On January 1, 1923, 19th century star Wee Willie Keeler dies at the age of 50. Having promised his fans and former teammates he’d live to see 1923, Wee Willie Keeler dies on New Year’s Day of that year as a result of heart failure. The five-foot, four-and-a-half-inch Keeler amassed 2,932 hits, and won consecutive batting titles in 1897 and 1898. He batted .341 over a 19-year career, placing him in the top 10 on the all-time batting list.

He played for the National League’s Superbas (Dodgers), Orioles, and Giants and the Highlanders (Yankees) of the American League will win election to the Hall of Fame in 1939. He is credited with the baseball axiom, “Keep your eyes clear, and hit ’em where they ain’t.”

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