William Lavier Killefer, 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. 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. 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.
Reindeer Bill Killefer, Philadelphia Phillies, Library of Congress photograph
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Grover Cleveland Alexander, nicknamed "Old Pete" and "Alexander the Great", was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He played from 1911 through 1930 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals. He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938.
Alexander in 1915
Alexander with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1915
Alexander with the Chicago Cubs in 1921