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amead17 · 09-17-2025, 11:59 AM

“WEE WILLIE” KEELER REACHES 2000 HITS AS SUPERBAS DOWN PHILLIES

By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times
May 5th, 1903

Philadelphia, Pa. — The Brooklyn Superbas had cause for both triumph and celebration this afternoon, as their 7–4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies was gilded by a personal milestone for their veteran batsman, “Wee Willie” Keeler.

The 31-year-old outfielder collected the 2,000th hit of his professional career, a resounding single struck in the top of the third inning that plated Charlie Irwin with Brooklyn’s first tally. While Keeler himself was stranded, the blow set the tone for the inning, and the Superbas emerged from the frame holding a 2–1 advantage.

Keeler’s final line on the day read a commendable 2 for 4 with a walk, one run scored, and two runs batted in, nudging his season’s average upward to .260.

For the left-handed batsman, who entered the big leagues as a fresh-faced youth of twenty with the New York Giants in 1892, the achievement was a fitting testament to his remarkable consistency. Following his time with the famed Baltimore Orioles of old, Keeler has been a fixture in the Superbas’ lineup since 1897, dazzling opponents and delighting crowds with his famous knack for “hitting ’em where they ain’t.”

After the contest, the modest Keeler said, “Two thousand is a grand figure, but to my mind each base knock is worth no more than the next if it helps my club to victory. I’ve been blessed with good fortune and stout companions on the field, and I count myself lucky to still be doing my part for Brooklyn.”

Brooklyn skipper Ned Hanlon was equally effusive in his praise, remarking, “There are few men in the game as reliable with the stick as Willie Keeler. He has been a pillar for this club and for the sport at large. Milestones such as these are but the natural result of his craft and diligence.”

With the win, the Superbas moved their record to 7–10 on the year, and while the early going has been difficult, Keeler’s milestone served as a reminder that steadiness and experience remain invaluable assets over the long course of a campaign.

09-17-2025, 11:59 AM	#91
amead17 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 8,904	Keeler hits number 2000 “WEE WILLIE” KEELER REACHES 2000 HITS AS SUPERBAS DOWN PHILLIES By Samuel T. Kingsley, Sporting Times May 5th, 1903 Philadelphia, Pa. — The Brooklyn Superbas had cause for both triumph and celebration this afternoon, as their 7–4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies was gilded by a personal milestone for their veteran batsman, “Wee Willie” Keeler. The 31-year-old outfielder collected the 2,000th hit of his professional career, a resounding single struck in the top of the third inning that plated Charlie Irwin with Brooklyn’s first tally. While Keeler himself was stranded, the blow set the tone for the inning, and the Superbas emerged from the frame holding a 2–1 advantage. Keeler’s final line on the day read a commendable 2 for 4 with a walk, one run scored, and two runs batted in, nudging his season’s average upward to .260. For the left-handed batsman, who entered the big leagues as a fresh-faced youth of twenty with the New York Giants in 1892, the achievement was a fitting testament to his remarkable consistency. Following his time with the famed Baltimore Orioles of old, Keeler has been a fixture in the Superbas’ lineup since 1897, dazzling opponents and delighting crowds with his famous knack for “hitting ’em where they ain’t.” After the contest, the modest Keeler said, “Two thousand is a grand figure, but to my mind each base knock is worth no more than the next if it helps my club to victory. I’ve been blessed with good fortune and stout companions on the field, and I count myself lucky to still be doing my part for Brooklyn.” Brooklyn skipper Ned Hanlon was equally effusive in his praise, remarking, “There are few men in the game as reliable with the stick as Willie Keeler. He has been a pillar for this club and for the sport at large. Milestones such as these are but the natural result of his craft and diligence.” With the win, the Superbas moved their record to 7–10 on the year, and while the early going has been difficult, Keeler’s milestone served as a reminder that steadiness and experience remain invaluable assets over the long course of a campaign.