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Offered is an original matte finish photograph that measures 5” x 8” in size. This was taken by legendary photographer, Louis Van Oeyen and actually signed by Van Oeyen.
Incredibly rare artifact from the deadball era.
Encapsulated as a TYPE I photograph by PSA/DNA.
About the player:
William Henry "Wee Willie" Keeler (March 3, 1872 – January 1, 1923) was an American professional baseball player renowned for his exceptional hitting skills and strategic play during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Standing at 5 feet 4½ inches and weighing 140 pounds, Keeler's stature earned him his famous nickname. He began his Major League Baseball career in 1892 with the New York Giants and later played for teams including the Brooklyn Superbas and the New York Highlanders (now the Yankees).
Keeler's batting prowess was extraordinary; he achieved a career batting average of .341, placing him among the top hitters in baseball history. He hit over .300 in 16 of his 19 seasons and surpassed the .400 mark once. Notably, he led the league in batting average twice and in hits three times. In 1897, Keeler set a National League record with a 45-game hitting streak, a milestone that stood until Joe DiMaggio's 56-game streak in 1941. Additionally, he recorded eight consecutive seasons with 200 or more hits, a record later broken by Ichiro Suzuki in 2009.
Beyond his impressive statistics, Keeler was known for his strategic approach to hitting, famously advising, "Keep your eye clear, and hit 'em where they ain't," emphasizing placement over power. He was a master of the "Baltimore chop," a technique that involved hitting the ball into the ground to create a high bounce, allowing him to reach base safely. Keeler's exceptional contact hitting is highlighted by his 1899 season with the Brooklyn Superbas, where he struck out only twice in 570 at-bats, setting a Major League record for at-bats per strikeout. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.
About the photographer:
Louis Van Oeyen (1865–1946): Pioneer of Sports Photography
Louis Van Oeyen was a trailblazing American photographer, widely regarded as one of the first masters of sports photography. Born in Ohio in 1865, he began his career as a reporter before transitioning to photography in the late 19th century. Van Oeyen gained national recognition in 1905 when he captured dramatic images of a Cleveland courthouse fire, showcasing his ability to document fast-moving events with precision and artistry. This success launched him into a distinguished career with the Cleveland Press, where he became known for his vivid storytelling through the lens.
Van Oeyen's most significant contributions were to baseball photography during its golden age. As the official photographer for the Cleveland Indians, he captured iconic images of legends like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Cy Young. His innovative techniques, including experimenting with motion and stop-action photography, revolutionized how sports were documented. His work appeared in major newspapers and magazines, immortalizing the excitement and drama of America’s favorite pastime.
Beyond sports, Van Oeyen's career included coverage of major historical events, from disasters to presidential visits, cementing his reputation as a pioneering photojournalist. His artistry and technical innovations laid the groundwork for modern sports and news photography. Van Oeyen retired in the 1930s and left behind an unparalleled visual archive before his death in 1946, ensuring his legacy as a giant in the field.
Item: 13773
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