, 1909. After the 1910 season, in which the Browns finished in last place, he was released to the Buffalo Bisons of the Eastern League. Under the tutelage of Bisons manager George Stallings, Killefer developed into a refined catcher. His contract was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies on August 19, 1911, and he played his first game as a starter on October 3, with Grover Cleveland Alexander pitching for the Phillies that day.

After his playing career, Killefer continued to work as a coach and a manager, giving him a Major League Baseball career that spanned a total of 48 years.

Bio synthesized · claude-opus-xsport-full · 2026-06-19

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